Hi, I'm Cecily

I'm a law student, a globetrotter, and a home chef. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I love to travel and familiarize myself with other people, languages, religions, and cultures. It's a passion I've cultivated since I was a little girl, living in the Middle East. Throughout my life and education I have tried to keep an international perspective. While serving as a missionary in Thailand, I developed a strong love and interest in the people of South East Asia, as well as their customs and beliefs. Some of those customs I have even adopted as my own and incorporated them into my daily life. There are so many good things in this world, and so much we can learn! Another passion of mine is cooking. It may sound quite domestic, but dinner time is my favorite time of the day! It's the time when I can close the law books and focus my creative energies on making something beautiful and delicious for my family. I can't scrapbook, I can't sew, I can't decorate, but I can cook!

Why I am a Mormon

I am a Mormon because I have come to know for my self that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's restored church and that it is the only true church on the earth. I believe in my Savior, Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father, and have come to know them better through following the teachings of this church and reading the Book of Mormon. Living the gospel of Jesus Christ has brought my life peace, despite whatever obstacles I encounter. I am happiest when I obey His commandments and follow the teachings of the prophets, both living and dead. Because of the teachings of His church, I know who I am, why I am here, where I am going, and I know that there is a plan for me in this life that continues to the next.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

Imagine if you had the cure to cancer, or some other illness that plagues the world. This cure could save the lives of millions, maybe even billions of people. What would you do? Any Christlike person would surely share it with the world. That's just what we do. We believe we have the true gospel of Jesus Christ that can save the spiritual lives of every man, woman and child that has ever lived, is living, or will live on the earth. It is our duty and privilege as followers of Jesus Christ to share it with everyone; not just with our families or friends, or even just our neighbors, but with all mankind. That is why there is such an emphasis on missionary work in our church. Not only do we have what we call the full-time missionaries that you see knocking on doors in some countries and wearing name tags, but every member of the church is encouraged to share the gospel. I had the opportunity to go on a full-time mission to Thailand. My mission is one of my most cherished and sacred memories. It was hard, but it was worth it. I learned Thai. I rode a bike in monsoon rainstorms and on flooded streets while wearing a skirt (the uniform for female missionaries, or "sisters"). I walked for miles in smoggy, hot, and humid Bangkok, speaking to anyone that would listen, because I had a message to share with them of the greatest importance. A message that would change their lives. I didn't know them, and they didn't know me, but that didn't matter. They, just as I, are children of God. They deserve to know who He is, that He loves them and that He has a plan for them. Because He does. He does for all of us. And each of us have the opportunity to live with Him, with Jesus Christ, and with our families for all eternity. But not all of us are aware of that opportunity. I am and I have been so blessed because of it. How could I not share it with others?

How I live my faith

I live my faith one day at a time, by doing the best I can each day. I know that I am not perfect, but I also know that through Christ, my weaknesses can become my strengths. My goal is to be like my Savior and do what He would do in every day situations. For Him, no task was too menial or person too insignificant. Because of His example, my number one career goal is to serve my community, both locally and on a global scale. I have been richly blessed, and I believe that part of the reason I have been so blessed is so that I can reach out and bless others. I hope to be able to use my law degree to help the unfortunate and oppressed people of the world.

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

Nicole answered...

Mormon women are strong. Mormon women are sure. We are taught from the time that we are tiny that we are daughters of God. Many people question equality between Mormon men and women because we believe in the traditional roles of the family, the classic stay-at-home mom and the working father. It makes me sad that society has degraded the role of a mother and made it seem undesirable and less than an occupation outside the home.

We believe in eternal families. We believe that this life is the one time in all eternity that we are sent to be tried and tested. If those beliefs be true than there is nothing more noble and exciting than being a mother. To be chosen to bring life into the world and to steer that life to goodness and love is one of the greatest and most impressive things that can be done.

I am proud to be a woman. I am excited to be a mother one day. I am an advocate for education and self-betterment for all. I value the differences of women from men. All of these things I learned to do from my religion. If that's not feminism I don't know what is.
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.

How can we stop the spread and influence of pornography?

Jocelyn answered...

I believe that Mothers have the power to combat the evils of our day, one child, one bedtime story, and one encouraging conversation at a time. When we teach our children about their worth as children of God, they will find confidence in themselves, and they will be armed with the power to make correct choices and the wisdom to recognize that following Jesus Christ is the path to true happiness.