“God has given me the heart to be a voice for his animal creations”

By: Sarah Rayner Hancock

I took interest in becoming vegetarian around age 17 when I began to recognize the suffering of God’s creatures here on earth. I was vegetarian for some time, then I fell back into eating meat for several years, though I had lost my appetite for beef. That tends to happen when you cut meat from your meals. Eventually, I became pescatarian with efforts to ditch dairy from my diet. The traditional Christmas and Thanksgiving family dinners were events I didn’t want to make difficult for others who were cooking, so I often just ate foods even if they contained dairy. As I became far more educated on the practices in the factory farming industry and its devastating effects on our health, planet and its animals, I chose a plant-based diet.

It was not always easy during these years of transition. I was raised a meat eater and had to learn how to cook again and appreciate new flavors and tastes. I was accustomed to and craved cheese, for example, not realizing how dependent I had become on it for nearly every lunch and dinner meal. I learned that cheese contains casomorphins, a morphine-like compound derived from the protein casein, which is found in a mother cow’s milk at far higher levels than is found in human breast milk. This is the very reason I craved more cheese on top of my cheese, haha! Milk is designed to keep babies, both human and non-human, coming back to their mothers for what is God’s intended purpose, which is to provide the very best formulae for them in their infant stage. With this knowledge, I felt more empowered than ever to ditch dairy.

Eventually, my love for the welfare of animals set so deep in my heart that compassion was of more worth to me than the taste of meat. I figured that if Eden was plant-based, I have no doubt that Zion will be too, and are we not to become a Zion people? Even Isaiah (11:6) saw that the wolf and lamb will lie together and a child shall lead them.

Somewhere along my journey, I don’t recall exactly when, I became aware that the Word of Wisdom seemed to imply a plant-based diet. Or did it? Why was I somewhat confused? Was it tradition that caused me to question? I believe so. Upon further study, there is no denying. The Word of Wisdom is plain and clear that animals are to be used, “sparingly” and “ONLY in times of winter, cold and famine.” However, why during cold and winter times and not summer? What did that mean exactly? “…And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used” (D&C 89:13). WOW! Now as an animal advocate, no more beautiful a word can be said than when your God himself says such a thing as this!

I thought to myself, “Surely there must be other Latter-day Saints who are seeing and reading and pondering what I am through their own personal studies!” I began a google search, “LDS and the Word of Wisdom” which soon linked me to a few revealing articles but more particularly to Latter-day Saint author Jane Birch’s website. Upon reading her understanding of the Word of Wisdom, I was filled with overwhelming joy. It brought me to tears to know that amongst my Latter-day Saint brothers and sisters there are indeed those such as Jane who are recognizing in some way the beautiful treasures of knowledge of the Word of Wisdom in what I believe is its truer fullness. I give credit to Jane Birch for her understanding that has helped me to prayerfully know that these teaching are correct and has helped to answer questions such as what “cold, winter and famine” really means. It means in times of absolute necessity! God is good. Praise God. He loves his creatures.

I think it is important that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we recognize the Word of Wisdom is the word of God. We are asked by our leaders to study God’s word for reasons that will not only help us become more Christ-like but to gain access to knowledge that Heavenly Father desires us to obtain. Our personal progression through faithful prayer and study is vital. This promise of obtaining further knowledge is found in D&C 89:19, “wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.”

With the Word of Wisdom to back me up fully, my diet is now completely plant-based as of three years ago, and I will stick to it for life. Prior to going totally plant-based, I would be guaranteed the flu during winter season, which would last 2-3 weeks. The first winter after going plant-based, I had the flu, but it only lasted three days. Since then my body has been strong enough to beat flu season each year to date. I know this may not always be the case and certainly is not the case for all who live this lifestyle, however I credit my better health to plant-based foods.

I am glad to say that my husband has a true understanding and appreciation of the Word of Wisdom and also lives a plant-based lifestyle. His main reason for having changed to a plant-based diet is due to D&C 89:4 which talks of conspiring men. Through our own personal studies we have come to understand who some of these conspiring individuals or corporations and government agencies are. He no longer suffers from feeling bloated and in pain after meals, no more acid reflux, and his weight dropped about 20 lbs. He says he feels better than ever!

My journey has led me to a knowledge of the incredible health benefits a plant-based diet brings to the people. It is amazing to see knowledgeable doctors who understand that chronic illness can be prevented and in many cases cured by the power of plants. The cure is in the food. GOD put it there!

I am grateful God has given me the heart to be a voice for his animal creations. I’ve been led on a journey of advocacy against the entertainment, fur, and animal experimentation industries. Unfortunately for some of my dear animal friends, it took me some time to gain insight into an understanding about the meat and dairy industry. I eventually recognized the abuse and exploitation done to these beautiful and innocent souls. I’m grateful to do my part now.

Sarah Rayner Hancock (in her 30’s) grew up in Canada and now lives in Michigan. She is married with a stepson, Reese. Sarah is an animal activist and an advocate for the health of the public and the environment. She enjoys learning the word of God through personal study. She is also a nature lover and a singer.