*You do the math*

*A Latter-day Saint view of Book of Mormon musical*

by~ Michael Otterson

Reviews of “The Book of Mormon” musical have been all over the entertainment media in the past few weeks. According to the reviews, the play sketches the journey of two Mormon missionaries from their sheltered life in Salt Lake City to Uganda, where their training and life experience proves wholly inadequate to the realities of a continent plagued by poverty, AIDS, genital mutilation and other horrors. While extolling the musical for its originality, most reviewers also make reference to the play’s over-the-top blasphemous and offensive language.

Dealing with parody and satire is always a tricky thing for churches. We can easily appear thin-skinned or defensive, and churches sometimes are. A few members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have seen this musical and blogged about it seem to have gone out of their way to show how they can take it. That’s their choice. There’s always room for different perspectives, and we can all decide what to do with our free time.

But I’m not buying what I’m reading in the reviews. Specifically, I’m not willing to spend $200 for a ticket to be sold the idea that religion moves along oblivious to real-world problems in a kind of blissful naiveté.

Somewhere I read that the show’s creators spent seven years writing and producing “The Book of Mormon” musical. As I reflected on all that time spent parodying this particular target, I also wondered what was really going on with Mormons in Africa during those same seven years.

So I checked.

•The World Health Organization estimates that 884 million people worldwide don’t have access to clean water. This is a huge problem in Africa, not only because of water-borne diseases but because kids who spend hours each day walking to and from the nearest well to fill old gasoline cans with water cannot attend school. According to church records, in the past seven years, more than four million Africans in 17 countries have gained access to clean drinking water through Mormon humanitarian efforts to sink or rehabilitate boreholes.

•More than 34,000 physically handicapped African kids now have wheelchairs through the same Mormon-sponsored humanitarian program. To see a legless child whose knuckles have become calloused through walking on his hands lifted into a wheelchair may be the best way to fully understand the liberation this brings.

•Millions of children, meanwhile, have now been vaccinated against killer diseases like measles as the church has sponsored or assisted with projects in 22 African countries.

•More than 126,000 Africans have had their sight restored or improved through Mormon partnership with African eye care professionals in providing training, equipment and supplies.

•Another 52,000 Africans have been trained to help newborns who otherwise would never take a first breath. Training in neonatal resuscitation has also been a big project for Mormons in Africa.

•Then, of course, there is the tragedy of AIDS. A couple of weeks ago I attended a dinner where the Utah AIDS Foundation honored James O. Mason, former United States Assistant Secretary of Health. When he was working for the Center for Disease Control in 1984, a project to research the epidemiology and treatment of AIDS was established at the Hospital Mama Yempo in Kinshasha, Zaire. After visiting the hospital and examining the children and adults with AIDS, Mason described the death rate and the associated infections from AIDS as “horrific.” Mason, a Mormon, knows quite a bit about AIDS and a great deal about Africa.

•None of this includes responses to multiple disasters, like the flooding in Niger, where the Church provided clothing, quits and hygiene items to 20,000 people in six inundated regions of the country.

Of course, parody isn’t reality, and it’s the very distortion that makes it appealing and often funny. The danger is not when people laugh but when they take it seriously – if they leave a theater believing that Mormons really do live in some kind of a surreal world of self-deception and illusion.

A couple of weeks ago a review about the musical appeared at the New York Times from a Jewish writer who simply listed himself as Levi. “As someone of Jewish faith,” he began, “I take personal offense at this show….I cannot believe that New York, MY New York, where I was born and raised, would ever do such a thing. Shame on you, New York Times, shame on Broadway, and shame on all of us who stand idly by and do nothing while the faith of others is mocked. Religious and cultural Jews need not support such bigotry.”

Levi’s point was echoed by some reviewers, but by surprisingly few. So why hasn’t there been a huge outcry from Mormons?

In my opinion, three reasons. The first is that in the great scheme of things, what Broadway does with “The Book of Mormon” musical is irrelevant to most of us. In the great sweep of history, parodies and TV dramas are blips on the radar screen that come and go. Popular culture will be whatever it will be.

The second reason is related. Jesus’s apostle Paul put it rather well when he said that Christians seek out the positive and virtuous things in life. His New Testament phraseology was adapted in the early years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this formal Article of Faith:

“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men…If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

Finally, if we Mormons really do follow Jesus Christ in our lives and look to him as an example, then it’s hard for us to ignore the injunction to turn the other cheek. There were times, to be sure, when Jesus roundly criticized others, but it was almost always for hardened hypocrisy. He dismissed the criticism he received personally and told his followers: “Do good to them who despitefully use you and persecute you.”

It takes strength of character to do this, but it’s the Christian mandate. Sure, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pushes back when the record needs correcting or when legal rights need defending, but the world of popular entertainment is more likely to be met with a collective shrug than by placard-waving Mormon protesters.

Meanwhile, what of those thousands of remarkable and selfless Mormon missionaries who opted to pay their own expenses during the past seven years to serve in Africa while their peers were focused on careers or getting on with life? They have returned home, bringing with them a connection with the African people that will last a lifetime. Many will keep up their Swahili language or their Igbo dialect. They will keep in their bedrooms the flags of the nations where they served. They will look up every time they hear Africa mentioned on the evening news. Their associations with the people whose lives they touched will become lifetime friendships. And in a hundred ways they will become unofficial ambassadors for the nations they served.

*Music Monday*

I need to get my blog in order and shake it up a bit. Too much of one thing is well...not a good thing. I'm obviously a music lover and that's how heaven speaks to me sometimes, so I like to share it. I have no idea why the youtube videos are so big on my blog. I've done all the things to make it "right" but it's not working. I'm content with imperfection and always will be. *shrug*

On another note...here is a band I found at 19, The Trashcan Sinatras. LOVE THEM! I've chosen 'All the Dark Horses' to share.

*Picture of the day*

Partners in crime...once Jen stepped in we were all about to run with Wubba'z wedding cake.  It was SO GOOD!  I hate that we whimped out.  Obviously we ate as much as we could without anyone looking but the damn camera man.  We got caught!

Ps. Tiffany's wedding was beautiful and I will post pictures soonish.

*I am the ocean and I am sorrowful*

This might be on here already but my friend just found all my documents (Thank you Stine!!!) and I am grateful because I thought I had lost many precious things to me.  I wrote this in maybe 2007?  Not sure...but it's pretty special to me because the concept or knowledge that EVERYTHING has a spirit testify's itself in a poem about an Ocean who is sorrowful for a dieing girl.  I give thanks to Heavenly Father for helping me write my ideas, feelings, and poetry...I'm nothing without him and I never want to be.

*I AM THE OCEAN AND I AM SORROWFUL*

I am the ocean and I am sorrowful.  My waves have crossed not a few but the numbers of the sand.  I have swallowed the wicked and filled the earth at command.  And I must do it again…but I know not when.  I reason with the angels but they cannot say either for they know not.  I delight in bringing mercy and justice.  My waves listen for the sound of the horn to blow for all people and for me that I may roll with the earths scroll and be made anew and be cleansed.

But for now, it is late…the sky is black and my spirit is heavy. I hold the small ship that never moves, the ship that holds His daughter.  I love her because she first loved me.  She walked my shoreline many times.  She dreamed lovely dreams and entrusted me with their care. But now my touch stings her and my mist recoils her and I mourn for her.  My anger rises and I thrash upon the great rocks for I am helpless and cursed.  Oh I long to part for her as I did for the ancients.  That deliverance may be hers.  I call upon the Moon, the Milky Way and their twinkling’s that they may shine upon her.   But even they had to part from her and she is left to whimper in confinement.  The lights of her rescue boats grew too dim, for long was their journey and they were forced to turn back.  No one can see her.  But I can…I surround her and I will hold her with my stillness that she may not be disturbed for a moment.  I have hidden her dreams beneath my corals that they may never be separated from me…I will hold them always that she may believe in me.  He that created me has been quiet for too long.  Her bones are frail and her breath is shallow.  Her sash in blue satin is now rope that binds her.  She has been made afraid, mocked and seized upon.  She will no longer speak.  And so in her behalf I cry to the heavens, IT IS ENOUGH!!!

I am the ocean and I am sorrowful...may deliverance be nigh at hand.

*Taking Punches for being Mormon*

For a girl who is NOT into politics (too much contention for me), I read these articles and felt gratitude for those who STAND FOR SOMETHING...especially RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. Our founding Fathers DID lay the foundation and we should not only honor it but abide by it in every way. They lead the path that we are on. If our country had stayed true to the values in which were written with their own lives...we wouldn't be in such a down spiral economy. So here are the two articles feel free to read and believe what you will. I especially love the article about the "Mormon Musical" and what the Jewish man say's. SO TRUE!  EVERY FAITH SHOULD BE RESPECTED!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/post/why-i-wont-be-seeing-the-book-of-mormon-musical/2011/04/14/AFiEn1fD_blog.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith?fb_ref=NetworkNews&fb_source=profile_multiline

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/romney-will-try-to-stay-focused-on-economy-avoid-becoming-punching-bag/2011/06/13/AGitZDTH_story.html?hpid=z1

*Beautiful Girl...you will get better*

My new favorite song. I love William Fitzsimmons. He is so sincere in his lyrics and they are beautiful!!! Here is an acoustic version. Oh and btw, the whole cd is really good!


"Unfurl your gown
A distant fuller skin
I knew you once

My God the sun
The windows bear your bones
Reveal your crime

Beautiful girl
Let the sunrise come again
Beautiful girl

Your sailor eyes
The water in the well
A thirst to fill

Let down your arms
The purging of this dark
The fall to free

Beautiful girl
Let the sunrise come again
Beautiful girl
May the weight of world resign
You will get better*

*Deep Thoughts and stuff*

“Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart”

"Kim, I've been kicking against the pricks for so long that I don't even know why I'm doing it anymore."
(A boy I once dated.)

~ There is a big difference between a religious fanatic and someone who is dedicated to Christ.
(My own thought)

~If I had a penny and you hadn't any...I'd buy a candy stick and let you have a lick! :)

"I don't know much about fighting but I'd fight for you."
(I dunno who the origional singer/writer is but I heard Beyonce sing it and I liked that lyric.)

"If I had a choice between breathing and loving you, I would use my last breath to say, I love you!"
~Kristiina Curtis (My niece age 12 She's amazing!)

"To withhold your love and affection during a friends dark and painful hour, because of a past bruised ego or wounded pride, is a tragedy. For you may have been the very one that was chosen to give the sentiments of the Savior as you also drank of the bitter cup and could help close up and seal the tender wound."
(This was in my notes in a journal...not sure who wrote it. I'm pretty sure I did. *wink wink* Ha!)

*'Streets' on a deeper level*

I might have a "Streets" video on here about 3 times (It's my all time favorite song)...but this one say's more and explains why I see Bono as one of the greatest men to walk the earth, it's shows why I love U2, it's shows why I love God, it's shows why, since I was 14, I have cleaved unto them/their music for over 20 years. I can still see myself on our familys' Yellow boat roaming the canyons of Lake Powell. I would sit on the bow (sp?) and you could hang your legs over because there was a bar to protect you. I would put my head phones on and listen to my first tape of Joshua tree over and over and never tire of it. The wind in my hair and U2 in my ears. I felt free from own inner and outter oppression I was facing at that time. Over my life the oppression grew to levels I didn't know were possible. I am a survivor and I hope with all my heart I can live longer...because my own voice and heart are as loud, sincere, powerful and as bold as Bono's. My LOVE is VAST! I HAVE been waiting on the Lord...BUT "HOW LONG?" Ihope it's soon...It's my turn for a season of rest. Here or in heaven.
Ps. A BIG thank you to my friend Jeff. I so needed this. What a blessing you are.
Pss. Please watch it to the VERY END! What he says at the end is important!

*Life can be beautiful & cruel at the same time*

I went to the best U2 concert ever! And the next day my sister met Bono and hung out with his body guard for an hour. The irony!!! But it was kind of this kool little connection between us. When I got the tickets it was suppose to be for me and her. Her birthday is in June and I really wanted to take her. But Bono got hurt that year and we waited another year for him to come back to Utah. By this time, I knew Jen's plate was too full for her to come from Cali. I'm so glad she got to meet him...and a tad bit jealous. ;)

This is as close as I got to Bono.

And this is as close as my sister got. ha! She's on the far right.

But it's all good! Peace out U2! What a great blessing you were to me in this life!

BTW, I've decided not to share my U2 experience but rather tuck it in my heart.

*On a lighter note...look who is getting chunky!"

OLI!  Bah hahhhah  Look at those chunker cheeks.  Those are good for kissin'. And I love that her bow is the size of Texas! ha!

And I have to add this photo of Joe and Jen...so classic!

*Angels...answer me*

Angels
~Enya

Angels, answer me,
are you near if rain should fall?
Am I to believe
you will rise to calm the storm?
For so great a treasure words will never do.
Surely, if this is, promises are mine to give you.
mine to give...
Here, all too soon the day!
Wish the moon to fall and alter tomorrow.
I should know
heaven has her way
- each one given memories to own.
Angeles, all could be
should you move both earth and sea
Angeles, I could feel
all those dark clouds disappearing...
Even, as I breathe
comes an angel to their keep.
Surely, if this is
promises are mine to give you.
mine to give...

*Dear Joe...Congratulations!*

My brother in-law of almost 9? years just graduated from Endo school in California. This put him at about 6 years of Dental school. I am so proud of him and Jen and the life they built going through school and raising a family of now four. :) I just wanted to write a few things about Joe.

1- I didn't really like Joe at first. He teased me and called me "Boo Radley" because of the amount of time I was in my room. Now there were more than one reason, but who wants to listen to their sister and her boyfriend smooching and being all lovey dovey?! NOT ME! But then one day I heard my sister laugh the way she did when she was little and something changed in me instantly. I knew he was her sweetheart...he had made her truly happy and I began to love him as a brother and a new member of our family.

2- Joe truly loves my sister and has been a great support to her. The girl who I prize above the riches of the earth. He is a great husband. Soft spoken and kind, always willing to help with anything, so fun, and truly loves my sister with all his heart. I have NEVER heard him raise his voice. Only a couple times when he needed to defend someone he loved and maybe a few other times that I have missed out on. ha! He and Jen are equal partners and I love and admire that.

4- He loves his children and they know it! When he comes home he always reaches to my sister and gives her a kiss and then he asks where his kids are out loud and the kids come running to him. The song "I'm so glad when daddy comes home...glad as I can be." applies so well. It is a beautiful thing. Sadly, rare in our world.

5- He is so damn funny! His dance moves could give Napoleon Dynamite a run for his money. He makes me laugh so hard and whenever he see's that my sister needs a good laugh, he is quick to provide. We love the funny things he does.

6- He rarely if ever complains. If my sister asks him to help her, he always says "Sure babe!" Or "You bet!"...even if I can see that he is dead tired.

7- Now here is a personal one for me. When I came out of ECT...or maybe it was before ECT? (who knows! ECT fried my brain) I was laying on my back in my bed and for some reason Jen and Joe were staying at my house. Thinking all were asleep I began to cry. I was in terrible pain and actually I remember it hurt to cry...so basically it was a whimper. My brother in law walked in the room and knelt by my bedside. He quietly said, "Kimmy, would you like a blessing?" and I nodded Yes. He proceeded to bless me and I don't remember a single word he said. But I remember that he cried with me and his voice choked with emotion. I felt his tears fall on my head and at that moment I knew he truly cared about me and it hurt him to see me suffer. That moment can never be erased not even by a fried brain. ;)

Joe, you have worked so hard amongst great opposition. I wish I could have been there to cheer for you as you walked across the stage for the 2nd time. You know that next to Jen, I am your greatest cheerleader and you are one of my greatest heros. I can't see you as a bright star in the sky that just twinkles. But a shooting star that blazes across the sky for all to see! You and Jen deserve to fly and you have earned the blessings that are coming for you. I wish you happiness in the field of work that you love. I wish you peace and that the stresses of life might settle for a season of peace and true happiness. But most of all...I hope you make a butt load of money! hahah You deserve it!!! Rock on sweet rocker! I sure love you.

Love, your sister in-law,

KiM aka Boo Radley

Ps. Behind every great man is a great woman. You and I both know who that woman is...ME. hahahha jk, my beloved Jen. ;)

BTW, these photos were all taken in 2007. His first graduation...just incase you didn't know. :)

*I am not what I was*

Another poem I found by my hero, David Hyrum Smith. I'm still looking for the name if it.

"I strive to win again the pleasant thought;
The music only speaks in mournful tone;
The very flowers wear a shade, and naught
Can bring again the halo that is gone;
And every company my soul hath sought,
Though crowds surround me, finds me still alone.

I turn unto my tasks with weary hands,
Grieving with sadness, knowing not the cause
Before my face a desert path expands,
I will not falter in the toil, nor pause;
Only, my spirit somehow understands
This mournful truth—I am not what I was."

Why U2 is made of Awesome Sauce!

Starting at 15 years old until age 37, I have LOVED this band and they hold the most special place in my heart. I found this video that gives lot's of little clips of them over the years. AWESOME SAUCE FORsuuure!

*IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY!*

I've waited 2 years for the U2 360 concert in SLC, UT. I got tickets, then when the time came Bono got seriously injured. One year later I was standing there watching the best U2 show YET. SO WORTH THE WAIT! Right now I have no mind power to tell all the kool things that happened and my experience but I will say this, it was suppose to be the coldest night of the week with lot's of rain! Oh really? Um no. It was the most beautiful, gorgeous day! The sun was shining and so was my heart. I NEEDED it so much. I'm am more than grateful. More soon....;)

*Sylvian Vales*

Poem read at the U2 360 tour in SLC UTAH May 24, 2011



Beautiful! It's exactly how I feel about my state.


~Poem written by Minnie Hardy

Utah I’m glad to be here where the mountains rise
Dazzling white ‘neath the clear blue skys
From crimson dawn ’til the dear day dies
Way out west in Utah.

Where the mountain air is pure and sweet,
Where fresh, cool water flows down the street
And the climate! Friend, it can’t be beat;
Delightful, magnificent Utah.

God made Utah and He made it grand,
The beauty spot of His glorious land,
Where plenty supplies with a generous hand
All of our needs and wants in Utah.

Mighty mountains, sylvian vales,
Picturesque canyons and rugged trails,
Joy’s your companion, health never fails,
Happiness dwells in Utah.

*Let's get ready to rumble! U2222222222222222!*

This was by far my favorite concert EVER! 2001 was a great year for me! And following the U2 Elevation tour made it that way! This is my favorite U2 song. Whenever I need to remember who I am, this is the song. I was so choked up at the concert in Utah at that time, It really has a special energy and spirit about it. You just can't describe what a U2 concert feels like unless you've been. Tomorrow, me and my best friend are gonna rock with Bono and the boyz...probably in the rain. (boo!) But nevertheless...we are going to ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ps. This paticular video will give you an idea of what it feels like!

*17 Miracles*

I don't care what you belive in, what religion you are, if you believe in religion, if you believe in God or not. What I do care about are people who stand for something. When I watched this small movie trailer I was filled with respect and gratitude and received fresh courage as I thought about people like them. My own ancestors gave up everything because they believed in something GOOD! They followed their hearts despite what ANYONE thought. They lost friends and family who thought they were crazy and couldn't believe they would let them go for something they believed in. I LOVE these kind of people. I've read alot about world war 2 over the years...I've felt a kinship with the Jewish people for some reason. And as I read of the evil and heart wrenching things those beloved men, women, and children went through I almost couldn't bare it. But their stories gave/give me strength to keep going. I feel grateful that there are still many people who are willing to give everything to follow their hearts. My heroes include people from all walks of life. Stories of survival and courage get me through my darkest hours. And truly no tongue can tell their stories. But I hold on to them in my heart and I keep pushing through my own darkness. I believe in miracles and am constantly pleading for my own 17. ;) To be honest, I'll take one!

"Something extraordinary is about to happen." Let it be!

*Happy Mothers day part 2*

Oli/Mrs. Hankey got left out of the first video and sent me her own. Thank you Oli! Next time your in town I'll sneak chocolate milk in your bah bah. ;)

*Little Saviors On Mount Zion*

I'm in the darkest hours of my entire life so far, and God sent me these angels. I may not be a mother in the worlds eyes, but I take being an aunt to these angels very seriously, as serious as a mother does. From the oldest Dallas, who is 26 to our newest baby Oli...they are my only heart strings that have not been broken. They are little Saviors on mount Zion, they are saturdays warriors, they are the last swallow of my "cup of hope." I love you Dallas, Tiffany, Kristiina, Taylor, Chaz, Nash, Zaxter, Jaxton, Kaul, Bleu, Henley and baby Oli. May our Heavenly Father bless you and may you follow the great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, all your days. I believe in you!

Thank you for this video my dear sister Jen...it was a healing balm on a shattered heart.