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It's Snowing Down South

Back in the day when undergarments were to be always worn and never seen, my mother would use the euphemism “it’s snowing down south” to discreetly let me know that my white slip was hanging down below my hemline. Males might be told “your barn door is open” for a similar reason; these phrases were a ‘polite’ way to handle a delicate subject.

You may know that Mormons wear special undergarments all the time, which are meant to remind them of the sacred covenants they have made with their god. We might not have special underwear, but we do have covenants that we have made with one another, and once in a while it’s good to remind ourselves of what they are. It’s been a year since our installation service and celebration, and as this anniversary rolls around, I find myself doing a vows-check, to see how we’re doing on those promises we made. I want to see if it’s snowing down south...if our commitments are showing.

Here is a short re-cap of some of the covenants we made to each other:

  • To work hand in hand, in love, partnership, mutual respect and confidence
  • To share in a quest toward greater understanding as we strive to actualize our deepest values
  • To recognize the unlimited possibilities of love and forgiveness
  • To communicate opening and honestly, with compassion
  • To express ourselves fully with our gifts and resources
  • To provide for our children an environment that is both accessible and challenging, while faithfully affirming their worth and nurturing their curiously
  • To seek and honour the holiness in the midst of all life

These covenants are not goals that we can achieve and check off our list, but rather are promises that are always in process. We can never do them perfectly or all the time, but we can hold them up as a guide for our work together.

I see evidence of these commitments on a daily basis. I see you faithfully showing up to help to create this beloved community in myriad ways. I see you disappointed with one another, but forgiving and moving on. I see you struggling with your humanness as you confront behaviours in yourselves that you’d like to improve. I see you embracing our children and youth in the ‘group hug’ of the congregation, and enjoying the wonderful people that they are.

Every time you notice that someone’s commitments are showing, why not tell them? No need to be discreet. In today’s culture, when straps and lace and boxer shorts are part of what is seen, let’s show the undergarment of our covenant loud and clear. In other words, I want to say very plainly that IT IS SNOWING DOWN SOUTH!

Julie Stoneberg, Minister