NOM

A few weeks ago I was talking with my sister about the video chat change for her missionary daughter, and I mentioned that I had heard it had been restricted to only parents and kids living at home. She told me that her MP hadn't made any rules like that, and that my niece could call me next P-day. She said it would be missionary work. I tried to laugh it off, but couldn't, and said I would be happy to talk to my niece, but not to Sis. XXXXX and not as a project. (Side comment, I think we should call people by what they identify as, but I would really rather not call missionaries Elder or Sister. I am trying to justify not calling them that because the courtesy of calling people by what they identify as stops when they claim unearned/unrecognized authority. But maybe I just want to be my own kind of bigot?)

Well, she called last night after arranging it last week. She seemed pretty happy and like she was taking care of herself well enough. I decided to just try to reminisce, make jokes, and see how she is doing. It went really well. I had some easter jokes ready, and my kids decided to make up some little kid jokes after that. She said she sleeps in when she is sick and that things are going ok. She looked healthy. I told her she can call me anytime, even on non-P-days, and that if she needs anything or money and isn't comfortable asking her parents she can come to me.

Linked wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2019 4:01 pm Side comment, I think we should call people by what they identify as, but I would really rather not call missionaries Elder or Sister. I am trying to justify not calling them that because the courtesy of calling people by what they identify as stops when they claim unearned/unrecognized authority. But maybe I just want to be my own kind of bigot?

I actually have the same mentality. I refuse to address Mormon leadership by Mormon Titles. I don't think my TBM parents have caught on yet, but if we are talking about the bishop, stake president, GA, etc, I will refer to them as "Mr. A, or Mrs. B" Instead of president or sister, or other Mormon title.

Titles are earned. You don't call an actor Doctor because they play one on TV. They have to earn the right to have that associated with their name. Mormons havn't earned squat. It's either sucking up to the right people or just out living others. Nothing about that is actually doing anything to deserve the titles they claim for themselves

For family and friends I just use first names regardless of whatever.

For everyone else I stick with "Brother" and "Sister" because frankly I'm too lazy to know or care what their real first name or title is. I'm covered 100% of the time by using these tacky generic titles.

As to the video or phone chats, my daughter's BF is on a mission and has emailed us. This last round he mentioned he could video chat with us if we wanted to.

I think it helps the kids and allows for the real people who care about their welfare to check up on them.

I wasn't going to spend much time chatting the guy because frankly it's weird since they were only half dating before he left and she's technically not waiting for him. I'm guessing their intent isn't to try to convert or activate but rather just be normal and communicate the things going on and the status of the mission. Like writing a letter.

However after reading this post I'll reconsider and make a similar concessionary offer.

Just This Guy wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2019 5:13 pmTitles are earned. You don't call an actor Doctor because they play one on TV. They have to earn the right to have that associated with their name. Mormons havn't earned squat. It's either sucking up to the right people or just out living others. Nothing about that is actually doing anything to deserve the titles they claim for themselves

Funny. I kind of feel the same way about the "Brother" and "Sister" titles that LD$-Inc. basically insists on using.

I like the idea of video conferencing with missionary kids. Also would be good for senior couples to stay in connection with kids and grand kids.