So far:
- I'm running the lights for the upcoming production of "The Elephant Man".
- I've been in two Mask Club performances here.
- I've been cast in the 536 project, "The Women of Lockerbie"
- Rehearsing and directing small scenes for TMA 336
- I am rehearsing for the Young Company's version of "The Merchant of Venice", set to start touring and performing sometime in Winter Semester.
Yeah. I am pretty busy. But, it's helping me grow and learn and become a better person.
Next point of business: Non-Mormon friends. I really appreciate non-Mormon people and friends. They hold less grudges and are way less judging. For some reason, non-Mormons--who are still religious--are so much more like Christ than the Mormons I know within the Church. My non-Mormon friends want me to be happy. They want me to get a boyfriend. They want me to do what I feel is best for myself. Some of my Mormon friends do not feel that way. Some of my Mormon friends think that I am going to be sent to Hell for being gay. I hope they can change the way that they think, for I feel slightly ostracized from my Mormon friends who love be, but cannot fully accept me.
Lastly, my testimony. I'm not sure what I believe in anymore. I'm just learning to love myself and be happy with who I am. I am sure that God lives, and that Jesus Christ died for me, and through His grace I am saved, but...the whole...Mormon thing...is kinda...dwindling down right now. But...seriously? It's amazing how much of a burden has been lifted since I've stopped focusing so much time and energy on Church-y things.
Your experience closely mirrors not only mine but many others. Surprise that non-Mormons or post-Mormons can actually be more Christlike than those who claim membership in "the only true church." Sadness that Mormon friends don't seem able to get past religious dogma and show true Christlike love as much as others who might not even be Christian. A miraculous lightness and sense of freedom after abandoning the relentless busywork-ish "church-y" minutiae of orthodoxy in favor of the simple, basic truths. This is all very familiar territory to me and many others. You should be proud of your progress, Andy.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you're doing well. Sounds like you're focusing on the right things (finding happiness). ~Becky :)
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