Hi, I'm Sara

I'm from the Washington, D. C. area. I'm a college student. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I am a masters student at the University of Virginia studying Educational Psychology after finishing a bachelors degree in Biology at Southern Virginia University. I am the 6th child of 7 with a younger sister with Down Syndrome. She has been one of the greatest blessings to our family! I love to sing, ballroom dance, eat good gluten-free food, and learn new and exciting things about the world. Oh, and I'm a Mormon. :)

Why I am a Mormon

I come from a long line of faithful Mormons in my ancestry, but I continue to live the gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ because of the resulting joy and peace in my life. Put simply, the gospel brings joy. As we live in harmony with eternal principles taught in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we come closer to Him, and learn to accept and carry out His will. We learn to live life with an eternal perspective in view with a clearer understanding of our life's purpose and priorities. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches me how to be internally and eternally happy.

Personal Stories

Which of the Savior’s teachings have influenced you in your life?

For me, the Savior's example of love has been a profound influence in my life. As I have prayed for and received an increase of love for the people around me, my life has become more fulfilling and vibrant. When I try to unconditionally love and serve others, I find myself in new places and learning new things. Love has become my ultimate motivation in everything that I do.

How I live my faith

I try to serve God a little bit better everyday. I have been asked to play the organ for our congregation each Sunday. Although perhaps a seemingly small act of service, I take my responsibility seriously in hopes that I might help others in their efforts to worship God each week. I have also served as a teacher to my peers as well as to youth and younger children. These opportunities often boost my own faith as I learn the stories and teachings of the Savior in preparation to teach others.

Why don’t women hold the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How do Mormon women lead in the Church?

Sara answered...

Women are highly respected and valued in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are daughters of God, and we know that he loves us. Although I don't know and understand all the reasons why, God has delegated the priesthood to be a responsibility of men in His church, and I have faith in His wisdom and in His plan for His children. Women have their own sacred responsibilities and are incredible influences for good in their families and in their communities. The power of faith is still available for all of God's children whether or not they hold the priesthood.
Madelyn answered...

I feel that men and women both have different but equally important roles in getting us back to God. In God's eternal plan we were spirits in His presence before this life. To progress we needed to get bodies on this earth, then perform specific ordinances (eg baptism, marriage) to return to God after this life. Women were given the godly power to bring spirits into this world and give them bodies, then nurture and raise these children with God's inspiration and guidance. The men were assigned the responsibility (through the God's Priesthood power) to serve others and administer the ordinances that will bring God's children back to His presence after this life. Both roles are necessary and equally important to God's plan for us.
I don't think women need the Priesthood to be powerful influences and to do God's work in their homes and in the church. I see men grow spiritually, and their characters become more godly when they act in God's name through using the Priesthood.
I have never felt the need to hold the Priesthood myself. I can still receive all the blessings offered by the Priesthood, my prayers can be just as powerful, and I still have access to the inspiration of God in my life.

Mormons believe Jesus Christ is their Savior. Why do we need a Savior?

Nate answered...

The fundamental principle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the faith in, reliance upon, and relationship with Jesus Christ. We regard Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. Everyone on the earth today has made mistakes. All of us have come short of the perfect example that Christ set for us. The problem is the laws of God state that “no unclean person…hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians 5:5) Because of these laws, we needed a way to be cleansed from these sins and mistakes. God knew that we would fall short of perfection and by His grace he provided us a Savior, Jesus Christ. Being a perfect soul without blemish, Jesus was capable and willing to take upon Himself our sins. Because He paid the penalty for our sins, the atonement, we must take upon ourselves His name to reap the blessings of forgiveness. We do this by having faith in Christ, admitting and repenting of our sins, and being baptized in the true and restored church of Jesus Christ.