Hi, I'm James Leroy

About Me

I'm a graduate student studying Illustration. I love to express myself through oil paint, charcoal, and also through writing and music. I love learning and I love people. I really enjoy frisbee, basketball, and just visiting family and friends.

Why I am a Mormon

High school was hard for me not only because I was socially awkward, but because I was burdened with sin. I didn't see it this way at the time, but guilt had made me numb and miserable to so much of the joy life and Christ's Gospel offers. I was converted to His Gospel in earnest my senior year of high school, after the lowest period of my life, a year and a half during which I felt very alone and was quite in bondage to several sins. I was born and raised a member of the Church, and had chosen to both be baptized at 8 years old, and though I continued attending Church and seminary because what I learned there truly helped me, it had not yet changed my nature. It had not yet caused joy to replace my sorrows. But that is the very promise of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. That promised change came gradually but quickly when I finally wanted it badly enough - during a period of about 5 months, during and immediately following the low point in my life - and was a result of having read more earnestly and "thirstily" God's word in both the Bible and especially in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. As I read, my understanding and feelings about God warmed my soul. His words caused me to change my behavior and my perspective of God, others, and myself. I began serving because I just wanted to; I began talking to people out of love instead of retreating into my own world because of fear. Matthew 10:39 became my motto of that time: in essence, that if I was willing to lose my life for Christ's sake in service to others, I would actually find my own life and joy in the process. I did! And still do! And thank God for it! I am a Mormon because the true Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness is most clearly taught and learned by living prophets, today - and those truths make me truly free and truly happy.

Personal Stories

Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.

I just want to make clear that we sure revere Joseph Smith, in the same way people revere Peter, and Paul, and Moses, and Abraham. I personally revere him more than any man except Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior - who is also his (Joseph Smith)'s Lord and Savior! Joseph Smith was an honest boy seeking the Lord, who found Him. It is through him that Christ restored the original order and authority of His Church, which had been changed and multiplied into many opposing sects since Jesus' earthly ministry. A lot is said against him, but you look at the sources and you look at the context and the person writing that opposition. Then read his own account, and read about how people like me have been changed by the truths taught by Joseph Smith - truths ABOUT Jesus Christ, and His Gospel. Truths that were lost, which Christ Himself restored through this humble and honest prophet. Jesus said to beware of false prophets, and by THEIR fruits shall ye know them. As I consider the fruits of this man, including the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, it is clear to me that he was a true prophet who God spoke with for our benefit.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

Just yesterday I was consumed with a desire for something good but which has not yet been granted me in my life. I wanted it so badly it hurt. At time like that, all I can do is pray. I was driving in my car. I pulled over where I had some privacy, moved to the passenger side of my vehicle, collapsed on my knees, and poured out my heart to my Father in Heaven. I say poured out really purposefully, because it felt just like that - like pouring a heavy glass of liquid out in such a way that the glass becomes lighter, less burdensome. He comforted me then as He has a million times. At first prayer takes a little getting used to if it hasn't been done before, but as soon as it's understood that God really is a Father to each of us, prayer becomes, as it was for me on that occasion, natural and instinctive on our parts, like a crying child going to their parents for relief.

How I live my faith

Reaching out would describe how I most feel like I live my faith. The gospel for me is deeply meaningful not only because of its interesting theories and enlightening doctrines, but because it is truly practical. The ultimate show of discipleship, the Savior taught, is that we love one another. I visit a couple guys and three or so girls in our ward (congregation) regularly to check in and share insights and find ways to help (for example I recently helped one girl move to a new location). I get to know my neighbors - stellar people. Members of our ward spontaneously helped one neighbor (not of our faith or anything) paint some rooms in her house just because well, we're young single adults and what else are we gonna do on a Saturday morning? :) I participate in more organized service opportunities too, like a recent overnight camp-out/service project that 200 young single adult members of our Church came together for: we cleaned up an outdoor camping facility that was to be used later by the YMCA. I'm also reading up on local issues so I can be better informed and eventually help out in the larger city community however possible. Of course all of this is inspired by my love for my Savior, who I learn about daily and weekly in personal studies and at Church, as well as through prayer.

What do Mormons believe about “eternal life?”

James Leroy answered...

Mormons' belief in "eternal life" is one of the most significant doctrinal departures from traditional Christianity, though it encompasses others' beliefs as well, which by and large are true but simply incomplete. We do believe that people are rewarded according to good deeds. We also believe in the grace of Jesus Christ, and that all who believe in Him will be saved. To be "saved" means to be saved or spared FROM the effects of death - physical and spiritual death. Physical death: separation of body and spirit. Spiritual death: separation of us from God. Here's the catch, here's the difference, here's the key: we believe that ALL men are saved physically, and will be immortal through a resurrection. But only those who truly believe in Jesus Christ and demonstrate their faith through obedience will be worthy and comfortable living eternally with God after this life, because they will continue progressing and not be content taking their free gift only. Eternal life is not for freeloaders, it is for those willing to give their all in service to God and want to be more like Him. God WANTS us to live with Him, to know Him, and to become like Him - but it takes work, all of that, work which only a few are going to be WILLING to do! But oh how worth it! Thus in summary, for those willing to obey Jesus Christ with all their hearts, "eternal life" will be their reality: living with God and their spouse/family forever and becoming like Him.

What are Mormon women like? Do Mormons believe in equality of men and women?

Kathy answered...

In 1776 the Declaration of Independence declared all men to be equal. However in 1830 when the Book of Mormon was published and the church established women and people of color still had no legal rights. The Book of Mormon declared 'Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one... (1 Ne 17:35) and '..black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile' (2 Nephi 26:33). Joseph taught and lived this. He authorized the Church's women's organization The 'Relief Society'.

When the church moved outside the U.S. borders, they created the State of Deseret with their own constitution which gave ALL adults the right to vote. The State of Deseret was later divided into US states. When the Woman's right to vote began in 1913, women had the right to vote in 4 states: Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and Utah.- all part of the original State of Deseret with their large Mormon populations. The Relief Society actively supported the Sufferage movement.

The church has always encouraged women to develop their skills and education. The Relief Society sent and paid the schooling for one of the first women at Medical School. Nothing has changed. Motherhood is emphasized because it can be a woman's greatest role - for children are our future. It can also be a woman's greatest joy. Jobs, looks, accomplishments etc will fade or be forgotten, but a loving close family won't, And thanks to grandchildren it will continue to expand.