Horns, or No Horns?

Hi Everyone!

When I was a young girl, we had a sister missionary in our ward who really amazed me. She was in a horrible car crash on the way to a zone meeting. In the accident she was partially (for lack of a better description) scalped. I know, it was horrible. They were able to sew it back on but she had two distinctive scars on either side of her forehead and as her hair grew longer she was able to cover them up. She had some other visible scars on her face that she applied cosmetics to and after a time she looked so much better and got back to work as a missionary in our area again. She was so courageous and I loved her and looked up to her!

One day she was meeting with someone and they made the statement that she couldn't possibly be a Mormon because they had horns that were amputated at birth. They could see that she certainly didn't have horns or any sign of them. The sister just smiled, then she said calmly, " I'm sure we all have horns, because here are my scars (as she lifted her bangs) and I'm a Mormon! So the rumors must be true!"

She had a such a sense of humor! Don't worry, she explained later that she'd been in an accident and they all had a great laugh at how meticulous those silly stories are.

On a more serious note... Many good "Christians" are told by their pastors that Mormons are in fact demons. I have friends who's heads have been rubbed because pastors in town have told their congregations that we have horns! I can only think of one being who would put people up to saying such things and he's not our Savior. Jesus Christ taught us to love one another. Not to preach lies and deception from a pulpit to faithful people seeking the truth. How are people so deceived? It breaks my heart that so many are being mislead.

I'm grateful that in the LDS church, we never and without exception, preach anything negative about any other religion, from our pulpits. I have often taken it for granted in the past. However, there are denominations in the world who waste precious time from their pulpits-- spreading untrue stories about my church.

To them I say, I'm praying for you. Teach about Jesus Christ. Lift up the hands that hang low. Feed those sheep food of the spirit that they need you so desperately to teach. Stop speaking ill of your brother and don't bear false witness from this day forward. Your life and the lives of others will be blessed for your efforts.

I know with a sureness that I am not only a follower of Jesus Christ but a Christian and as such I am so grateful for my belief in Him. I pray that I can teach my sons about Jesus each day and to love their neighbors. I have taught them to give of themselves to their Heavenly Father and to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If there is one thing I've tried with all my heart to do, it's to teach my sons to look for the love our Heavenly Father has for His children and to treat people well.

Our oldest son, a missionary in Los Angeles, is now teaching a young man who has horns tattooed on his forehead, the 'F' word tattooed on his neck and the numbers 666 on his chest. The belief that even the vilest sinner can be saved has been something he has taught me by his example. I'm so proud of my boy and how he speaks to lesbians, trans-gender, gays and gangsters alike and average people as well. He simply loves them and they know it and they do listen! He is fearless as he tries to bring our Heavenly Fathers children back to Him. These are the last days and he never forgets what his parents have taught him. We are all brothers and sisters and we ALL share the same Heavenly Father and He wants us to return to Him.

Keep reaching out to those you meet. Horns or no horns...smile, be kind to each other. Spread hope and peace and gratitude. Live your testimony of Jesus Christ and I know that you will have blessings without number. Always remember that our elder brother, Jesus Christ, loves us all.