MistyWarren

What about those who come from cultures where the hair style and clothing are not at par with the said "guidelines". Won't God hear their prayers or not accept their worship?The church is fast becoming multi cultural. Are we to tread on other people's cultures and make them conform to western standards? Do we "westernize" such converts then? Stepping away from exaggerations, should I quit wearing my barong then? Though it is considered in my culture to be a formal piece of apparel that even the president of my country wears it, should I stop wearing it to church and opt for more western clothing so that I will be better heard of the Lord? If I come from a tribal group where long hair and a tattoo are tokens of honor from my ancestors and are culturally significant to me, do I turn my back from them and opt for a coat and tie and look more "western" so that I will have to be heard of God and my worship be accepted of Him?

I used to wear long hair. I had it for about a couple of years until the summer of this year. It was so hilarious how even my stake leaders were so affected that rumors started to spread. It even got to the point where the bishop was forced to interview me. The reason being that I was setting the wrong example for the youth. People were talking like "the bishop will lose moral authority since he can't make an adult follow the standards of the church so why would the youth follow the bishop's counsel?" Unfortunately I was no longer connected to any youth organization in the church and I didn't quite get the logic behind the argument. I didn't have any stake callings and my current calling didn't involve working with the youth of the ward. And another thing, why would the bishop's moral authority be measured by how much the bishop is able to make me obey the bishop's counsel (or stake president's or stake president's counselors for that matter - the counselors in particular were being pushy at one point) Some members nagged at me while others often took it to the point of ridicule. It was so hilarious. However, there were an elite few who recognized that they should respect the choices I made and never even made mention of my neatly combed and trimmed long hair. Those people have earned my respect. The story even gets more bizarre. You see, as the summer of this year was way too hot and keeping a long hair was no longer that practical. So I went in the opposite direction, I had my head shaved bald. Guess what? I got the very same reaction as if I were long haired still. I thought, wow! You can't please them any other way. The same people wanted to stereotype me into what they believed were the "standard" hair style. They have a standard for everything - hair style, what priesthood holders should wear to church (should be white shirt and tie), how long should the tie be , standard priesthood demeanor... I think that they were creating standards that weren't really there. I still have my head shaved and I wear colored shirts and sandals to church since I feel comfortable and reverent in them (besides, I injured my both my pinkie toes while practicing kicks). This whole issue with long hair reminds me of the situation in Alma 32 where the poor were driven out of the synagogues because of the coarseness of their apparel without seeing the faith in their hearts. Alma et al were more successful with them. I think we sometimes step beyond the bounds and concentrate too much on the forms of worship rather than the heart of worship when we pay too much attention to outward appearances.

hmm... this thread has kinda been in the backseat for some time. I was into judo when I was in college. Got fat after college and got married so I don't do any throwing or sweeping anymore but just my tummy-nage and eatsa-waza. The wife often yells out "Matte!!! Matte yo!!!" when I have already munched on a lot of potato chips. I was wondering if any of you know anything about Krav Maga? I'm kinda interested in it, you know just for self defense.

Pam, I would like to use the quoted story above for my upcoming class on the Doctrine and Covenants. I would like to ask permission to use it. I also find the insights here very helpful. I'll post my comments later but I will stick to the D&C since that's what our ward institute class is covering this semester. My first time teaching it.

I'm at Manila, one of the suburbs.

Afghanistan? Oh no, that's my bad. I haven't quite fixed my profile settings yet. I'm pretty sure it also says I'm only three years old. lol. Yep, they're steel strings alright. I also have a classical guitar with nylon strings that work nicely. I'm also learning to play classical guitar. But all the barre and finger stretching really does a good number on my left hand though.

Hmm... I guess that makes me the odd man out. I'm not particularly good in math. My math skills do need a lot of sharpening. But I have been playing guitars since high school. Well I stopped playing during my college days. Only got back to it lately after getting fat and married. Oh and Hi Syphax! :)

I'm not quite new here though this is my first post. I'm Misty from the Philippines, I'm a he not a she, most people make the mistake that I'm female after hearing my name - even on the phone, people act weird hearing a low toned voice by the name of 'Misty???' Anyway, I'm from the Philippines. I'm a budding guitarist. Still catching up on guitar greats like Joe Satch, Paul Gilbert, Kirk Hammett, and burning my fingers in the process. I'm getting there... slowly. I'll be lurking a bit before making my posts in other threads. I'm particularly looking for info on teaching Doctrine and Covenants since I was asked by my bishop to teach it this school year in the ward. My first time teaching our ward's institute. I used to teach seminary, which was quite interesting. I already read a bit from the scripture study forum so I guess you'll find me there more often than elsewhere but I also love to engage in a bit of apologetics myself and do enjoy explaining our beliefs (and my personal bias at times) to the non-LDS especially if they're cordial enough. Best regards and see you guys around!