Who am I besides spiritual?

The other day a friend asked me a very sincere question, "Ashley, who are you besides spiritual" At first I wasn't sure if it was a compliment or a complaint. The truth is I didn't have an answer in that moment and it has been on my mind ever since. To answer the question I think two other questions must be addressed. First, who am I? Second what is spirituality? The answer to these questions together can solve the mystery here.

First, who am I? Well I am your typical Mormon girl and wear a few different titles. First, I am child of God. Second, I am daughter, a sister, a cousin, an aunt, -a member of a family. Third, I am a social media guru, and a merchandiser- I am a worker. Fourth- I am a friend. Fifth- I am a writer, image designer, music lover, event planner- I am a creator. Sixth- I am a BYU, U of A, Steelers, Cardinals, Red Sox watching sports fan! Seventh- I am a get lost in the words, lose track of time, book worm. Eighth- I love to ask questions, participate in social experiments, and draw my own conclusions- I am a student.

As a member of the Church of Jesus  Christ of Latter-day Saints I have the blessing to be very involved in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It my privilege to participate in 3 hours of church on Sunday. I work for 5 hours in the temple on Saturday. I attend family home evening on Monday nights. Institute is on Wednesday nights, and various other activities come up throughout the week. However, it is not these activities that make me "spiritual". All of these activities are simply appendages to spirituality.
According to my good friend Wikipedia, "traditional spirituality has been defined as a process of personal transformation in accordance with religious ideals." In scriptural terms, spiritually minded is life eternal. SMILE! :) So what does this mean for me? My spirituality has been a process that has transformed me, or converted me to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the decision to read, pray, ponder, and keep the commandments that acts as a spring board towards my spiritual thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.

Now to the actual answer to the first question, who am I besides spiritual? Well this answer may upset some people or cause them to think me a religious zealot. However,  the answer remains, I am nothing besides spiritual! The gospel of Jesus Christ to me is interconnected with  absolutely everything that I do each day. From the very moment I wake up in the morning to the very second my head hits the pillow I am in need of spiritual power, protection, ad peace.  I literally cannot think of one time throughout the day or throughout my life that I don't need Jesus Christ. My need for and dependence on Him shapes my decisions and actions. Knowing that I can access His comfort, power, and knowledge causes me to think about Him when I hit a perplexing moment in my day, when I am sad, angry, hurt, or happy and leads me to pray. Knowing that I can learn more about His life and teachings helps me turn the pages of the scriptures. Knowing that He allows me to be His hands on the earth causes me to try and think like Him and interact with others as he would. Most of all, knowing that I am imperfect in my efforts leads me to remember again my constant need for Him in my life as I strive to progress.

It may sound extreme to many, but communication with God is my life line. You see, spirituality helps me with every hat that I wear. It helps me to be a member of a family as I strive to develop a relationship with those I love. It helps me to try to be a friend that leads others to Christ. It helps me at work when I don't know what to do, how to stay busy, or how to create, I turn to the ultimate idea guide, or Creator. It helps me as a sports fan to be a good sport, and to repent when I think less than sportsman like things. It helps me as read for study or for pleasure to see lessons in the pages and personal messages meant just for me. Spirituality has everything to do with who I am!

Who are you?


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