In the scriptures it sounds like divorcees are a scourge .I know times have changed but even though I'm happy with the divorce it's like a dirty word,like a stain on my character.I know Marie & Tom were previously divorced & wonder if they were treated like 2nd class citizens?After our ordinances we are told our sins are forgiven us & the Lord remembers them no more,so why do I still feel like an outcast? an alien species? Where does the church stnd on divorce now?

The divorce allowed me the freedom to finally get baptised (& now endowed),so my ex did me a great favour.I'd wanted to join in 1976 but my father wouldn't allow it, then neither would my husband. I teach in Relief Society & love it, & joined the choir recently but it seems everyone else can read music, so I struggle! I love the church but I know many fans joined to be close to you guys/to impress you guys & I still have people today who say I only joined because of the Osmonds.Yes ,I went to SLC with the Wondertour & felt the spirit there ,so indirectly the family were responsible,but I did it for ME,no one else! You've all seen me through so many heartaches in my life that I know that you were a gift from Heavenly Father to shield me & show me the way, and to keep me close to Him. Donny,I've always had a soft spot for you,like a kid brother , but I'm proud of you too ,as I would be for my own brothers.(one who's 28days older than you)You all feel like family after 35 years! I've met you many times, but although you don't know my name, a look of recognition usually fleets over your face.I think it's great that you take time out to answer here re the church. Thanks for everything,God Bless You, my friend,

On the one hand, I feel sad that you are feeling like an outcast, but on the other hand, I am happy and proud that you are hanging in there and serving actively in the Church. I have absolutely no question that the Lord loves you personally and I believe that if you are faithfull in reading the scriptures, praying and serving others you will feel the spirit and will feel of the Lord's love.

Truly your baptism covenant promises forgiveness and acceptance into the Celestial Kingdom. Just think, there are over 6 billion people on the earth and only 12 million members of the true church. That means that there is one member of the Church for every 500 people in the world. Since there are less than half of those who have been baptized who have kept their side of the baptism covenant and stayed active in the church, that means that roughly only one person in every 1000 people in the world have what you have and the promise of eternal success and joy like you do.

Divorce is a very difficult and painful choice, but sometimes it is necessary to progress and I plead with you not to feel second class because of yours. Marie and Tom are moving forward with their lives with great enthusiasm and optimism. They have wonderful families and their wards accept them without reservation. I hope Romford Ward treats you like that because that is living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They and you have the same hope of eternal joy as any other person who has committed to truly follow Jesus Christ. If you stay faithful and serve him throughout your life, the Lord will provide you an eternal companion and you will be exalted with him in the mansions of our Father's kingdom. That is what is required of all of us. Your test may be different than others, but we are all tested in the way the Lord knows will bring about our greatest growth and ultimately that will bring to us the greatest blessings.

If I were you, I would just forget myself and pitch in there and do all I could to serve the Lord and members of your ward, share the gospel with others where ever you go and do all you can to help build the kingdom there in London. Remember the scripture, "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 10:39)

I am so grateful for the way I have been accepted in the UK.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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