I happened upon this board out of curiosity. My wife was one of the founding members of Swing Kids, which lead me to read the "About" section of the website. Then, being a Tech Geek, I wandered around the links until landing on the forum.

As I was looking through the forum I stumbled upon a thread regarding Grant's party. I won't go into detail about the thread as it has been closed; however, I would like to offer one convert's opinion on integrity.

I spent about 25 years of my life as a member of a non-LDS Christian denomination. As I grew older and my spiritual needs changed, I had a renewed desire to have a relationship with God. I visited nearly every church in my city, which included Lutheran, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Southern Baptist and several non-denominational community churches. I was scared to look at the LDS church because of the sacrifices that I believed I would have to make...Lo and behold, I recognized that I gained free agency by making those sacrifices, which lead me to join the church.

My knowledge of the LDS church and its principles began when I met my wife at the age of 15 years old. We attended the same High School and found "Love at first sight" or possibly lust at first sight, followed by a deep Love and Respect for each other.

Even though I sincerely respected and defended her values, I was not living my life with integrity or ethics. I seemed to always take the easy or convenient path as opposed to the correct path. As corny as it may sound, my wife, then friend, was the person that I strived to be, but was too weak to be. In the rare occasion that she would have a lapse in judgement or do something to hurt another person, she would always make the situation right, even if that meant suffering a consequence for her actions.

For the majority of my life I would have told you that it was okay to live in the "gray" area. I would have maintained that there are no true "black and white" areas in life. I can also promise you that I have always known the truth in my heart.

I understand that we are all a bit self-righteous (sanctimonious, smug, pompous - choose your adj. in the Thesaurus) at times; however, I also think that we can get caught up in fighting a battle on the wrong side just to win. I am no stranger to fighting on the wrong side of God's Will; consequently, I have a decent insight into the tactics used by those who's intentions are malevolent or misplaced.

It has been my experience that Integrity, as with Common Sense, is not very common. I found the following definition of Integrity:

-Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
-The state of being wholesome; unimpaired
-The quality or condition of being complete; pure

Several circumstances in my life have lead me to the conclusion that my Eternal Salvation and ever increasing Joy and Happiness may not have occurred were it not for the example of Integrity by my dear Wife. Although she showed me unconditional Love, she was always steadfast in her convictions.

I can assure you that making excuses for those who do things that are contrary to God's Will, will not benefit you or the offender. Even though I do believe that tact should always be used when expressing one's belief, it is equally important to speak out and stand by one's beliefs when challenged. It is important to remember that it is not necessary or a tool of Christ to lower our standards to make others feel comfortable.

Without getting too much into Satan leading us carefully down to hell, let me assure you that Satan enjoys confusing us with this tactic. I am constantly barraged with small, seemingly inconsequential, decisions which, when examined, are the very decisions that could lead me back to a life of addiction and a loss of free agency.

I have a brotherly Love for each of you and feel anxiety and pain over what seem to be small and inconsequential statements on this forum...Please take it from someone who has been through Hell and back, it is better to learn from other's bad decisions than from personal experience.