Hi, I'm Laurel

I'm a pediatric resident physician in Michigan, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

My schoolwork has taken me all over the country - Michigan is the fourth state I've lived in during the past 10 years. I recently graduated from medical school in Utah, and my husband I and I chose to move to Michigan so that he could attend law school and I could complete my pediatric residency training. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy improving my photography skills, trying new vegetarian cuisine, and exploring Michigan's Great Lakes and ever-changing seasons.

Why I am a Mormon

I have not always been a Mormon. Growing up, I did not have any particular religious background, but was curious about religion. I suspected a higher power existed but didn't know who God was and knew even less about Christ. In high school and especially in college, I attended many different religious services with friends. One of these was the Mormon church. Every time I attended I felt a spirit of peace and familiarity. I had many different Mormon friends and was always impressed by their kindness, happiness, and the examples they set. Little by little, over the span of several years, I started asking questions of my Mormon friends and reading parts of The Book of Mormon. This not only helped me understand about the Church, but also increased my understanding of who Christ is and why He matters in my life.

My junior year of college I spent several months abroad in Australia, and met a classmate who had recently been baptized as a Mormon. She was able to teach me about Joseph Smith, the Church, and the gospel of Jesus Christ from the perspective of someone who had just been converted. I finished reading The Book of Mormon and began to earnestly pray for the first time in my life. Again I felt the same sweet spirit of peace that helped me know that what I was learning was true.

After I returned from Australia I started meeting with Mormon missionaries and attending church. As I began to follow God's commandments and make Him and His church the center of my life I was filled with a happiness that I had never before experienced. I came to know that Jesus Christ really did live and die for me, that His atonement could comfort my sorrows and forgive my imperfections, that He restored His church in our day with the help of prophets and apostles, and that His true church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was baptized in the spring of 2004, a decision that continues to bring me peace and joy that is beyond description.

Personal Stories

Could you talk about your baptism?

My baptism was one of the most special days of my life, second only to marrying my husband in the temple. Though most people who grow up as Mormons get baptized when they are 8 years old, I am a convert and was baptized when I was 21. The baptism was held at a church building near my college in California. The room was full of people, many of which I didn't even know but were from my local congregation and had come to support me. Some of my friends from school, who were not Mormon, came because they knew it was an important day for me. I'm still the only Mormon in my family, but it was especially meaningful to have my mother there. Even though she didn't necessarily understand or agree with my decision, it meant a lot to have her there to support me. When it came time for the actual baptism, I thought I was going to be nervous, but mostly I was just excited. I had asked one of my close friends to baptize me, and as he helped me out of the water of the baptismal font I felt clean and renewed. I was filled with a feeling of warmth that reassured me that I had made the right decision to follow in the footsteps of the Savior and be baptized in His church.

How I live my faith

Music has always been a very important part of my life. It is also a regular part of our church services and is an important part of my worship experience. Over the years I have had many opportunities to participate in the music at church in the form of playing the piano or the organ, or by singing in various choirs or simply as a member of the congregation. Doing so has always brought me closer to the Savior and has often given me answers to prayers.

How can I know Mormonism is true?

Laurel answered...

One of the blessings God has given us is to speak directly with Him through prayer. We can ask Him questions, and if we listen closely He will always give us answers. When you are learning about the Mormon church and want to know whether what you are learning is true, simply ask! Because He loves us, God wants each of us to receive this answer for ourselves, not just believe because someone else told us to. He gives answers in many ways, and it is different for everybody. For me, it was a feeling of warmth and peace that I felt while praying, reading scriptures, and attending church. Another way you can receive this answer is by living the way that God asks us to live and following His commandments. As you do, you will feel increased happiness and joy, and your life will feel more full. That is also an answer!
Evelyn answered...

One of the best things in life is that we can freely communicate with God; our Heavenly Father. Because He loves us so much, He has blessed us with the precious gift of prayer. Through prayer we are able to counsel with Him and whatever we ask sincerely, He will make it known unto us. The scriptures can give you a surety of this. In Matthew 7:7 it says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Another example is in the book of James 1:5-6, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

If you would like to know that what you have heard is true after learning or taking the discussions from the missionaries or any member that has shared a message with you, go to Heavenly Father in prayer and ask Him. I know that He will send His spirit to testify the truth of it unto you. His spirit will give you feelings of peace, hope, comfort and happiness.

Sometimes we do not get answers to our prayers as soon as we may want them to come but never should we lose hope nor get discouraged; as you continue to earnestly study and search for the truth and exercise patience, the truth will gradually be unfolded unto you. I have a testimony of this, for my answer came as I earnestly and patiently continued to investigate the church.

Are there restrictions based on race or color concerning who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have the priesthood?

Jeff answered...

Of course not! It really doesn't matter where you are from or what color your skin is. The only things that matter are the content of your character. If you are worth to be baptized and live the gospel according to it's principles, then you are worthy to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Official Declaration 2, found in the Doctrine and Covenants, states "Every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.” As long as you are worthy, you can be any nationality.