Hey Kids,

I heard today someone say “I don’t do LDS people.” Meaning, I don’t associate or attempt to communicate or be friendly with Mormons.

I’ve met people recently who are shocked I am Mormon, because “You don’t seem Mormon.”

How so?

I’m normal. I talk to non-Mormons as if they are human beings. Real people. I even like a bunch of them.

I don’t care if you drink beer, whiskey, coffee. Or if you smoke. Or if you swear. Or you don’t go to church every, or any, Sunday. I don’t care if you’re Christian or not, or if you even believe in God. As a person, these things are irrelevant to me as it pertains to whether you are interesting, a good neighbor, a fishing buddy, a friend, a boss, an employee, or deserving of common courtesy and friendliness. I also don’t assume that since you don’t believe the same as me, you must be lacking until I share with you what it is I believe and you agree.

Apparently, this is different from the majority of my doctrinal brothers and sisters. I apologize. Just know that there are plenty who don’t feel the need to judge and indoctrinate.

If you’re LDS and reading this, know that you’re also being judged. And the only reason you don’t know that is because your judges have stopped talking to you.

Be cool. Give the others the chance to be themselves. It’s OK to associate with people with different beliefs. In fact, hearing others opinions and beliefs might help you in understanding your own.

“Judge not, lest you be judged.” The saying is still as smart as advice as the day it was given.

I have found, however, that as much as I like someone, or dislike someone; it can all change on what football team they follow.

Day 104