“My stirrings as a child were correct”

Julie BealBy: Julie Beal

My journey to plant-based eating started when I attended Brigham Young University at age 17. I was not a member of the Church at that time. Although I lived several states away, I was drawn there due to the clean living and purity I had noticed among new LDS friends I’d met while in a beauty pageant. Another contestant felt I had a happy glow and invited me to church!

I loved learning the Lord’s teachings at BYU. I was particularly proud of earning an A in my college Book of Mormon class, as it was all new to me. I had been intimidated by that class and tried really hard to do well. I was also a serious student of the gospel. Reading the New Testament on my own the previous year had prepared me for all I would later study in my quest for truth.

The knowledge I gained of the doctrine at that time has blessed me immensely through the years. As an investigator, I was able to take any doubt or concern that my family expressed and study it out, make inquiries, and then gain a testimony of all of the details prior to baptism. I respected my parents enough to do this, and it has given me an even greater foundation in my faith and beliefs.

I took the same approach to the beautiful latter-day revelation of Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, the Word of Wisdom, which is instruction from God for our health. I took the Word of Wisdom literally, believing it means what it states. I loved knowing that God is not some mythical, magical entity, but truly a loving Father in Heaven who teaches his children how to live in the happiest and most joyful way.

What a peaceful and gratifying relief it was to learn that my stirrings as a child were correct: we do not need a steady diet of meat or animal products to be healthy. That made me so happy! It contradicted what most claimed to be the “science” of the day, but I knew it was a revelation from a kind God who understands our bodies far better than any man; he created them, after all! He was making it clear how we should be eating. Our science, or the understanding of that science, seems to change frequently; his does not. It was a beautiful, profound discovery, and I had a testimony of it from the start

After reading the Word of Wisdom, it was a bit confusing to see meat being consumed so frequently by other Church members. I hadn’t expected that. I talked to local authorities, and most did believe they should be eating less meat than they were presently doing. The word “sparingly” was often used, or “eat meat sparingly” or even “moderation in all things,” which incorrectly implies we need meat or must eat meat regularly. This did not ring true to me, but I did accept it and ate meat sparingly. Was the mythical and magical God entering into the plan I had understood to be so plain and straightforward?

Fast forward a few years and I am raising a beautiful daughter, Sonnet-Hope, who also did not want to eat meat or dairy, even though it was part of our diet. She has been called a “child of the light,” and I believe that’s true. She was a little girl when we discussed this topic in response to her questioning. I remember telling her that there have been times in history or in various countries when meat was necessary, but it is not today. We live in a day where we get food from all over the world, and we can easily acquire the nutrients our bodies need. Talking to her about these truths felt inspired, as it taught me too. At age four she became a vegetarian and has never looked back.

At age 15, this daughter, who is a sensitive example of spiritual things, told me she was going vegan. I thought it would be difficult, even though we hardly ate any dairy at all! (Perhaps there was something trying to keep me from having greater light?) The exact opposite was true. It is a simple, wonderful path to be traveling. All along the way we have had concerned criticism by others who do not seem to take the time to study the Word of Wisdom. I’m so happy I did. Their questions have helped us to deepen our understanding and confirm what we know to be true.

My testimony has grown as I have prayed over this. What I have learned that strengthens me most is that the idea of “eating meat sparingly” is actually not complete! It is not all the Lord has stated. He was not finished with his sentence nor his thought at that point. Doctrine and Covenants 89 reads:

12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

He has given very specific instructions on the few times and desperate need that provide a better reason to considering eating animal flesh. In my life so far, I have not known famine, excess of hunger or true cold in our modern day, even while growing up in brutally chilly Minnesota. It is “pleasing” unto our Father in Heaven if we abstain from meat when not necessary. I want more than anything in this world to be doing all that will please Him.

It saddens me to realize that some may think I’m extreme or that this is a dangerous “gospel hobby” and that I am not following or falling in line as they understand things. It feels wonderful to be on this track. When we are ready for greater light, it will come! I hope everyone can search, ponder, and pray over this very important health principle.

As an unexpected and added blessing, I do believe the promised hidden treasures in D&C 89 have been opened to me. There is more clarity of thought and far greater happiness. My feelings soar when pondering the richness that has been added to my life, the greater understanding, and only because I am more fully living my beliefs! It is easy . . . so much easier and smoother than I ever thought it would be when I was still eating animal flesh or their fluids. I am so grateful to God for strengthening my faith and my health by giving us the Word of Wisdom.

Julie Beal lives in Denver, Colorado and works as a medical editor. She rescues animals and is a former court reporter, model, and flight attendant. She is the mother of an angel daughter, and is single (and looking ;-)!

Comments

  1. I’m especially touched by stories of people who go plant-based due to spiritual promptings, especially as they concern animals. I wish I had been as sensitive! It is only since I stopped eating animals that I’ve begun to sense how the Lord must feel toward these amazing creatures that share this world with us!

    You are a beautiful person, Julie! And Sonnet-Hope is truly a “child of the light.” Thanks for sharing your story!

  2. I find it instructive that the Lord ordains the use of all wholesome plants and enjoins us to use them prudently or wisely and with thanksgiving. In doing so He seems to be encouraging the use of our agency in looking after our bodies and making healthy decisions. However, though He ordains the flesh of animals for our use, He doesn’t give us the same latitude given for plants, but clearly states they are to be used sparingly and only under rather severe conditions. That He also requires us to eat animal flesh with thanksgiving makes me think He is teaching us to direct our gratitude to the animals who are willing to sacrifice their lives to preserve ours in those severe conditions.

  3. Julie, I’m very grateful that an LDS contestant at the Beauty Pageant you attended invited you to attend Church with her because she saw that you had a happy glow about you! You appear to have really been prepared by your parents without their perhaps knowing what they were actually doing as they raised you to become such a spiritually inclined person and also surely you were being guided by the unseen hand of the Lord Jesus Christ in bringing about your eventually becoming a member of His Church!

    I’m glad you received an “A” in your Book of Mormon Class at BYU even before you had joined His Church! I’m glad the Lord prepared you for learning about the Book of Mormon and that you almost intuitively knew that precious book is true! I’m grateful that you easily learned what Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants really teaches us about how we each should eat regardless of the fact that so many active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints don’t fully comprehend what the Lord really teaches us in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, verses 10 through 21 about eating His way.

    I’m sure the Lord is going to continue leading you by His unseen hand forward until the day when you will have met your future eternal companion which will be a great blessing to both you and your “angel daughter” and perhaps even additional children.

    • Hi Neil!

      Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. I’m sorry I’m only seeing this now! Someone has asked me how to go vegan and wanted to hear my story. I thought I would review it myself as written here. What a treat to see your comment!

      You have also done very well in the parenting department! I am so grateful for Jane’s work and continue to follow her closely on Facebook. She is a huge source of inspiration and further learning for me.

      Thank you so much for lifting me today. It means a lot!

  4. This is a fascinating and remarkable story. I congratulate you for following those prompts and your desire to do what is right; by not giving any importance about the not pleasant comments. Congratulations!

    Martin Rivera

  5. Thank you for sharing your story, Julie! It truly does feel wonderful to be on this vegan track! We are pioneers in modern days, leading forth with compassion and wisdom towards animals and our fellowmen. Heavenly Father is with us and we will fill the earth with His light and truth!

  6. Wonderful story Julie. Thank you for sharing. I identify with your confusion as you came to learn of the WofW. I still am amazed at how many Saints continue to ignore the clear guidelines of the WofW (including my own family!). It couldn’t be more obvious! And if we truly know The Lord created our bodies WHY don’t they accept it as truth vs. eccentricity.

  7. I really appreciated your article. I read the WoW as you do, with the sentences unfinished, as most LDS would rather follow the “Don’ts” of the Word than the “Do’s”. Perhaps most feel they are already giving up so much that they can’t bear to give up even more? Just speculating. Imagine how hard it would be to get converts if we ALSO told them they had to be vegetarian or vegan? Thoughts to ponder.

  8. Hi Julie,
    I had missed your story and so glad it came up here tonight. I have enjoyed your friendship on this web site and your responses to others.
    You are truly an amazing person. Thank you for sharing this, and I am glad I found it. I am a student of herbs, some years back, and have a Dr that treats me with nutritionals. I am not feeling like they are helping as much as herbs would, so I am going back to the books along with this way of eating. I struggle with being hungry a lot and mess up my intentions frequently, but have decided I am getting back on the train. I will be batch cooking tomorrow, thankfully, I have learned that much. I am learning about reading and re reading the messages that will help me most and the inspiration I am receiving. Thanks for a great story with your daughter included, wish mine felt that way. I have one daughter that loves to cook separate whatever she is feeding the family, and making it compliant for me. I have another daughter that helps people with diet along with her energy work, and includes meat in those advisories, and is mad that I won’t follow her way.
    Thank you again,
    Pat

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