Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints call one another Brother and Sister. Even if you are not LDS, the closer my children feel to you, the more they will call you Sister Ball or Sister Post. I'm certain their teachers at school are used to hearing this.
We joined 5-6,000 people to view the Hill Cumorah Pagaent in Palmyra this Friday.
The Pagaent itself was beautiful to watch. With close to 700 volunteer actors, families who participate together, it was inspiring. I was amazed at the special effects. It was more fun to watch than 4th of July fireworks. There were storms, waterfalls, explosion, destruction, and Christ coming down from Heaven.
My phone was over full so I didn't get any good pictures.
I was disturbed at the protestors, but love the sense of community they inspired in my children. It's almost like we could feel the evil and unkindness pouring out of those (paid for by other churches) to shout obscenities and religious slurs at us through megaphones. The stark contrast between their anger and our calm, gentle, peace was palpable. We felt proud to stand with the Mormons and our friends of every religion.
We met family and friends from all over the country. There are so many good people around the world. It was fun to start talking to families we haven't seen in years, and pick up right where we left off.
We met the son of some of our best friends who is a missionary in the Rochester area. I hugged him tight (grown women really aren't supposed to hug those missionaries) from his mother, and got all teary feeling his kindness and glow. He felt like family.
I just know that's what Heaven will feel like.
Well, minus the crazy guy who stormed the stage yelling and howling. My friend, a volunteer who was asked to do security, was the one who had to tackle him to the ground and help escort him off the stage. Oh my! What a night.
It's beautiful here.
We'll call you Brother and Sister and have a fun family reunion.
Because really- we are all family.
We should love each other more.
Life is good.
I don't understand why there should be protesters. Go to your own church, worship as you please and leave others to do the same. Isn't that what freedom of religion is all about?
ReplyDeleteI participated in Pageant as a 19-year-old YSA after my freshman year at BYU. It was fabulous! I learned and grew so much and strengthened my testimony of so many things. I am so excited for your family to apply! There is nothing like it. I look forward to hearing about your adventures. Hopefully one day I'll be able to apply and then participate with my whole family, too.
ReplyDeleteWe saw the British pageant in Nauvoo this weekend. Amazing!! I would love to see the Hill Cumorah pagaent!
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