loving our neighbors

I love blogs. After scanning over a few of my favorites this morning (namely, this one, Justyn & Jeff's, Cakewrecks.com, and mylifeisaverage), I was looking for another one that my friend Maria told me I would like. I couldn't remember the name--just that it had something to do with a family in utah. So I googled it. I couldn't find the blog, but the first hit that popped up was a blog where people who are moving can find out about a certain area before they move there. The question: "We are non-LDS and are moving to Utah. What will our experience be like there?" Unfortunately, a majority of the responses teetered on the negative side. One in particular said, "If you aren't LDS and are moving to Utah, expect to be lonely. My family moved there, and we never felt welcome. Some families wouldn't even let their kids play with ours because we weren't Mormon."
In temple prep today we discussed covenants, and I reflected upon the sad experience that this family had in "Zion." At baptism we make promises to "mourn with those that mourn" and "comfort those that stand in need of comfort." What have we learned if not to love those around us? We have promised God that we will take care of his children. It made me reflect on how I treat the people on the "fringe." I have always admired the way Corrie loves unconditionally, and I think I could be a little better at inviting those who are a little different into my circle--regardless of their beliefs.