Do We Need Wwjsd Bracelets?

[mormonnewb]

Many of our fellow Christians wear WWJD bracelets or crosses for the same purpose that we wear garments -- as a reminder of our commitment to be more Christlike.  However, I'm beginning to think that their adornments might be more effective because they are visible to the outside world.

 

My initial interest in the Church stemmed from the fact that I kept meeting Mormons who exhibited incredible love and kindness.  I could literally "see" Christ in their actions.  However, I had no way of knowing that they were Mormon.  Every once in a while, I'd get to know one of these "saints" well enough to ask about their religious affiliation and more often than not, they'd be LDS.

 

However, it took me seven YEARS after moving into the "Mormon Corridor" before I was able to make the connection that there may be something to our restored Gospel.  I wish I had figured it out sooner and think that perhaps we can do a better job of helping other people make the link.  And no, I'm not serious about suggesting What Would Joseph Smith Do bracelets (not, at least, until I've cleared the trademark with the PTO).  But what if we began wearing something to indicate to the outside world that we are Mormons?

 

For my part, starting this year, I've begun wearing BYU apparel in my travels.  My hope is that someone sitting next to me on an airplane might become curious as to why an (incredibly handsome) BLACK man is wearing a BYU sweater and it will allow me an opportunity to explain how I came to the church.  It is also my hope that I will be SLIGHTLY less likely to knock down the elderly woman in front of me in the jetway while wearing the colors of "the Lord's University."  So far, neither of these things have happened but the year is still young.

 

Have any of you ever tried anything similar?  Or is there some reason that I should instead keep my LDS "on the down low"?

[Garden Girl]

Hello newbie...

Have you never seen or heard of the "CTR" rings?  (Choose the Right).

Or the Moroni tie clasps?

Etc Etc

 

GG

[mfbukowski]

Many of our fellow Christians wear WWJD bracelets or crosses for the same purpose that we wear garments -- as a reminder of our commitment to be more Christlike.  However, I'm beginning to think that their adornments might be more effective because they are visible to the outside world.

 

My initial interest in the Church stemmed from the fact that I kept meeting Mormons who exhibited incredible love and kindness.  I could literally "see" Christ in their actions.  However, I had no way of knowing that they were Mormon.  Every once in a while, I'd get to know one of these "saints" well enough to ask about their religious affiliation and more often than not, they'd be LDS.

 

However, it took me seven YEARS after moving into the "Mormon Corridor" before I was able to make the connection that there may be something to our restored Gospel.  I wish I had figured it out sooner and think that perhaps we can do a better job of helping other people make the link.  And no, I'm not serious about suggesting What Would Joseph Smith Do bracelets (not, at least, until I've cleared the trademark with the PTO).  But what if we began wearing something to indicate to the outside world that we are Mormons?

 

For my part, starting this year, I've begun wearing BYU apparel in my travels.  My hope is that someone sitting next to me on an airplane might become curious as to why an (incredibly handsome) BLACK man is wearing a BYU sweater and it will allow me an opportunity to explain how I came to the church.  It is also my hope that I will be SLIGHTLY less likely to knock down the elderly woman in front of me in the jetway while wearing the colors of "the Lord's University."  So far, neither of these things have happened but the year is still young.

 

Have any of you ever tried anything similar?  Or is there some reason that I should instead keep my LDS "on the down low"?

There's a whole industry dedicated to this kind of stuff- including ties, etc etc.

 

This will give you a start

http://www.ldsbookstore.com/lds-necklaces

 

http://www.ldsbookstore.com/all-lds-rings

Edited January 9, 2014 by mfbukowski

[Duncan]

When I first saw a WWJCD? bracelet I was wondering why we should wonder what Johnnie Cochran would do? but then I clued in

[The Nehor]

Wear your garments on the outside of your clothing. Problem solved.

 

Note that this suggestion MIGHT cause additional problems.

[BlueDreams]

Wear your garments on the outside of your clothing. Problem solved.

 

Note that this suggestion MIGHT cause additional problems.

 

Just with the Danites....

 

 

As GG pointed out, we do have things that hint mormon...the problem with a number of them is that ya kinda have to already be in the know about the wear to get it. Your BYU shirt maybe the easiest marker that you might be a mormon to another person. Anything else will probably be hit-or-miss.

 

Personally. I wear nothing that would immediately point it out. I'm not much into religious jewelry, shirts, etc. And I'm not gung-ho on a good number of them. But I do hint like mad when I get the chance .

 

With luv,

BD

[oremites]

For my part, starting this year, I've begun wearing BYU apparel in my travels. 

 

Excellent idea.  I think it's great you're excited to share the Gospel and are thinking about ways to do it.  I'm sure you'll have many wonderful experiences because of this. 

[Calm]

The two pieces of jewelry that the LDS trinket industry puts out that I do like is the eternity ring that is promoted as a replica of JS...who it belonged to could care less, just like the look of it and the type of charm bracelet that looks like a wristband, you can have a temple, Moroni, a mustard seed, scriptures and some other stuff..it is simple and streamlined.

[Storm Rider]

Hello Newb,

 

Your post is interesting and seems to come from a good heart. What I appreciated most in your post was that you noticed something different in those that reflected more strongly the Spirit of the Savior. I personally prefer that others see my actions demonstrate my discipleship rather than having someone see a symbol to be acknowledged by others. The symbol of the cross has a very deep, personal meaning, but it is so often worn by individuals that have nothing in common with the gospel or the teachings of Jesus. It is too often a piece of jewelry rather than a symbol. 

 

Our temple garments are meant to be a personal reminder that we as individuals have made specific covenants with our Father to observe, do, and choose to live a certain standard in this mortal existence. They are not worn to tell the world of those personal covenants. I appreciate that sense of privacy; it remains between me and our Father. 

 

I hope that it is my actions that speak rather than my words or the things I might wear that indicate that I follow Christ. I think your desire to share the gospel is wonderful. Have you thought of wearing Ute red? 

[omni]

Oh come on, aren't we already identifiable enough? Go to Disneyland and try playing "Spot the Mormon". We're usually the ones dressed about ten years behind the times--guys in polo shirts (with a white "shirt" underneath) and cargo shorts and women in frilly, loose-fitting shirts with knee shorts.

Several years ago I was interviewing back East for a position along with eight or nine other individuals. Another guy and I were the only LDS in our group. As we were leaving we were approached by two other guys who already worked there and the first thing they said to us was, "you guys are Mormon aren't you?". The funny thing was I was thinking the same thing about them--turns out I was right.

Edited January 9, 2014 by omni

[The Nehor]

Oh come on, aren't we already identifiable enough? Go to Disneyland and try playing "Spot the Mormon". We're usually the ones dressed about ten years behind the times--guys in polo shirts (with a white "shirt" underneath) and cargo shorts and women in frilly, loose-fitting shirts with knee shorts.

Several years ago I was interviewing back East for a position along with eight or nine other individuals. Another guy and I were the only LDS in our group. As we were leaving we were approached by two other guys who already worked there and the first thing they said to us was, "you guys are Mormon aren't you?". The funny thing was I was thinking the same thing about them--turns out I was right.

 

There is truth to this. I can usually pick Mormons out of a crowd. Not by their clothing either. Maybe it is a spiritual gift but I am guessing it has more to do with shared mannerisms and culture.

[Duncan]

There is truth to this. I can usually pick Mormons out of a crowd. Not by their clothing either. Maybe it is a spiritual gift but I am guessing it has more to do with shared mannerisms and culture.

 

I can't, I was going on the mission and I was waiting in Chicago airport and I saw a young man, neatly dressed in a suit, white shirt, tie surrounded by his family and I thought he was also going on a mission. When it came time to board I asked him if he was also going on a mission, but alas he wasn't, he was going into FBI training...

[mormonnewb]

Hello Newb,

 

Your post is interesting and seems to come from a good heart. What I appreciated most in your post was that you noticed something different in those that reflected more strongly the Spirit of the Savior. I personally prefer that others see my actions demonstrate my discipleship rather than having someone see a symbol to be acknowledged by others. The symbol of the cross has a very deep, personal meaning, but it is so often worn by individuals that have nothing in common with the gospel or the teachings of Jesus. It is too often a piece of jewelry rather than a symbol. 

 

Our temple garments are meant to be a personal reminder that we as individuals have made specific covenants with our Father to observe, do, and choose to live a certain standard in this mortal existence. They are not worn to tell the world of those personal covenants. I appreciate that sense of privacy; it remains between me and our Father. 

 

I hope that it is my actions that speak rather than my words or the things I might wear that indicate that I follow Christ. I think your desire to share the gospel is wonderful. Have you thought of wearing Ute red?

Ute Red? I'll pray for you, Brother

That being said, I agree with your St. Francis-like approach ("One should always preach the Gospel, and only sometimes, use words"). It is certainly much better to act the part than to just look it. However, I'm not so sure that it would hurt to do both. I don't think that I'm a completely clueless (my posts on this board notwithstanding), yet it took me seven YEARS to get the hint. And, by the way, I really only fully got the hint after spending some time in Provo and Salt Lake City where I could no longer chalk it up as a "coincidence." On the other hand, had I run into an equally Christlike group of Mormons in, say central Pennsylvania, I probably wouldn't have made the right connection and I'd be full-blown Amish today. On second thought, given our shared fashion and musical tastes, I guess it wouldn't been that different after all.

[strappinglad]

Duncan, on my mission , we were often taken for FBI and there are quite a number of former missionaries in the Bureau. ( and the Company ).

[Storm Rider]

Ute Red? I'll pray for you, Brother

That being said, I agree with your St. Francis-like approach ("One should always preach the Gospel, and only sometimes, use words"). It is certainly much better to act the part than to just look it. However, I'm not so sure that it would hurt to do both. I don't think that I'm a completely clueless (my posts on this board notwithstanding), yet it took me seven YEARS to get the hint. And, by the way, I really only fully got the hint after spending some time in Provo and Salt Lake City where I could no longer chalk it up as a "coincidence." On the other hand, had I run into an equally Christlike group of Mormons in, say central Pennsylvania, I probably wouldn't have made the right connection and I'd be full-blown Amish today. On second thought, given our shared fashion and musical tastes, I guess it wouldn't been that different after all.

 

You do have a point and I don't want to minimize its importance. I refuse to put any sign on my car or any kind; I have worn a small Moroni lapel pin before, but I have not done so in decades. It would not bother me to wear one again, but I just have not felt the need to obtain one again. I have never worn a CTR ring; I like seeing jewelry on others, but I just don't like things on my hands or wrists i.e. a watch. Regardless, I have seen a few of them that were really beautiful to see. Have you thought of those or would you consider them an option to wear?

 

St. Francis was a fount of wisdom and prescience ....I am almost certain he wore Ute red, by the way.

 

Enjoy the day. 

[Robert F. Smith]

......................................................   

Have any of you ever tried anything similar?  Or is there some reason that I should instead keep my LDS "on the down low"?

There is no reason to hide the fact, and your wearing a BYU sweatshirt/sweater is something I've seen other Mormons do.  At UCLA, for example, I saw a young doctoral candidate wearing his BYU sweatshirt in the same dept where I was studying, and I heard good reports about him from others (who knew nothing of my own religious preference).  The same would apply to a Jewish guy wearing a yarmulka.  I think he would be judged on what sort of person he happened to be.  No reason to "keep it on the down low."   

[Anakin7]

    I have and wear a # of White T-shirts with a picture of the Saviour on the back of them and with each seperate one I have a specific statement - # 1 LORD OF LIFE, # 2 My Master, # 3 Are You Brave ? He Was. When people ask me about my CTR Ring I tell them CTR stands for Christ The Ransomed, Christ The Reedemer, Christ The Risen, Choose The Rich - [see 2 Cor 8:9] I have given out endless pass along cards because of people asking me about my shirts/ring and where My Church is where I worship. A # of referrals/ Baptisms have come to pass because of this.

 

In His Eternal Debt/Grace

            Anakin7

     LDS JEDI KNIGHT

Edited January 9, 2014 by Anakin7

[Duncan]

Duncan, on my mission , we were often taken for FBI and there are quite a number of former missionaries in the Bureau. ( and the Company ).

 

true, true, I was in LA and routinely mistaken for "La Migra" which is immigration and sometimes people thought we were LAPD, which if you were to see me know that that isn't the case, I am much more of a CIA man myself. I had a friend grow up in a sheltered life here and went to Ecuador in the mission and came back and zipped through RCMP training due to him being fluent in spanish and he got posted to Eastern Canada and he quit the force because he didn't really know anything about guns and drugs and that kind of lifestyle

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

  But what if we began wearing something to indicate to the outside world that we are Mormons?

I thought the idea was that people would see the light of Christ and that that alone would be reason enough to see we were followers of Christ. I also grew with the idea that people would view my actions and know as well ie, I was an example. Well I probably need to reprent in some or even most areas these days as I am not doing as well I should.

[EllenMaksoud]

Many of our fellow Christians wear WWJD bracelets or crosses for the same purpose that we wear garments -- as a reminder of our commitment to be more Christlike.  However, I'm beginning to think that their adornments might be more effective because they are visible to the outside world.

 

My initial interest in the Church stemmed from the fact that I kept meeting Mormons who exhibited incredible love and kindness.  I could literally "see" Christ in their actions.  However, I had no way of knowing that they were Mormon.  Every once in a while, I'd get to know one of these "saints" well enough to ask about their religious affiliation and more often than not, they'd be LDS.

 

However, it took me seven YEARS after moving into the "Mormon Corridor" before I was able to make the connection that there may be something to our restored Gospel.  I wish I had figured it out sooner and think that perhaps we can do a better job of helping other people make the link.  And no, I'm not serious about suggesting What Would Joseph Smith Do bracelets (not, at least, until I've cleared the trademark with the PTO).  But what if we began wearing something to indicate to the outside world that we are Mormons?

 

For my part, starting this year, I've begun wearing BYU apparel in my travels.  My hope is that someone sitting next to me on an airplane might become curious as to why an (incredibly handsome) BLACK man is wearing a BYU sweater and it will allow me an opportunity to explain how I came to the church.  It is also my hope that I will be SLIGHTLY less likely to knock down the elderly woman in front of me in the jetway while wearing the colors of "the Lord's University."  So far, neither of these things have happened but the year is still young.

 

Have any of you ever tried anything similar?  Or is there some reason that I should instead keep my LDS "on the down low"?

I wear a CTR Ring that is in Arabic. And people do see it and because it is not in English, they ask questions about it. This is a perfect missionary moment

[rpn]

I personally think a black guy wearing BYU clothes stands a big change of striking up a conversation with a stranger.   If it also helps you live your faith, great.   I'm not a big fan of the LDS apparel trend.   When I purchased good quality CTR rings for my kids, I did it to remind them of who they are, not to point it out to others.

 

But in my view, it would be absolutely wrong to display what would Joseph Smith do, because we don't want to do what he did.  We want to follow our Savior and our Heavenly Father.

[mormonnewb]

I thought the idea was that people would see the light of Christ and that that alone would be reason enough to see we were followers of Christ. I also grew with the idea that people would view my actions and know as well ie, I was an example. Well I probably need to reprent in some or even most areas these days as I am not doing as well I should.

I once heard a pastor describe evangelism as simply the process of one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread (in this case, the bread of life). By our rippling spiritual "muscles," people will know that we are well-fed but that won't tell them WHERE they can find bread. And without adequate direction, they're not likely to find the bakery that feeds us. In fact, as Mormons (and Christians in general) aren't the only "well-fed" people in the world, our fellow beggars might be tempting to look for bread in a candy store or a butcher shop.

That's why I think it might behoove us Mormons to wear the equivalent of "Eat at Joseph's" shirts to let people know where to find the bread.

[thatjimguy]

I think that not wearing anything Mormon related is better. Why eliminate the possibility to have someone walk up to you and ask "Why are so good and happy?" where you can give them a testimony and start talking it up? If they can just see the answer, now they may no ask about it.

Edited January 9, 2014 by thatjimguy

[AddamS]

I would wager Joseph Smith would not encourage others to ask themselves what Joseph Smith would do in the same situation.

He was, self-admittedly, a flawed human being like the rest of us.

[Antoni]

I think it's best to let our actions speak and for God to work on their hearts in His time.

 

One of the things that I like about the temple garments is that they are a religious clothing that is worn unseen to outside world - it's out actions and our walk with Christ that are important. Outward clothing that yells "I'm a this... or that"  come with a lot of baggage that can become problematic rather than helpful.

 

The Lord instituted circumcision as a mark of His Covenant in the time of OT, again a "hidden" mark rather than outward one.