If I had a Mormon.org profile, this is how I'd answer the question, "Why I'm a Mormon."
Many of the good things in my life come from being a Mormon. A close relationship with my family. The ability to meet new people and immediately share a bond that can develop into friendship. A hugely optimistic worldview. Endless opportunities for service. But the Church doesn't have a corner on family relationships, friendship, happiness, or integrating spirituality and service. If I searched hard enough, I could find ways to get all those outside the Church. But there are some things that I could never find if I left... and those are actually the most compelling. They're worth every sacrifice I've ever and will ever make to stay worthy of them.
The reason why I am a Mormon is because of the unique blessings that come with my membership in the Church:
The gift of the Holy Ghost - which is the promise that, as I live my life righteously, God will always guide and direct my paths, keep me from harm, and inspire me with direct, personal revelation in my mind and heart. This gift alone is worth my membership in the Church and any sacrifice. The Lord has given me promptings that have saved my family's lives, prevented suicides, opened hearts, and changed my own life. And it's more. I can pray, at any time, and hear the voice of the Lord and know His will for me in my life. Not perfectly, and not always with the detail I'd like, but He always answers. And when I pray for peace, I am always surrounded by His love. Those are the promises of the gift of the Holy Ghost - that as I do His will, His Spirit will always be with me.
The power of the Priesthood - the ability to exercise the power of God in behalf of His children here on earth - whether giving a blessing of healing that miraculously makes pain go away, bones heal, and hearts change... exercising power over the elements... or giving a blessing of comfort that opens the windows of Heaven to show God's love. Again, this has saved my life and the lives of others. But more, it has brought incredible peace in a world of pain and chaos.
The blessings of the temple - in the temple I make sacred promises to God, feel His presence, and am able to see perspective in my life. When nothing seems to make sense and I don't know what to do in life, I can go to the temple with an open heart, searching, and I always leave with answers. I've paid thousands of dollars for the opportunity to learn from experts in the world. The preparation of personal worthiness the Lord asks before entering the temple is definitely worth it.
The ability to invite others and see their lives change. The gospel is one of the few things in the world that is really universal. The principles of faith, repentance, making covenants with God, and following His counsel can help every person on the planet live more fulfilled lives and come closer to Christ. And the peace and joy that comes as I see someone's eyes light up - as he makes changes in his life and develops a greater relationship with God - is priceless. Saving a life is nowhere near the miracle of saving and exalting the hopes, dreams, and happiness of another soul.
Yeah. I may have a rough life when I'm attracted to guys and not to girls. And I have a lot of other problems, too. But being a gay Mormon guy (with emphasis on the Mormon part) has been the greatest thing that could ever happen to me. I wouldn't trade my life or my faith for the world. And that's why I'm a Mormon.
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