I appreciate that kind of hospitality in a foreign country and certainly wouldn’t try to take away or belittle their cultural traditions. Beforehand, I was looking for a solution to the issue before I knocked on the door. I didn’t know what kind of tea he served but I did know that just because I was in a foreign land, my values would not change. I couldn’t accept coffee or tea from him. I could have held the cup to my lips and pretended to drink. I could have said “no thank you but I would love to visit with you” which felt very awkward to me. Or I could take an herbal tea bag with me, which I did. Was it a little weird? Yes, it was but I was able to stand up for what I believe in even in a culture that does things differently than what I am accustomed to.

We Stand Out

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we stand out. We are often the recipients of strange looks or comments because we know better than to participate in many of the things the world says is alright. We can be confident in our decisions even when we feel like the only person standing in front of an arena of people who would laugh us to scorn.

In Lehi’s dream from the Book of Mormon, those who were holding the iron rod had to pass by the great and spacious building which was filled with people who laughed at and mocked the believers. Ancient prophets were scorned, beaten, jailed and even killed for standing up for gospel truths. I doubt we will have to sacrifice our lives for the kingdom of God, but we will have to stand up in adversity and show our love for God more than the desire for the praise of mankind.

President Thomas S. Monson recounted a story of when he was in the military. “Navy boot camp was not an easy experience for me, nor for anyone who endured it. For the first three weeks I was convinced my life was in jeopardy. The navy wasn’t trying to train me; it was trying to kill me.

“I shall ever remember when Sunday rolled around after the first week. We received welcome news from the chief petty officer. Standing at attention on the drill ground in a brisk California breeze, we heard his command: “Today everybody goes to church—everybody, that is, except for me. I am going to relax!” Then he shouted, “All of you Catholics, you meet in Camp Decatur—and don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!” A rather sizeable contingent moved out. Then he barked out his next command: “Those of you who are Jewish, you meet in Camp Henry—and don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!” A somewhat smaller contingent marched out. Then he said, “The rest of you Protestants, you meet in the theaters at Camp Farragut—and don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!”

Felt Alone

“Instantly there flashed through my mind the thought, 'Monson, you are not a Catholic; you are not a Jew; you are not a Protestant. You are a Mormon, so you just stand here!' I can assure you that I felt completely alone. Courageous and determined, yes—but alone.” 1

President Monson had no idea that anyone was standing behind him but when the officer asked what they called themselves and they all answered “Mormons”, he knew he wasn’t alone.  He said, “It is difficult to describe the joy that filled my heart as I turned around and saw a handful of other sailors.”

We can have joy knowing that we do not stand alone even when we are by ourselves. Our faith will be challenged at times. We will need to be courageous. When we stand up for what is right, our Savior stands with us and we are never truly alone.

1 “Dare to Stand Alone”, President Thomas S. Monson, October 2011 General Conference