The Tattooed Mormon: Al Fox
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- Опубліковано 2 чер 2013
- "Judge not, that ye be not judged." You've likely heard that scripture in the book of Matthew, but actually living it can be a different story. We learn a poignant lesson from a young woman who has on occasion been "judged by her cover". Meet Al Fox, a woman has come to be known as "The Tattooed Mormon".
Inspiring. Not a lot of those who have been members all of their lives understand, how frustrating and difficult it is to be the only convert in your family.
wait you said it frustrating and difficult because she is only convert LOL WHY did you say that?
Colin Henderson Read the history.
That's a little presumptuous, Colin. .. If you've been through a friends conversion, you know what it feels like to relearn life.
I understand and totally agree Colin. I'm the only member in my family and from a totally different culture. It's frustrating to have to explain your decision, and it's hard when a lot of people in church can't relate to some of your life experiences. I was judged a lot in the beginning and almost left the church. 10 years in and I'm glad I remained. There are still a lot of things I don't understand but I'll keep holding on. Super excited to be marrying my awesome fiance who I met at church in a few months!
Nice story of one humble soul turning to the Lord, there is so much that all members could learn from this lady. That is what God wants and not the hypocrisy that we see so much among religious people.
DM MD HA
I love her testimony and excitement. Some people are just meant to be Mormons, like her I'm one of those people. The church is truly amazing when you are connected to the spirit of Jesus Christ. Its teaching and everything around you fall into place when that bond and partnership is made with Jesus Christ. I love being a part of the restore gospel of Jesus Christ.
Wow, as a black man I'm surprised because the Mormons discriminated against black people and did until the NAACP threatened to sue, then suddenly the profit got the 'word' blacks are equal but different...gee whiz. Then and only then did they allow black people to hold office. But until then we were taught that black people were fence sitters and cursed. I'm amazed you would even play into their hands and actually give them money to continue the hate. But it's your choice....sheeple.
Lisa Babcock You are a confused, lost soul. Unfortunately some of us are never meant to see our Heavenly Father again. This life is the time to make that happen. I am a tattooed, multiple offense, EX-badman. I found the gospel of Jesus Christ 3 years ago, when I was looking at 25 years in prison. I gave myself to him and his church completely and was forgiven of my trespasses. I served NO TIME and was cleared of all charges. He is a forgiving and Merciful God. I have NEVER been judged by anyone in the Mormon Church. When I was having my tattoo's lasered off I was told it didn't matter. They loved me no matter HOW I looked. I never cried or cared for my fellow man until I was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Now it breaks my heart to see so many lost brothers and sisters in this country. You have it soooo easy. We have members that WALK 4 days one way in AFRICA to hear the word of GOD on Sunday.
Robert Metcalf, I am not confused, I know exactly what I'm doing and thinking, and I'm certainly NOT a lost soul. You are the confused one in this matter. I've been a member of the Mormon church over 40 years, studied it, and have family members that are high ranking members, so I DO know what I'm talking about. Joseph Smith was jailed for being a fraud, and he admitted it, look it up! Not in church documents that have been doctored, but look in history books and the true documents. Mormons have a brutal and terrible history as do most religions. If you think they don't judge you, that tells me how much you don't know about the church. Smile in your fact kind of people. I was also in foster care in the church and lived in many homes of Mormons and was also abused by my so called foster parents. This is also documented.
But Robert, if this keeps you on the straight and narrow and keeps you from committing anymore crimes, I say bully for you and keep it up. That is the reason religions were thought up to keep certain people in order.
I am what is known in the world as a freethinker. We don't allow fairy tales to rule our world, we don't believe in the special friend in the sky that knows every hair on your head, and watches everything you do (creepy).
Don't worry about me my dear, worry about yourself. I've never been arrested, I volunteer many hours a week to the homeless and food banks, I'm very much loved by all those around me I'm a grandmother to 7 and I have a wonderful full life. I've entertained thousands throughout my career as a circus clown, and am very satisfied with my time here on earth. So I wish you a good life and hope you are happy with your new born again life.
A very happy Jack Mormon!
Lisa Babcock There are NO high ranking members......
Lisa Babcock If you are so happy and content with your life, why are you looking into the LDS church, watching a related video, and taking time arguing with everyone about it????????
Congrats on the wedding and sticking and standing by your faith is so awesome..Im also a recent convert and recently baptized, confirmed, recieved priesthood...tough conversion but hearing your story really helped...congrats on everything
I wonder is you are still active - you know, after all the love bombing subsided and the judgement and control set in......
This is a wonderful and lovely testimony. This is a great story and her courage is evident. Al Fox is a lovely person.
She's an inspiration.. I've been a member since birth.. My GG Grandfather was in the first pioneer group that went into the Salt Lake Valley.. I've not lived my religion in years.. still don't but she's made me stop and think... thank you Miss Fox..
David...try...no one is asking you to be perfect or live a lie, ie going to church but having weaknesses. I left the church for 24 years but I am back now. I do the best I can, I have my problems, if anyone judges you remember that God does truly know you and loves you even, and especially in your weaknesses. If you need more remember that I love you and I am rooting for you too..:) I hope you read this and have a great day. There are several return missionaries, senior and younger missionaries I know in the Salt Lake valley, I could put you in touch with them if you want good people who won't judge you. E-mail me @ dr.mikeguiglotto@gmail.com if you want.
michael guiglotto Thank you so much.. I have local missionaries who stop by my sculpting studio... all the time. Great gentlemen.. I'm doing great.. and keep improving.. that's all any of us can do. I suggest you edit your comment though and delete your email.. or you'll be getting a lot of bothersome emails.. lol
David Lemon,
Hi!! I hope you are doing well. I don't know if this will help you, but I'm a convert to the church. I just started a UA-cam channel to share my story with my family. You are welcome to come and watch my videos. Good luck to you and God Bless!! ❤❤❤
This wonderful young woman changed my life 3 years ago when my great aunt showed me this video. After I watched the restoration DVD, I was like holy cow, this had answered my questions about God still speaking to us! But then I looked at all my tattoos and I said "Aunt Carol how could I ever be accepted in the LDS community, I have 16 tattoos!" She smiled kindly and said "So does this young woman. You are still a daughter of Heavenly Father." I was recently baptized this year as well! It was so wonderful for her to share her testimony for those of us out there who believe but who also have tattoos. She was meant to be who she was to inspire those people that they too, can be baptized, loved and accepted by the Latter-Day Saint family!
That’s awesome!!!! I’m so proud of you!
I am also a Mormon with tattoos, so happy to have seen this :)
MS-13 tattoos on face seem to be discouraged though
@@drjeffriessaysldsisatheolo7366 dude your past doesn't dictate your relationship with the Father. Why let others Influence your life?
@@timothyfloogle I think this is the correct approach. I do not know any Latter-day Saints who received tattoos after joining the Church. Those who find the Church after receiving their tattoos can have them removed, or just get on with their lives. I had my own removed, but that is an expensive proposition. Anyway, it is much better to receive the tattooed member into fellowship than to make them feel somehow unworthy. Besides, the tattoos will be gone in the resurrection.
But you're also a heretic named after an occult symbol. So there's that.
@@bashpr0mpt244 Of course, that is just your opinion...
I had similar experience with Mormon Sisters in Kirtland, Ohio. It was completely unexpected, and a miracle to me. When the Holy Spirit talked to me it was completely compelling. Chin up Sister Fox, I am Muslim and they took me, and, I stilll wear Hijab and am absolutely Mormon and Heavenly Father loves me. Alhumduallah !!!
It has been 6 years since I met the sisters in Kirtland. I experienced great healing with the Mormons. It's over with them now. It breaks my heart that the sisters worked so hard to get me to join the church, but the General Authority works very hard to get rid of us. The way they violate the provisions of the Atonement finally just broke me. I'll never be good enough for them, but I'm pretty sure that God accepts me.
You're not alone. Don't be surprised if in a few years you learn that Al Fox has left the LDS church. Mormon celebrities have left before.
Khadijah Brown that is amazing! I served as a sister missionary in Kirtland Visitor's Center!
I was there in March, April and May of 2011. I loved the church but the nonsense that the GA does with people like me just hurt too much. I've effectively left now and it is heartbreaking. They ignore what the Bible says about people like me in Matt 19:12 and Isaiah 56:4-5, making some of the most lame excuses imaginable. They even said that the Book of Mormon preempted the Bible. I looked and the JS version of the Bible did not touch the parts of the Bible I am referring to. If you are genetically normal, they will never bother you. I hope that you have a good life with them.
M. Russell Nelson is a physician and should understand these things. But I guess he is too busy helping to hold up the statue quo, for the sake of Mormon money.
Recently a Mormon "celebrity", Nikki Yaste, resigned from the LDS church. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if some day Al Fox gets disillusioned and leaves, too. Right now she's too busy enjoying her celebrity status in the church.
Myself, I have been reading the Bible a great deal, in translations much more up-to-date than the 1611 King James. I have learned that it is far superior to the Book of Mormon. Also much greater than the D&C and the PoGP.
Her testimony of her conversion is very similar to my own. I love this video !
I'm a recent convert, just this past summer. I can definitely relate.
Thank you for sharing your conversion story. Through watching this, I could feel your testimony of our Father in Heaven
I don't have any tattoos, but my prayers were answered the same way. Ditto for my brother, sister and mother. Not so much with my dad, but he was baptized. I had a bad experience with evil spirits on my mission and it scared the living daylights out of me. When you experience both, you can certainly tell the difference. Don't mind the idiots, keep your eye on the prize and don't lose your spunk! It's all true.
Al, you are such a HUGE inspiration to me. I want me faith to be as big as yours. Not trying to be rude to all of the"haters" or anything but please keep your comments to yourselves. I understand that you have the freedom of speech, (if you live in America at least)but please it might bring people down. It's ok if you don't believe in god. That's your opinion. But please don't say rude or hurtful things. Thank you. I really hope you understand.😊
"Let your light so shine!"
My parents wanted her to speak at their stake, the stake president contacted her, she agreed to come only if the stake paid for her flight a 4 star hotel an her meals an rental car and gas on top of paying a ridiculous expensive “speaking fee”. Needless to say our stake passed.
I'm not a huge fan of hers, but should she spend her own money to go speak at different stakes around the country. She'd go broke. Time is money. The apostles have their flights and stuff paid for and they are on salary
@@jocylouie the GA’s aren’t paid. Blasphemy!!!!!!
The Mormon church is worth billions.
What a cute story good on Al Fox and the mormon missionaries who helped her out when she was looking for something in her life.
I found Al a few years ago and read about her story. .and I truly see God shining through her. What an Inspiring young woman.
Al, you're such an inspiration!
I am not a Mormon. But I just teared up watching and listening to her story.
Lord will judge the hearts of those who judge you based on appearances, what people wear. You are so much more than your tattoos, you're an amazing woman. You follow the Savior. You set an example and inspiration for me. Thank you♡
Because I'm not a convert and they didn't seek me out I can't hold certain callings because I have a clean well groomed beard and tattoos. I've been faithful my whole life, served an honorable mission, paid tithing and fast offerings without fault. Why am I being judged. I'm about to walk away from this and no one even cares. I told my Bishop how I felt and he suddenly stopped talking to me to the point of completely avoiding eye contact with me making for a really awkward situation. I feel like I'm diseased and yet he still talks about the atonement and forgiveness. What did I do wrong to deserve this? This has been my whole life in every decision I ever made and now I'm being ignored like I'm dirty. This lady is made as a hero because she has tattoos and was a convert.
I'm hoping you've stayed in the church, Jeffery, and you've talked to your bishop, but even if you haven't you're always welcome to continue to chat with me. I pray the Lord gives you peace and continues to call you home to Him.
Jeffery Hall Jeffrey,
You know that certain callings in the church such as working in the temple require that you not have a beard. If you have a medical condition then.with a doctors excuse you can. As for the tattoo's situation, we all wear white long-sleeved shirt when we bless or pass the Sacrament and can have beards.
Your comment about her "being a hero.in the church because of her tattoos" sounds like your envious of the attention she's garnering and you think you are not.
Don't feed these religious bigots the spoiled food they desire.
I've been a member.of the church for 45 years and have known many many members who made the choice to tattoo their bodies and serve faithfully in the church without discrimination or being held back from callings. The Lord has a dress code so that we honor Him inside and outside of the Temple and chapel. As you and I honor that I testify that we will be blessed for it.
May God bless you in your continued journey on your covenant path.
@@stevebond727200 well said , I really wanted to hear is because I’m a member and I’m all tattooed up , I was going to leave the church but after reading your comment I feel good
I remember the first time I met the LDS missionaries. I agree there was just something about their conviction that you cannot resist. I love your story. I joined the LDS Church Feb of 2013. I had never heard of this church or even "The Mormons,' as they are sometimes nicknamed. I am a new Cedar Fort author. My book will be released May, 2018, and is about my near-death experience 10+ years ago and how I saw forever families before I even knew what it was. "VISIONS OF HEAVEN, What My Near-Death Experience Taught Me About Eternity," was quite a journey, from a NDE experience where I thought I had lost all touch with reality, to today as I stand strongly united with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and know that what I was real. I saw that families never had to let go. That there are family members who will be together for all eternity because this is what they have worked for and believed in. I saw in my NDE that Richard's dearly departed mom and dad have never truly left his side. They saw an opportunity to reach out to their son, Richard, while I was teetering between life and death. I saw Richard's dad who told me secrets that only he and his son would know. Richard's dad asked me to share what I had seen. And I saw a lot!! I saw Richard's dad standing in the most amazing light and I just knew something was happening. I thought I had died but I came to understand that there is a moment, however brief it may seem to our time, where the veil is lifted and we just KNOW. I saw a vision of Jesus Christ and wanted to stay wherever I was. I was told to return to Richard and that it wasn't my time. I was told that I would know when Richard knew that I had seen his dad in heaven. Richard's dad shared so much more and it take a whole book to explain 10 years to find that what I saw, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, already believed. I had the same answers that many seek. I found the same pull to these missionaries that you experienced. But I had searched for them. They didn't have to bring me a steak, as in your story (smiles), but they did bring me the Spirit. I am so excited to have a chance to see your videos and reach out to you. I know we will meet sometime and I can't wait. We share the same publisher, Cedar Fort Books, so I look forward to the day our paths will cross in person. My name is Jane Moe and my first attempt to explain, "What Heaven Is Like," became the title of my first book under my maiden name, Jane Lea Dykstra.
Heavenly Father needed her in Utah to teach members who were born in the church not to judge.
That was her mission.. sometimes He places people where they need to be because He knows they can reach someone just by being themselves.
sd.WhoIAmMakesADifference that's a really good thought.😊😊😊
sd.WhoIAmMakesADifference No, a lot of you like how she looks and her charm.
Is* both may be correct however, her mission never ended... nobody's ever really does. You may come home, but home is where you share the love and truths of the gospel. It can be anywhere.
probably not, but anything to claim Mormons in Utah are judgmental though, right?
she was in my high school class
why does she have tattoo
He ( God ) is very real, it is heart breaking that millions of people have no idea about prayer and how to pray. Its a very valuable tool. However my journey has led me to believe, Prayer rests us from God who controls our subconscious. But to rest from God via a prayer is as important as all other components of a life that recognizes, God exists, and ignored at your peril. Resting from God allows you to remember your humanity as you go through life, and minimizes abusing the power of God.
i think your statement is inaccurate, as i think nearly the entire world prays in one form or another, it just may not be the way you pray specifically. prayer does not have to be directed to any specific deity. meditation can be a form of prayer directed merely to the greater good of humanity or spiritual peace/rest.
Sven Tveskägg I have to agree, it is only an estimate that the majority of people do not pray. But I disagree that praying to anything other than that which controls our subconscious will nullify or rest the subconscious from god.
Meditation usually looks for higher consciousness of self, so may compliment prayer, but focusing on humanity and good is not the same as resting from God. You will experience and believe different things when you rest from god as opposed to focusing on your humanity, i.e. resting from God will expose your humanity. Focusing on your humanity on its own will not rest you from God.
I do yoga breathing and stretching but not mediation. However consciously recognising or praying to that which controls our subconscious and what we believe cannot be replicated by praying to deities. That which controls us is not a deity, its something that controls our subconscious.
A word of caution, you can over pray, that is, too much prayer /rest can affect that which controls your heart, liver, mind sexuality etc
i think we perhaps agree for the most part though based on different semantics. there are other spiritual ways to "rest" from the burdens that tend to accumulate and weigh us down, without prayer to a conscious god. it is possible to simply "let go" and "surrender" your burdens to "nothing" or if you prefer, some intangible or unconscious "god". some prefer to view it as "forces of nature" that they are surrendering to and that becomes the "god" (whether consciously or not) that is being subject. my only point is that whether they consciously define it or not, most people surrender themselves to some form of "higher power" that may or may not be specifically or consciously defined. but the principle of prayer still applies to this concept.
i appreciate your point of view, it is more existential than many.
Sven Tveskägg Well, I think I'm saying (its very difficult if not near impossible to talk intelligently about something that controls you) our consciousness gives us the appearance of free will, choice, 'surrender' and religions. However this 'control' has nothing to do with consciousness to the point where, we are not even free in what we believe god is, who to pray or meditate to, or what does prayer give us. We appear to be given this understanding at different points in our life. I did not believe god existed at 45, at 51 I believe god controls the subconscious and belief. Humbling I suppose.
Michael Barnett u r SO fake!!!!
What a sweetheart. Bless her. Oh, for the day when people are not judged outwardly, but by their works. I believe Al will be an ambassador for the LDS Church in a big way. :)
God I hope not, forget about the tattoos, she is just way over the top obnoxious - deep down you know I speak the truth, who could really handle be around all of that for more than 10 minutes.....I think it is about time we all face some facts: We are members of a pretty whacked-out religion that is run by a bunch of homophobic old men who are so afraid of being criticized that they sign off on excommunicating someone who is trying to end the practice of Bishops asking children sexual questions. Things are so bad that we gravitate towards someone like this because we hope it will let others see us as being more mainstream. The truth is, the entire deal is a house of cards. Hardly anyone who is active actually believes in any of this lunacy, yet they go through the motions out of fear of the potential consequences.....
I had a bishop with a entire back tattoo several years ago. He was a convert as well, really cool gentleman.
Glad I found this. My family & I are having the very same experience. We're praying hard that the two companions that we love so much stay together & in our area for a while. Their prayers are empowering & the two missionaries have made tremendous emotional difference in my little family. We are above & beyond greatful that God allowed us to cross paths.
I have loved being a member of this faith.
What a lovely lady! No matter what church, or what tattoo, Jesus Christ taught us to treat everyone with love and respect. I love how she doesn't put others down, or let others put her down, either. Even in the face of criticism, she smiles and keeps moving forward in what she knows is right. All of us, regardless of our spirituality, can learn from her.
As I said before. Ignore the ignorant and uneducated. There will always be naysayers and disbelievers. They are a dime a dozen, and their comments are worth exactly what you pay for them.
Psuedo educated *
uh, i HAVE received your "gift", i was a faithful member for 30+ years, thank you very much. served a 150% faithful mission, have read the BoM over half a dozen times, bible cover to cover. i know how the culture works. i have spent hours researching church history, including older doctrines such as JoD and HoC. you can rely on your feeling all you want, but i have seen the entire contextual picture and discerned enough contradictions, and felt the spirit that the church is not the only truth
Her story is great! She is like the pioneers in the early years if the church. Going from New York to Utah and facing opposition. She is a great inspiration!
"I've felt looked down upon at times because I got tattoos"
Exactly. The Church has come out specifically against tattoos and multiple piercings & those with them are judged because their appearance is proof positive of disobedience in the LDS context. I knew a tattoo artist w/ full sleeves who joined the Church & always felt judged. In 100 degree weather he'd wear long sleeves shirts to avoid it. My Dad had a tattoo from the Navy and was once told in the 60s it would keep him from the temple.
I have a couple of small and hidden tattoos and was LDS when I got them and am still LDS and have a testimony of the Gospel. I have to say that I'm relieved to see Al Fox as a representative of the LDS church because I've felt looked down upon at times because I got tattoos. I think the concern has more to do with how the world and other Christians view tattoos more than anything. However, I honestly feel like it shouldn't be focused on in general.
I'm a Mormon and I don't care anymore about members having tattoos, it is so prevalent now. I completely understand people who have had different paths and got tattoos and then later started going to church, that's life. I'm less impressed by people who are active members that get tattoos even though they know the church's stance on that. But nowadays so many people have tattoos it's not worth much discussion anymore.
Lolocsun, I am only going to respond to your comment because I do not want unknowing people getting another false idea about the church. There is no such doctrine that says one must participate in polygamy to gain the highest degree of glory. I have no clue where you could have come up with that idea, other than from an anti-LDS person spreading propaganda.
Polygamy would not have even been necessary if more men would be willing to live spiritual lives, and stop their fighting, etc. There are roughly 8 times more women willing to obey the Lord than there are men willing to do the same. Is it right that 7 of those women should have to live alone, with no one to put their arms around them and care for them? Is it right that 7 of those women should have to fix the car, chop and haul wood, or whatever?? If more men would grow up and be spiritual there would be no need for polygamy. And lest any anti-polygamist get in my face about what I have said.... GO READ Isaiah: 4: verse 1, after you read Revelations.
The Iraq war was the 5 month war spoken of. The world governments are preparing for the 13 month war (1 year, 1 month, 1 week, 1 day, 1 hour) right now as this is being written, in which 1/3 of all men will be killed. There are plastic, multi-body coffins being stored by the millions at various places in this country right now, and I have seen pics of them. There are thousands of Chinese military vehicles being stored at various places. I have also seen pics of them. Russians are also ramping up on this activity. I have personally seen the 3 tier prison rail cars (with guillotines installed), stored in Montana and Wyoming, as well as other places. Isaiah says there will be 7 women take hold of each man. I feel compassion for the women who have to put up with men and their stupid egos and power hunger.
I personally know women whose heart aches to have a man in their life, but can't find men with high enough credentials of spirituality. I have a close friend right now in that status. She is gorgeous, and has men wanting her for the wrong reasons, and is extremely lonely inside, for reason of the lack of a man with spirituality. My heart aches for her, for the pain she is going through. I cannot do anything about it or it may cost my relationship with my fiance, and I can't live with that. She too, has been through a lot. When this upcoming war is over, it will be many times worse. Is it fair to those women who want a man in their life, to have to live without??
The majority of men throughout the ages have almost always been a power hungry egotist, and women have always had to pay the price for the stupidity of most men. Still, there is no doctrine that demands polygamy to be embraced, as a lifestyle, and has only been as a "calling" of about 3% of the men, who were financially able to help support the women. Those men who were focused on carnality were highly chastised and/or not called to live the law. It was not much different in Abraham's time in the Old Testament.
Mark Twain/Samual Clemmens visited Salt Lake City to see what it was about. He said he felt sorry for the men. It is not a sexual orgy situation, as some presume it to be. It is about love and caring for others, and can be a very big burden on the men involved who have to do a lot of the manual labor in taking care of those women. It is also burdensome on women, having to share their husbands, especially when some times of stress come, and comfort is needed, which sometimes can be time demanding. There is no doctrine demanding everyone to participate in it.
rick bachman Sorry Rick, but you don't know your Mormon history very well. Defending polygamy is a fool's errand. But Brigham and Joseph F Smith most definitely taught that polygamy was essential to achieving the highest level of the celestial kingdom. Don't make me quote chapter and verse. This isn't the place.
rick bachman Do you pay to have animals put through hell in factory farms? A lot of them are babies! Any kind of abuse to make companies profit is bad! I joined the church last year and have gotten nothing but sized up and judged while others actually cared about me! When a woman feels alone in life is when you shame her, as if her situarion isn't hard enough! No, SHAME ON U!
rick bachman Anxiously awaiting this war.
what i ultimately have faith in is that as i progress through this mortal coil as a good, honest, charitable and loving individual i will be rewarded as such by whatever God exists. i have faith that i am doing the best with what God gave me to learn universal principles that transcend religion and dogma. that aside, i don't presume to KNOW anything, i only hope and have faith... and my conscience is at peace that i am following a path that is uplifting and edifying to my spirit.
She seems really nice. I would never get a tatoo though. I tell my kids getting a tatoo is like taking your nicest shirt and drawing all over it with permanent markers then having to wear it the rest of your life. It costs about 2 thousand dollars to get them removed also.
She had the tattoos before getting baptized. Point is that she changed life styles and would get rid of the tattoos if she could.
Doesn’t matter before and after , everyone has their free agency
How Coincidental. I also was born in New York (1953). I was brought up Mormon, but decided to leave for very good doctrinal reasons. You were also born in New York, and you were not brought up Mormon, but decided to join. Interesting how people can come to vastly different conclusions based on presumably the same evidence. But I find that God is still there, the purpose for life is still there, the afterlife is still there, even though there is no need to adhere to any systematized worship system. Tell me Al, why have you turned comments off on your videos? It would be really interesting to engage in discussions. BTW, nice tattoos.
Religion can function in a person's life as either a reason to succeed, or an excuse to fail. In fact, I challenge anyone to find a more socially acceptable excuse to fail . . . and I've never seen anyone do it yet. Some people attend / participate in a particular religious denomination for spiritual edification, but perhaps more are there because of the social interaction / activity, and a lot of that can be because it's a near-perfect venue for judging others. Many obviously have an overwhelming compulsion to pass judgment on others, and they're lost if they don't have someone to judge. But you have to rise above all that, and find really meaningful stuff to think about. I always tell people that if there's ANYTHING about me they don't like, their best bet is to just find something else to think about, because unless they're paying my bills for me (haven't seen ANY volunteers there yet), I probably really couldn't care less about what they have, want, think, do, etc., and PARTICULARLY what they might think about me.
I love her testimony and find her to be very inspirational. I find myself needing to be reconverted in my own heart from time to time. I love to hear others stories about their conversions as I was born into the church and often wonder if I would have had her type of courage to listen to the message.
I have a couple questions, in no way am I trying to be mean or poke fun etc, I just don't know and was curious. What are the underwear y'all wear, seriously. I've heard people talk about it and I was wondering what, or even if y'all do have to wear them, what are they for? I've been told y'all also baptize dead people(?) do you really do that? Before the funeral? I hope I wasn't offensive, I apologize if I was, it wasn't my intention.
I'm really proud of you, girl. I'm also moving to Utah and even if this might sound awkward for some of my friends, it is what I felt I should do, I'm pretty excited and nervous about this. Hope things go well. Best wishes to you.
I'm a lds woman in the church w/ same gender attractions, I believe I fit the bill completely of who you assume & call unequal in the LDS church, but I feel completely loved & equal to men in the church. This church speaks of our boundless equality & if you all spent more time in studying it instead of picking at it you would know that. We're not homophobic we're sin-phobic sex outside of marriage is wrong. We follow God, I follow God. Ask & ye shall receive God's truth mormonsandgays. org :)
She made a "Beautiful" decision that only SHE can make!
Great to meet you Al. What a wonderful testimony and conversion story. God is real. He does bless those who are honest in heart. God bless.
I just want to point out that I accept the King James Version of the Bible as the absolute truth and inspired Word of God, and I understand the Mormon Church uses this version of the bible as well.
Where things go astray however, is while the bible was written before and shortly after the death of Christ, and again was accepted by the Church as the true and inspired Word of God, the subsequent book of Mormon wasn’t written until the 1800’s, after Joseph Smith allegedly received some golden tablets from an angel named Moroni.
Here’s the question I have that I haven’t seen brought up by others though. If you can accept that God is perfect and all knowing and that the King James Version of the bible is the true inspired Word of God, then why would God need to send an angel, whose name is not mentioned in the bible by the way, in order to change His Word and start a whole new religion through having Joseph Smith proclaim himself as a modern day profit, followed by his writing of the Book of Mormon. The answer is that God wouldn’t do this, because He got it right the first time.
Furthermore, it is well documented that Joseph Smith was a convicted felon of multiple offenses, including theft and attempted murder, who was practicing divination or the summoning of spirits using a spirit stone, when he received a visit from an "angel". And I would just note here too that such practices are condemned and forbidden by God in the bible. Furthermore, he was searching for gold when he was summoning a spirit when he received his visitation and was given the "golden tablets". My point here is that Joseph Smith was not visited by an angel of God, but most likely by the very devil himself who gave Smith his "revelation", and that Smith is a false profit who started a false religion that is leading millions of people away from God if they don't realize the truth and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Furthermore, Mormons believe that God had a mother, that God has a wife on another planet who he has spirit babies with, that they (Mormons) themselves will become gods and be able to make spirit babies of their own for their own special planets if they live perfect lives, that Jesus and the devil were brothers, that Jesus was really the archangel Michael but became Jesus when he was here on earth but returned to being Michael when he returned to heaven, that special magical underwear is required to ward off evil doing, and that black people were originally white people who became cursed for siding with the devil and became black folks who were unworthy of temple worship or associating with. This of course is all blasphemous, heretical and absolutely unbiblical nonsense, none of which of course is volunteered by the Mormon missionaries when they're going around knocking on people's doors trying to gain new converts for the devil.
All I can ultimately do however is lean on the true Word of God, and in the end if someone cannot except that as true then there’s nothing more I can do but to pray for them. I feel that it’s my responsibility as a Christian to do what I can to witness to others though, so at least they will have heard the truth whether they choose to accept it or not.
I will tell you too that the true Gospel of Christ is explained in 1 Corinthians 15, which tells you that you will be saved if you believe that Christ died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and that he rose again on the third day and ascended into heaven where He sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. A sinner’s prayer would include a believer professing all of this, but also should include repentance and the asking of forgiveness for all of your sins.
Once you’ve done this, by professing your faith, believing in the gospel and repenting of your sins, then the bible says that you will be saved. Sadly though, for those who refuse to accept this free gift offered through accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they face eternity in outer darkness, separated from the true Love of God forever. Hopefully, you will see the truth and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and turn away from the false teachings of the Mormon Church which is doing nothing but leading its followers into eternal damnation.
Lastly, at the very least I would ask that you please just pray about all of this if you want to know the truth, and I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit will show you the truth and leave you with no doubt about everything I’ve said here.
May the peace of Christ be with you!
Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
1 John 4:1 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - 13 For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Salvation Verses:
Romans 10:9 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:36 - He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.
SteveMac88 I am a fan of the KJV in many regards, but it has its weaknesses & problems too, and is not the original text. Did you know it plays down drunkenness for example because King James had a drink problem? Also while it has great beauty, occasionally it uses words quite differently to modern English obscuring the meaning.
Awesome story. It's how the gospel can change our life, learning how much Heavenly Father loves us. Strong testimony about our choices. ❤️
if her family wont have anything to do with her because of her faith, then they weren't a good family to begin with. I hope she is happy with her faith and it looks like she is :)
i hope you have similar attitudes toward mormon families who, emotionally or literally, turn from their children/siblings when they find out they are gay or that they want to leave the church? i have experienced this with my wife's family and seen it countless times in the lives of others. it's sad and pathetic on both sides of the fence.
Wow that's kind of a mean comment. It's difficult for converts but also for their families too. I'm sure she loved her family throughout the opposition she received from them. From what I've seen on Instagram, she is still very close to both her parents.
She actually regained relationships with her parents after her mission! She brought her new husband and children and they all reunited in happy tears! Her UA-cam channel is so positive, I love her!
Welcome young lady to the church and Utah.I love to hear and see how the spirit touches lives,Thank you.
Sister no one can judge you on your decisions in life...God knows your heart...
If they don't like us or our religion, why do they spend so much of their time here??? Must not have anything better to do with their lives.
What makes you think we spend 'so much' time here?
ixlnxs hahahahahahaha. There are always stupid negative comments from tons of people like you. All you want to do is either find falseness in the church and it's doctrine or just to be annoying and don't you deny it! Serious...
rick bachman. Because u send missionaries to people's doors to size up and shame women, AND I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE!
Maybe it is because there is just so much to bust chops over.....I mean come on, quit taking yourself so seriously, we are part of a religion that is getting ready to excommunicate someone because they were vocal about the need for Bishop's to stop asking sex related question of children.....I am a member, active, and have a temple recommend - but things are really bad with the Church these days - perhaps we all could stand a little critiquing.
What a happy person! Great and inspirational, and may I commend the Elders for taking her as she is, not by her outward appearance. It's what's in a person's heart that matters, the external appearance is what the world looks on. God is forgiving.
Come to New Zealand where Tattooes are part of the New Zealand Maori culture. Sometimes how we judge ourselves is more detrimaental to our spirit than how others may judge us.
Its her choice to make. Not ours. How many of us have had to make sacrifices like that? I think the tattoos are pretty awesome.
That was deep
I love her story, I am glad she found happiness.
finally, something from you that's concrete: you've received your confirmation and i've chosen a different path. if you look back, the only thing i was responding to was your words of certainty that your religion is the "right" religion, or the "true" religion and that it is all-encompassing "truth". there is no Truth with a capital T, the only thing that is true is what you have come to believe in your heart, and that is for you. that does not make the Church "true" for everyone else.
They are done for non Mormon family, distant relatives, or anyone. They are basically baptized so that they can choose to accept the gospel if they want to in heaven. Hope that helps :)
let me be very clear: i am not frustrated--anymore. since i allowed myself to follow my own path of spirituality, i have never felt more free. sure, i feel lost sometimes, but who doesn't? but at the end of the day, when i reflect upon my existence, i have much more peace about my relationship with myself and God than i ever have.
Oops... I meant D&C132:*34*35&65... Guess I switched the 3 and 4... so sorry...
The light of the Lord shines from her pretty face. I am uplifted just listening to this young Sister.
Tattoos are permanent marks or designs made on the skin by puncturing it and filling the punctures with indelible ink. The practice is a desecration of the human body and should not be permitted, unless all that is involved is the placing of a blood type or an identification number in an obscure place. (Deut. 14:1.) Latter-day Saint servicemen in particular are counseled to avoid the pitfalls of tattooing. Persons who are tattooed are not, however, denied the ordinances and blessings of the temples. Mormon Doctrine
Now comes the craze of tattooing one's body. I cannot understand why any young man-or young woman, for that matter-would wish to undergo the painful process of disfiguring the skin with various multicolored representations of people, animals, and various symbols. With tattoos the process is permanent unless there is another painful and costly undertaking to remove it. Fathers, caution your sons against having their bodies tattooed. They may resist your talk now, but the time will come when they will thank you. A tattoo is graffiti on the temple of the body.
Likewise the piercing of the body for multiple rings in the ears, in the nose, even in the tongue. Can they possibly think that is beautiful? It is a passing fancy, but its effects can be permanent. Some have gone to such extremes that the ring had to be removed by surgery. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve have declared that we discourage tattoos and also "the piercing of the body for other than medical purposes." We do not, however, take any position "on the minimal piercing of the ears by women for one pair of earrings"-one pair.
Discourses of President Gordon B. Hinckley, Volume 2: 2000-2004 by Gordon B. Hinckley
Tattoos and piercings and other disgusting things men and women do to their bodies prevent them from standing in the Congregation of the Lord should the Lord call for it today...should He come tomorrow and tell the Angels to gather up together his people...these would not be included. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow...If people were excluded anciently for not being clean and pure...they are excluded today. Christians and LDS if they do not read the Scriptures and listen the Spirit will be deceived by the world. All who have tattoos and have piercings etc remain unclean until it is rectified. P/s Tattoos were first inspired by Satan and is a pagan practice. Again as long as they exist on the body that person remains impure. bert10 LDS apologist
Of course you know she is a convert, and these were done before she joined the Church. As the scriptures say, the Atonement of Jesus Christ will 'erase' all of our sins, as that is the only way we can enter again into his presence. If you say that "...as long as they exist..." a person cannot enter into God's presence, you are limiting the Atonement of the Savior. I don't choose to do that.
Also, where is the scriptural reference for this: "Again as long as they exist on the body that person remains impure."?
Of course President Hinckley was speaking of/to those who are members of the Church, advising us not to do those things to our bodies. However, as we know, Al got those before she joined the Church. The Atonement of Jesus Christ covers ALL of our sins if we truly repent. I am sure that Al has repented and will not do that again, so that 'sin' will be covered. The Savior says that if you repent, he will 'remember you sin no more". Also, as you know (I hope), having a tatoo will NOT deny you admittance into the Temple.
bert10 a Mormon blogger from Canada says your wrong
There a lot worse things people could do
I'm definitely not a spokesperson but I can help answer your question. The underwear are called garments. I'm not entirely sure of there purpose (I haven't been through the temple) but you always wear them (except swimming etc.) and you don't want to show them so it keeps you modest. (They're like a lightweight mesh t-shirt and some shorts). The baptisms for the dead are done by living in place of the dead person. They
Here is a very important fact this tatood young lady understands--that she is a daughter of Father in Heaven, and that she has an eternal destiny as we all have. "All human beings, male and female, are created in the image of God, and as such, have a divine nature and destiny." The Family: A Proclamation To The World
We are all His children, whether or not we are tatood, gay, or atheist. Our God will always love and know each of us individually, and will always be concerned about whether we will choose to "return to Him someday ". (I am a child of God, children's hymn)
I Am A Child Of God
I am a child of God
And He has sent me here
Has given me an earthly home
with parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with Him someday.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got from my bishop was that I should leave the church. Yes, I left over 20 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did, because thats when I met who Jesus really is and what his message really was.
she's so nice.. I feel the spirit as she talks even if I see all those tattoos all over her arms..:)
I'm brown and I have always been judged by Mormons
All of the after life you can handle for a mere 10% of your (this life) income!
People living in Cedar City Utah INCLUDING NON-MORMONS Need to Watch This Video, As They Have A Problem Of Judging People By Their Cover >:( Look Up My Young Adult Daughter, & How She Has OVERCOME Her Problems & Has AS GREAT A TESTIMONY As Any In General Conference I Have Ever Heard :D
1) i don't know why you assume i don't know what i am talking about; i have been a member all my life, most of which were 150% dedicated to callings, mission service and a temple marriage. i've read the BoM 8 times in my lifetime.
2) i never used the words "homophobic", i spoke of "equality", which gays and women get neither in the church. i know the rhetoric of how women are "eqaul" but they in fact are not.
[cont...]
Of course there is not topping the original "tattoo mormon"--Olive Oatman. Taken captive on Feb 18th 1851 her and Mary Ann were give the markings after they became fully indianized.
What an inspiration Al is. Love her honesty and enthusiasm.
Al seems like a pretty awesome person. Hope she realizes that the cold blooded stares she was getting just for having tattoos will be the same cold blooded stares she will get once she starts to ask questions about Mormon history.
She has already asked every question she has had and then joined the church! If you actually followed her blog you'd know this fact, we all continue to ask questions about everything historical and today.. There's nothing to hide although everyone who claims there are secrets about the beginning of the church are anti Mormons who have never bothered to actually find out the truth for themselves.. They go off of lies and misinformation!
Jennifer Talbot
Who said anything about secrets? I am saying that as soon as she starts to have independent thoughts that makes her question what she is being told, she is going to get jumped on and labeled an "antimormon" by people like you. Just like when she walked into a restaurant and every scared little mormon glared at her because she had tattoos.
+Caleb T um this scared little Mormon girl also has tattoos just like millions of other Mormons! I was born in the church and in Utah (don't live there anymore) and I have had an exciting wonderful full life! I'm actually not the only one and it sounds more like you're the one who has an issue! Your issues are yours alone because you're clueless about Mormons! You do realize that people like Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon from Imagine Dragons are Mormons, Devin Supertramp is Mormon, Lindsey Stirling is Mormon, Ma'a Nonu from the All Blacks rugby team is a Mormon, Deuce Latui is Mormon, DJ Kaskade is Mormon, etc right? LOL I'm dying of laughter at your ignorance!
Jennifer Talbot
I would NEVER get a tattoo because the true Profit Gordon B HInckley said "A tattoo is graffiti on the temple of the body” and another true Profit David A. Bednar said "If you have a tattoo, you wear a constant reminder of a mistake you have made” and as True to the Faith (2004) pamphlet pointed out, "Those who disregard this counsel show a lack of respect for themselves and for God."
Since you are so proud to run around in defiance of the true church, you apparently are "antimormon" and are controlled by Lucifer making all of your decisions based on lies.Therefore, nothing you say can ever be a valid representation of truth.
+Caleb T good for you, guess you win! I'm not able to argue with you today just because I sin differently than you and once was of the world repented and now temple worthy.. I just lost a friend to cancer around 9pm last night so I'm sorry I'm not as perfect as you because I went through hell when I was younger and decided that I needed to go my own way for awhile to figure out who I was! In my early twenties I met some great people who own Club Tattoo (always featured on tv series. Ink Masters..) My friend Sean Dowell and Chester Bennington are super talented and ever since Chester became famous their shop exploded even bigger and I was so proud of them! While president Hinckley said that he also said that the Lord still loves you because in WWII many Mormons came home from war with tattoos..First you cuss me out for supposedly being a jerk judgemental Mormon then turn on me once you figured out that I would never be judgemental of Al (through a few tweets and Periscopes she knows that I wouldn't) you became exactly what you accused me of!! Now if you don't mind I am going to my room, shut the door, and shed more heart broken tears because someone I cared about died yesterday evening unexpectedly and it is so tragic that we can't wrap our heads around what happened!!! SMH
again, you just made my point--just because it's true for YOU does not mean it's true for everyone. it is true to YOU because of the way it makes you feel, but it is still not "TRUTH" it is your BELIEF. you believe that anyone can know it's "true" simply by getting a burning in the bosom--i agree with you, though i also argue that you can apply the same test with ANYTHING. feelings do not mean truth, they mean faith and belief. Truth must be have facts to back it up, otherwise it's not truth
A cup is not seen for cup it is but for the contents within, so it is mankind should not look upon the cup but what contents are within the cup. One can always receive a new cup and be filled in different contents.
You are awesome! Keep the Faith and keep going. I find it ironic that you find this amazing truth and then your so called friends want nothing to do with it. I love your strength
Breaking down barriers :)
repeated "success" in spirituality can certainly reveal that a particular course of action works for you but that does not equate to knowledge, it equates to success in finding a spirituality that resounds in your soul. how else do you explain all the other walks of life? naturally humans have faith and believe what they do is right or they wouldn't do it. does that mean their path is "true"? for them, yes, but very few claim to KNOW as fact things that can't be proven.
It's pretty cool that a guy who made up a religion ("Ooops, I lost the books. Huh, I thought I put them down over here. Oh well...") can fool people into being silly. Hey, tattoo this...
There's only ONE everlasting Father, and now we know Him more intimately... There are many times when people talk to their own souls as if to a different being (Psalm42:5 for example)...
She has such an amazing spirit, and personality. Xx
[...cont] not to mention the church had a "clear stance" on polygamy--that it was NOT policy or doctrine yet Joseph, Heber C and the inner circle were all practicing it anyway, unbeknownst to the rest of the world and church. Smith and the inner circle were all practicing it at the time of the release of the article on Marriage officially denouncing polygamy and was then ex-communicated for it because joseph really WAS practicing it.
indeed it is amazing. the same "revelation" will have to come with gays, though people think i'm off my rocker for saying it. just like with blacks and the priesthood, the church will be faced with too difficult of a problem that will cause need for a new "revelation" allowing gays a place in the world of family. they know it, but they are dragging their feet so as to not look like they are giving in to moral pressure, which is absurd. God's church or not, they shouldn't be afraid to be wrong.
Sven Tveskägg then why would Heavenly Father bring me back into the church
The lead singer of Imagine Dragons is Mormon and support lgbtq rights and there are Mormon gays. Tf?
I am inspired by your story...I admire you sister...
a few words from B. Young: "not one of the children of old Cain, have one partical of right to bear Rule in Government affairs from first to last, they have no buisness there. this privilege was taken from them by there own transgressions, and I cannot help it...
The moment we consent to mingle with the seed of Cain the Church must go to desstruction..."
I know the book of mormon is a testament of our Savior Jesus christ and he is at the head of this church. I know he hears our prayers and love each of us very VERY MUCH! I will never ever forget the price he paid for me. I will always be indebted to him for his ultimate sacrifice.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
(New Testament | 1 John 4:11)
From Joseph Fielding Smith: "there is a reason why one man is born black and with other disadvantages, while another is born white with great advantages. The reason is that we once had an estate before we came here, and were obedient; more or less, to the laws that were given us there. Those who were faithful in all things there received greater blessings here, and those who were not faithful received less" (Doctrines of Salvation 1:61)"
This is something I don't get about the LDS church about the principle on tattoos. I grew up mormon in Utah my whole life and went to church almost every week. When I was in young men's my church leaders used to slam us all the time about the word of wisdom and the law of chastity. Something that they did stressed was tattoos and seriously frowned upon b/c it's worldly and God would not like it. So a few months ago somebody told me that the Pacific Islanders are allowed to have tattoos but
We are counseled not to get tattoos. It's that simple. However, judging people for having them is ridiculous, ESPECIALLY if they got them before joining the Church. There is so much more to a person. That being said, don't use them as a gimmick either. I'm sure she has made more than enough money from her book sales to get them removed...if she really wanted to.
You sound like those judgemental members 🖕
Amen sister I’m a latter-day Saint convert to. I have two almost complete sleeves. My back is 80% done and I have a big tattoo on my chest.
She was baptised on my birthday hahaha, SWEEET!!
I really want to move to Provo, Utah. Maybe I would after graduation.
ME GUSTARIA LOS VIDEOS TUVIERAN TRADUCCION AL ESPAÑOL
I feel bad for her. You can tell she's a cool and very good girl and now she's been tempted into this so she could feel accepted by something... Gaaa
Sister, I love you. You have to let go of all this nonsense and have the right relationship with God and the Eden... With nothing but you're breathe. Take it from someone who has talked to God just like Joseph... There are many of us throughout the world.
This is a wonderful encounter with the Lord :)
I think God loves us so much that He does not waste an opportunity to give his love.
In human terms that might be attached to something like a book which contains truth from the Bible, but which also says things opposite to what the Bible has declared since the beginning.
People, please just read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Nothing else. This is all you need in Life. Anything that says something opposite to that is not true.
That "Judge not, that ye be not judged" quote is so often misused. Actually, we are not to judge unrighteously, so pointing out the sinful nature of some act does not fall into the "Judge not, that ye be not judged" category. On the other hand, it is rude to ridicule such things because the person with the tattoos might be unaware of the scriptures discouraging such things, or may not even follow the scriptures at all. The good news is that the tattoos will be gone from their resurrected body.
For all are sons and daughters unto God....John 3/16
how do you explain that the first 2 accounts of the first vision make no mention of an appearance of the Father and the Son. Instead, these earlier accounts refer to an angel, a spirit, many angels, or the Son. The story in its present form with the Father and the Son, did not appear until 1838, many years after Joseph claimed to have had the vision.
I love you Al Fox, great Job sister, may Heavenly Father bless your pretty soul.. He who has no sin, let him cast the first stone.. we all have a background especially us converts, but it's where we're going that counts.. not where we come from. Please may everyone see that..