Hello from Hampshire, England

[Muskateercs]

Hi there,

I am awaiting baptism and am currently amazed at the controversy among members regarding cosmetic procedures.

Many there will be from the vineyard that come unto Zion. Many there will be who turn their lives around and give their all to emulate their Saviour's example. Many of these new converts will be those who have under gone cosmetic procedures, who have succombed to the tattooist's needles, to have felt the need to alter their body image for what ever reasons.

The question is: 'How are these new converts going to be received?'

I feel that myself and those that follow should be received with charity, - the pure love of Christ.

As Dieter F. Uchtdorf recently related in a conference address - 'Do not judge me because my sins are different to yours'.

Do not judge, do not gossip, - let the Lord's church be identified by its standard of love one for another.

I look forward to my imminent baptism, for my newness of life to begin. Please let us follow His commandment to have 'love' one for another.

[kgrigio]

Welcome. My mission president was a convert at 45 and he had tattoos, but he was discreet about it and always wore a long sleeve white shirt. I would never have know if I wasn't told by one of his APs. He was a great man. Once he converted, he realized he was a new man and needed to live like one and he often told us the gospel changed his life in many ways. Congratulations on your impending baptism and don't let the imperfect members keep you from realizing this is the Lord's work. If the gospel wasn't true, the members would have screwed up the church a long time ago.

[Rand]

Welcome, and I hope your baptism is memorable and transformational for you.

The key for you is to accept them, even if they don't accept you. This poem says it well, "Heretic, rebel a thing to flout, you drew a circle that shut me out. But love and I had the will to win, we drew a circle that took him in."
If you can accept their rejection, you will never be offended, hurt or chased away from the only church that can proclaim the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Blessings.

[Original_Intent]

Welcome. You raise good points about converts. I am sure that many converts are mistreated due to having ink or cosmetic surgery, like you say.

I hope that you will be posting plenty, I look forward to reading your thoughts.

[Juliette]

I have been a member my whole life. I could only wish my worst problem was a tattoo.
By the way Original, sorry I have been so hard hearted. I'm sorry for all the upset also.

[marc]

When Ammon and the sons of Mosiah first desired to return to the lands of their roots to preach to the Lamanites, the Nephites ridiculed them. After all, since the days of Jacob and Enos, their efforts fell short of success due to the Lamanites' hatred for them. This type of cynicism is found throughout the church today as well towards many, the lgbt community, smokers, drug and porn addicts, the list is endless. Christ sat with sinners not to indulge with them, but rather to heal them. Once Ammon returned to Zarahemla with thousands of converted Lamanites, the popular decision was made to give up the land of Jershon for the Lamanites' inheritance. How ready are we to give of our property and substance to fellowship new converts today? I love President Uchtdorf's message of "don't judge me because I sin differently than you."

Welcome, Muskateer!! Lots of colorful characters on this forum, most, if not all mean well. Best wishes on your new journey.

[Original_Intent]

I have been a member my whole life. I could only wish my worst problem was a tattoo.
By the way Original, sorry I have been so hard hearted. I'm sorry for all the upset also.

It's no problem. I caused it, and glad you have forgiven me.

[sadie_Mormon]

Welcome!

[Muskateercs]

I would like to thank all who have shared views, comments, etc...
Through reading your words my load feels lighter and I feel more able to meet the challenges that each day affords us, - challenges that are hopefully always refining experiences.
Thank you all x

[kathyn]

All converts are welcomed....and that goes to members who have strayed and then have returned, tattoos and all.
My husband joined the church after a six-year stint in the army. He has tattoos on both arms, which he hates. He wears long-sleeved shirts when participating in Church functions.
Welcome, Muskateercs.

[Muskateercs]

I notice that most relay their comments to converts with tattoos, - is it intentional to steer away from those who have undergone cosmetic procedures during their non-member status??

[g_luv_style]

Welcome Mustkateercs and conrads on your coming baptism! I am new to the forums as well. I wouldn't worry about what other members think about cosmetic surgery or other body mods. I am not endorsing it in anyway, but it is a personal choice. There are always going to be people that are judgemental, but it is none of their business on the choices that other people make. We all have been given the gift of free agency. Remember living the gospel is about you and your relationship with the Lord. Make sure that relationship is right and everything else will fall into place.

[Muskateercs]

g_luv_style:
Thank you for your comment - I do agree with you.
I thought earlier that individuals who find themselves the topic of gossips, the target of pointed fingers, the disliked, the unapproved of, - these individuals are hopefully serving in aiding their fellow members with their own strivings for the perfection our Saviour commands - Matt 5: 48.
The perfection required by our Saviour is inclusive of unconditional 'love'.
Above all we still have His love and promise - Matt 5:10.