Dare To Be A Mormon

Tonight I realized something.  Raychel is my spiritual superior.  Tonight I really saw a piece of that stalwart spirit that has always been.  I love how kids will have all afternoon to tell you about their day at school, but they tend to wait and share the juicy stuff until it’s time for bed.  Such an instance happened tonight. 

Raychel: Today in leadership, we had to stand up and say something about who we are.  I said, ‘I am Raychel, and I am a Mormon.’  Three boys started laughing at me.

Me: Awww, hell no!!  Hold my hoops…someone’s about to get throttled.  Who are these punks?  I am not afraid of jail! (that was all internal).  Externally, I won an Academy Award.  “Really??  I’m so sorry they laughed at you.”  (Don’t worry, the teacher put an abrupt halt to the inappropriate laughter.)

Raychel: I said, what’s so funny?  One boy said, ‘I don’t think anyone should ever tell you what to believe.’  I said, then why are you laughing at me?  I can choose to believe what I want.

Me: Wow!!  Good for you!  What else did you say about yourself?

Raychel: We were only allowed to say one thing, and I wanted it to be really important.

I was just speechless.  How did I get this tremendous opportunity (and responsibility) to raise such a choice spirit daughter of Heavenly Father?  I told her I would have never been brave enough to do that when I was in 6^th grade.  Not sure I’d be brave enough as a 36 year old.  That’s when it dawned on me that this spirit of hers has been growing and maturing before the world began.  I have some work to do to be able to keep up with her!

 

We talked about President Monson’s talk “Dare to Stand Alone”.  He asks, “Do we have the moral courage to stand firm in our beliefs, even if by doing so we stand alone?  If our testimonies are not firmly enough rooted, such criticisms can cause us to doubt our own beliefs or waver in our resolves…how grateful I am that I made the decision long ago to remain strong and true, always ready and prepared to defend my religion should the need arise.”  Raychel’s decision to remain “strong and true” happened long before her arrival on earth…I felt that tonight. 

I feel such pride and confidence in her character yet I feel so very humbled (and unworthy, I guess).  She is the example to me.  I know Raychel understands that identifying herself as a “Mormon” goes beyond that title.  She knows she is a disciple of Jesus Christ.  She understands what is means to stand as a witness “at all time, and in all things, and in all places”…even when it is unpopular.  Although it rips my heart out as a mother to see her publicly mocked, I know these experiences plant her feet more firmly in her convictions.  She is a mighty force in these last days.  I believe the words of President Benson apply to Raychel, “God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord.”  I am looking forward to seeing what this girl of mine will accomplish!