Sometimes, we may complain about things that we feel "the Church" is missing, from vulnerability to inclusivity to a list of other things. Whatever that frustration is personally, we may feel justified in thinking that the problem is with the Church as a whole and not with us.
But, as Tamu Smith from Sistas in Zion points out, that's not the case. In an insightful Facebook message, Smith describes how we can fix this mentality by realizing one simple thing: we are the Church. Read her full post below:
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I’m guilty of complaining about “the church” not being __________ (fill in the blank) for me it’s, safe enough. Vulnerable enough. Inclusive enough. Real enough. Transparent enough. While I enjoy the stories church leaders and others tell from the pulpit; what I really long for are personal stories. Stories where they share a particular struggle they had to overcome. You know? I love it when they share the “test” and how they gained a testimony. There are some Sunday’s that I’ve literally sent the bishop a text asking “is today fluff or meat and potatoes?” Explaining to him that “I need meat and potatoes today”. On the meat and potatoes days, I visit other church congregations and glean from their fields. I typically leave satisfied. One day I was talking to Zandra and expressing my discontent. I think I said something like, “I just feel like the grass is greener on your side. She said, “the grass is greener where it’s watered.” Umm, excuse me? That was a few years ago. Since then I’ve had to self evaluate and ask myself, “am I being vulnerable? Am I safe? Am I inclusive? Am I real? If a visitor walks in and my face is the first face they see, will they feel like they’re in a friendly environment?” I was reminded by my heaven sent sister to be the church I wanted to attend. We all play a role in how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is viewed through the eyes of others. Having said all that there is a facet of the church that thinks culture is church, it is not. There are those that don’t know the difference between “cultural” religion and the gospel. Becoming fully invested in the gospel means it’s just as much my church as it is the sisters or brothers with all the “pioneer heritage”. There is room in the church, gospel, and body of Christ for all Gods children. So, scoot over, smile big and introduce yourself to the new folks entering the room. Happy Sunday Saints💕 Tamu #LightTheWorld
Zandra Vranes and Laurel Christensen Day’s friendship requires a conscious, deliberate effort to create trust. In this podcast episode, they talk with All In host Erin Hallstrom about why they have chosen to create a strong relationship and understanding with one another by refusing to shy away from difficult conversations. Vranes and Day discuss how racism is manifest in the Church today and what we can all do to help each other feel at home in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
