Color, color, color ... Indian Night 2010

Have you ever seen an Indian sari? This is a colorful, beautiful garment worn mostly by Indian women. My wife and I attended Indian night last night at the local university (our second time) and enjoyed an incredible evening. First we got in line for a small buffet of Indian dishes (way spicy for my wife's stomach, but I enjoyed it.) Then several local Indians (people from India, not Native Americans) put on a show that brought out multiple rounds of clapping. Native dances were performed. Native songs were sung. And a fashion show of sorts, with runway and everything, capped off the night as many colorful saris and other Indian dress were displayed.

The thing I enjoyed most about the evening was getting to learn more about such an interesting culture. It is wonderful to see the good parts of such a diverse world. With all the turmoil seeing good people with a different way of living and who worship in a different way than I do makes my heart sing. These are good people with a rich culture that dates back many years. If you have an opportunity to see people of a culture you may be unfamiliar with showcasing that culture, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of the opportunity. You'll learn, you'll enjoy, and you just might come away with a new love for the people who are slightly different than you are.

It's OK to be LDS

In the world many people have limited contact with Mormons and as a consequence are taken aback by the limitations of our lifestyle. I am referring to the temporal, or worldly limitations. For, as Mormons our opportunities in spiritual matters are endless. The ultimate prize is a return to live with our Heavenly Father and His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Everyone has this opportunity available to them, but as Latter day Saints we have a special knowledge that gives us a sort of inside track. Some Mormons, like me, live in an area populated with folks who believe as I do and that helps in a way, but it can also lead to complacency.

When you live in an area where the Church isn't predominate it is sometimes difficult to stand up for your beliefs. The natural man in all of us often craves the attention of those around us. We know what we believe, but we want the acceptance of our neighbor. Those who sometimes snicker in our direction cause us to feel uneasy. We find it hard to stand up for what we believe in. What we always have on our side is the gospel and its truth. We have Heavenly Father to always shield us. And we have the right and responsibility to say I'm LDS and that is okay.