I’m a Mormon, Ping-Pong King, and Making My Mother Proud

Paris Thomas had a hard childhood. See how this Mormon teen came to know peace, and why he doesn’t blame his circumstances, but believes they’ve made him a stronger person. Learn more at www.ComeUntoCh...
Paris Thomas believed that he was going to live and die in Tuskegee, Alabama. His brother died when he was only 18 years old, and when Paris was 6, his father was sent to prison. At this time he was homeless. His mother would do what she could to get food for them, but other than that, they had the clothes on their backs, each other, and a car. Eventually his mother found a job and they were able to get a home. When he was 14, two white guys came knocking at the door. Paris wasn’t interested in what they had to say, but they said, ""If you want to know if this is true then you need to ask God. So he did ask God if it was true, and he got a feeling of love, joy, and peace that he had never had before. It brought a clarity to his life and a belief that there is a plan for him. He likes to think that he is better than his circumstances and his circumstances have only made him a better person. Paris hopes to be an inspiration to those going through similar things. Paris has been homeless, has been a high school dropout, is now attending school, dominates at ping-pong, and is a Mormon.
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[@BrotherYarmoth]

Paris is one of my friends at college! He's totally rad! Served an honorable mission in the British isles. LOVE YOU MAN!

[@CalledtoShare]

What a great kid. We need more people like this in the world.

[@FuZergy]

I am not a Mormon, I will never be one but I have a lot of respect for these kinds of people...especially Paris Thomas.

[@MusicMormy16]

I am so grateful to know I am a member of this church. Before becoming active, my family (especially my mom and I) really struggled. Now we are more united and loving toward each other. I have always felt somewhat incomplete inside, not growing up with my dad at all, but this church taught me that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me unconditionally. I can go to Him anytime and He will always listen and comfort me. I love this church with all my heart and I don't know where I'd be without it.

[@cyvaquero]

I'm not of the LDS faith - not even religious, but I feel that any positive inspiration you can find in your life is a good thing - what ever it may be, if it speaks to you then accept it and grow with it. Shed the negative, embrace the positive and live a happy life. I am happy for you Paris, stay true to your path you will be an inspiration to others.

[@As0706026]

This was so inspirational, I can identify with everything Paris has been through, Thank you Heavenly Father for speaking to me through this young mans story.

[@theantihelen]

Paris, this is inspiring. Your story is a miracle, and it is so incredible to see you overcome your circumstances and to make something meaningful of your life. That takes courage, and that takes strength. God bless you, brother.

[@kbs1212]

I love being Mormon because I am taught to love everyone and to never judge.

[@2grace4me]

What an inspiring story Paris. We are here rooting for you Paris. Keep the faith and God will bless your life. There are so many people that have no idea where to find answers to their questions...like why we are here on earth...I am so thankful to a loving God that he gave those answers to you and that you are sharing what you have learned. You just have to ask in prayer and listen with your heart and he will answer. Good luck in school. God Bless you, Dawn

[@yellowyosh470]

Thank you so much! You will do incredible things in your life. You already have!

[@ComeUntoChrist]

Paris Thomas had a hard childhood. See how this Mormon teen came to know peace, and why he doesn't blame his circumstances, but believes they've made him a stronger person. Visit Paris' page at www.mormon.org/paris

[@shelleyblade]

What is to downvote about this? I am trying desperately to bring this kind of hope to kids in the inner city and the elevation that this young man experienced, rising above his circumstances as a result of a new love and trust in himself and God, is nothing short of a miracle. I am so lifted, myself, by his story. I am proud of him for sharing it. Thank you, Paris. God already has your eternal mate, he is preparing her, too. I will pray for you both! :)

[@lasvegashula]

Paris, You are the man! Thanks for sharing your life experience. Merry Christmas!

[@TheGuinever]

Hey, I wonder if someone just clicked dislike over and over because he's jealous of Paris Thomas ! Maybe Paris should say to the disliker that he's praying for him and hopes he'll come around. This is one of the best videos out there and this young man is a great inspiration ! Plus, folks, let's face it; he's a total hottie and the girls at church probably have a tough time leaving him alone. What I like is how he treats his MOM ! Yay for young men and women who treat their moms right !!!

[@alicetryggvason8621]

Love love to you and your family , many Blessings to you and loveons . Love from DK.

[@singyourownsong89]

I love what Paris says about the peace that he found. It is something that I find over and over again through the ups and downs of life when I remember to turn to God and to Jesus Christ. They truly know each of us individually, regardless of our personal beliefs, and they do love us. I am also a Mormon, and I am grateful for my relationship with Christ and the strength it gives me.

[@areeba8]

I'm not a Mormon, but I really like your story and your attitude. Good luck Paris!

[@Zenithteal]

man this is legit! its awesome to see someone come so far

[@MonacoBlast]

You're not a moron. Don't let anyone anywhere put that on you. You're a well spoken young man. You're more together than I will ever be. You've found your way even if it isn't mine. The one's that mock you, they're the morons, not you.

[@MFeriante]

I admire his optimism in the face of opposition.

[@AJMulv9878]

Your a pretty awesome guy Paris Thomas, you've been really blessed.

[@Mrsprettygirl98]

I am a Mormon. It does change your life. They feature these video's because people like me do care!

[@thymelapse]

Thank you for sharing this part of your life!

[@CallmeRogerRoger]

Why worry about it. It's a wonderful story about a young man's relationship with his mom and with God. I think it is wonderful! .

[@vonveezil2]

The Church is one of those things that if you go into it with an open mind and an open heart you can realize the truth in it. Being a Mormon is one the best decisions I've ever made. I was raised Catholic and fell away from church going on 40 years. Now I am at church every Sunday and the people are the best ..totally awesome. No hate speech or anti this or that junk. Just be good and live the commandments. Paris will have a much better life with the Gospel part of it. You go Paris.

[@andrewrobertwells]

This is a cool guy. It shows that anyone can be a Mormon and feel more peace in their life.

[@harveyheyder]

how could anyone dislike this, do not understand how some people can hate so much when someone is coming to Christ

[@karenadams7252]

What an inspiring story. Christ lives and loves us all! Thankful for that knowledge,

[@mfowkes9]

Great video! I really enjoyed it. Congrats for being happy Paris!

[@CrissyDuarte]

People try so hard to find something criticize about us. (: The point of the video is to show that a Mormon isn't just the typical stereotype. We are normal people that do normal things. That being a mormon isn't the ONLY thing that defines us. How I see it is crack open a book of mormon and understand us. Its good stuff! I think anyone can be happy just how they are mormon or not. However, I find comfort in reading the book of mormon, and the blessings I receive. (:

[@NessVlogMusic]

As an Athiest, there's a lot of negative things Im expected to say about thisvideo, but I'm not. If he found a religion that works for him and makes him happy, let him be! Live the Way that makes u happy and don't let anyone tell u otherwise!

[@deeblt]

You are a beautiful young man, Paris. I pray for you and your family and that your future is full of joy and Jesus Christ.

[@z3133009]

You're an inspiration! God bless you!

[@mauinatumanuvao4711]

Aww so sweet. Happy for you(:

[@brianjillrichards]

You da man Paris! I am so proud of you.

[@Joanne872]

I looked at ALL the different religions before I went to the LDS church and I went to the Jehovah's witness Kindom Hall for many years too. I was also determined to prove the mission guys wrong when they knocked at my door. I spent 7 months looking into the church before I even atteneded. We do not disrespect anyone because or their religion, colour, sexual preferences or anything, we are tolorent people and none of us are perfect either. Missions are not a right of passage and nor are they free

[@bryanchafino5224]

im proud to be a mormon

[@GenerationX1984]

@Bagginsoft You're exactly right. This is an inspirational story of faith whether you're religious or not. The fact that this vid has almost as many dislikes as likes is pretty messed up. Just comes to show that too many people are intolerant and ignorant.

[@davidglover9213]

Great story full of hope for everyone.

[@koria1119]

Paris! you are awesome. So many negative comments.. these videos were made so that people could understand who WE are as mormons and what we believe because the general population is SOOOO off in what they "think" we believe. these videos also strengthen member's testimonies as well. It's okay, Christ was killed and persecuted by his own, he took it for all of us because he loves us. and wants us to return to him, if he took one for us, we can take one for him too.

[@pweiss1983]

This kid is the man. His faith is his alone. Don't knock it till you try it.

[@bankshot1998]

Paris is a great friend he is serving in my ward at this moment he's funny and good At ping pong

[@sweething321]

I love this story.

[@SuperDerezzed]

well, a practicing mormon probably won't attend the kind of parties you're talking about, but if they do, they'd just enjoy the company of others, talking to and meeting new people.

[@BradRamsay]

I wanted to see him play ping pong! I hope you mormons are spending time doing good mormon things. I've never talked to a mormon missionary...

[@beaviii34]

i wanted to see his Ping-Pong domination to see how good he really is, I've been playing since I could hold a paddle and have gotten pretty good over the yrs., especially on my mission on p-days when I played in best-of tournaments, only lost once, so i'd like to see this guy's skills

[@Weegiez]

oh goodness, some of you people. y'all expect mormons to be the perfect kind of people because of their religion, and be completely nice 100% of the time. What you don't understand is that they're human, they have bad days just like everyone else, they get stressed just like everyone else. Next time y'all meet a mormon, don't judge them over one bad moment, instead get to know them, and you'll understand they're like you, except they do things with the guidance of the lord.

[@shmoopsy87]

Why so many thumbs down? Its just a young boy telling his story of how he's trying to make a better life for himself. He did't say anything to judge any of you! Either your against Mormonism, Christianity, or religion all together, OR your racist. Why are you watching this video? Do you get something out of judging others? Maybe you need to turn off your computer, go outside, and meet some new people different from yourself (spiritually and ethnically). Good Day :)

[@CarUnlockingDevice]

I cannot take you seriously when your name is Hydro Fusion Panda. That said, this is a touching story, regardless of how you view the LDS church.

[@ohkeydokeythen]

awe his mom is so cute!

[@gingerdurbin1412]

You can date my daughter when she gets home from her mission! She's in Bama, and you are darling!

[@CrissyDuarte]

To me each dislike represents people who are being exposed to the gospel through Paris' testimony of the gospel. Its good to know non mormons are watching this. Its his testimony. A wonderful one at that. (: He isn't say be mormon...or else. He is sharing his happiness. Mormon or whatever, hate is always bad. People will always criticize, it comes with the territory.

[@kowens0808]

Love this story! And hes on a mission right now in england!!!!! i leave on my mission in october to idaho!! great to watch this! LDS!!!

[@pmbeck23]

Reminds me of mission in Texas. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Wish I knew you so we could play ping pong.

[@masterdelrap]

IS NOT THAT HIS A MORMON IS THAT THE MORMONS SPEAKED THE WORD TO GOD TO PARIS AND MADE HIM CHANGE HIS LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL HOW OTHER PEOPLE CAN CHANGE OTHER PEOPLES LIFE WHICH IS BEAUTIFUL

[@huntrussell09]

Interesting. Jesus Christ and His gospel can change your life for the better. Obeying Him will give you His rewards.

[@MsSweetnessgirl]

Mormons is just another branch of Gods Church, shouldnt matter if your black, spanish, white, asain and so on. Last time I check God was the only one who can judge on any of us...... Plus its wonderful to hear from a young man like Paris Thomas and findin his bit of light from God.....More power to you beautiful soul and God Bless You Mr. Paris Thomas............

[@shadhom]

Interesting video, I'm a Christian but all ways open to listen to other views religiously and politically.

[@littlebeartoe]

I'm not a Mormon, but I have known many. They are good people. I don't know whether their church makes them so or the church attracts good people who need help. I suspect it's more the latter. But Paris Thomas speaks well for himself, his future, his mother, and his church.

[@ebonylv8]

My favorite one so far..

[@theartofplumbing]

Great story. Awsome you man

[@soultwister53]

how can any one not like this video ,when it deals with the reality of the real world,and the school of hard knocks,and that you have the power to change your status in life,just trust ,and beleive in god . through him all things are possible.

[@patnuku2183]

And Paris - you are a very dear friend to me way down here in New Zealand.

[@WhiteShadowk]

Why is there so much hate on videos like these? This guy is just telling us how much joy his religion brings to him. Don't judge him for that.

[@Tamara128891]

990 dislikes? man, people really hate to see how happy some are.

[@kobebryant417]

why all the dislikes? just because it's a religion that isn't common doesn't mean you hate on it? cmon guys grow up, don't let religion consume your humanity

[@CaliforniaJazzy]

Good for him!

[@AaronDoombringer]

You can be amazing and wonderful without god my man, what has made you triumph is not god, but your own heart. Keep shining!

[@WhiteShadowk]

Why is there so much hate on this video? This guy is just showing how happy his religion has made him. Why judge him for that?

[@cheesychongle]

@ArdenArtist I think the problem is that people are not content with seeing videos advertising religion on KZbin. As for myself, I was once a Christian but am now Agnostic. I am glad to see this man is enjoying himself and pursuing what he believes. I think the most important thing is standing up for what you believe in, regardless if you are right or wrong.

[@Kabsmitty]

What I don't understand is why people feel the need to be so spiteful. I'm a mormon but I believe there are good people all over, whether they're mormon or not. Just because someone isn't a mormon, doesn't mean I should dislike them. Why is it ok for someone to be so negative toward someone like me strictly based on my religion? Take the time to get to know me, and then make your judgements.

[@kakureru]

God waits for thee at the bottom of every lake and every ocean. To be with him and all his glory, go to him with faith that one does not need any earthly objects to be able to be received in his love. The faithful shall go and be in the loving embrace of God........

[@nflfabfonz]

@zXDeleriumXz no one hates Mormons, I even live in Salt Lake City and have a Mormon roommate. It's just it makes people uncomfortable when LDS church pushes their religion so hard.

[@ZeusAndKiller]

what the heck is with all the dislikes??

[@GregorySanonOfficial]

God Bless You.

[@SilviaKs]

is there video of him dominating ping pong?

[@BassBitz]

Why did this get so many dislikes? Is it because he's Mormon? What's wrong with being Mormon? Why don't people judge Catholics, or Baptists like they judge Mormons?

[@SuperDerezzed]

a mormon is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The word mormon is a nickname that comes from their belief in The Book of Mormon. Mormon is really the name of a prophet that lived in 600 AD who assisted in writing the Book of Mormon. Hope that helps. =)

[@KhristChild]

To bad Mormonism doesn't bring salvation.... but aside from that it's nice to see him happy.

[@bumpyjason]

how can 350 people dislike this? religion works for some people,for others it doesn't! but as long as religion helps some people change their life for the good then whats to dislike about it? whether there is a god or not, if religion is a set of rules for someone to live by for the good, then all power to them..

[@cfroi08]

PING MASTER MORMAN!?!?!?! dude thats epic wish I could say that about me. :/

[@MFeriante]

@beefygreenapples thanks for checking it out.

[@CrissyDuarte]

The present isn't horrible! The present is what defines our future! We are with god everyday in the world he created for us. Once again, you can't knock it if you have never even read the book of mormon. Its something that can only be experienced. The spirit is strong and undeniable. You can criticize as much as you want, but you can't change a persons faith or feelings. You can't feel the lords spirit if you constantly deny it.

[@Weegiez]

@TheRumgee god never hates anyone or anything, he will love you no matter what you do.

[@cavil0510]

I am not a mormon and don't agree with their teachings, but this story is nice.

[@nflfabfonz]

heyy 801..he lives in utah now! I thought he lives in Tuskegee? that backdrop doesn't look utah at all either! aha

[@cascadeorca]

I may not believe in god, but I'm glad it could have such a positive effect on this kid.

[@neckfacesupra]

@MachineAmbition there's a different kind of happiness that comes from following God. A kind of happiness you can't achieve without Him in your life.

[@P3WNAGE]

I'm kind of happy to see my religion do this kind of stuff. The thing is, I'm just kind of afraid of the various internet trolls out there who will possibly find this video. It's inevitable anyways, but I wish it weren't so. I feel happy for Paris though. He's got it made.

[@Gestotamoseke]

@panchitoduarte (cont) which is simply this - the experience of it - the experience of life - the experience of pain, joy, sacrifice, redemption, etc - You honestly think atheists don't have meaning? there is more meaning to a mortal life - then there could ever be to an immortal one - for one simple reason - This life is the only one i have to get it right. Therefore every decision, and every experience i have is so much more pure, and appreciated. Because this is all i've got.

[@KMartin730]

Loved your video Paris.....

[@rocaho001]

@ArdenArtist the ignorance of it is despicable. A religion doesn't bring you out of poverty, but dedication and strong will does.

[@pianoboypiano]

why are 363 people mad about this guys happiness?!?!? you should not hate on anybody because he is religious... its not like the video is trying to shove religion down your throat. and if you think so, THEN YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO WATCH IT!!!!!

[@CrissyDuarte]

@ArdenArtist People love to criticize everything! It's really sad. Yes, its because he is mormon. People feel if they can knock the mormons down thats one less thing to be insecure about. They figure, "if the mormons are wrong that makes me more confident in what I believe in". No matter what, we have to be nice about it. Its just sad when people always try to find something wrong with mormons with next to no facts. I probably shouldn't get offended but hey...I'm human, and I'm a Mormon.(:

[@brokedownsystem]

This guy's likeable.

[@Jcc553]

@12UltraMk its because we have made it that way, remember God gave us the power to choose and sometimes we make the wrong decisions. Disease and other natural things are just apart of life, why they are here i dont know. Maybe its to remind that God is all mighty so we should always keep him close to us to protect us. Theres just some things you cant change. So live your best life, go to church and keep God close to you, and you wont have that "something is messed up feeling" anymore. God bless

[@Gutbomber]

Even thou im a christian, every religion that doesnt promote killing and other bad things are good.

[@ArdenArtist]

I want those who are thumbing this down to explain to me what is so bad about this? Is it because he is Mormon? Or is it because you just have issues with seeing someone happy? Some one please reply and explain to me what is so wrong with this?

[@imCopacetic]

are people disliking because they dont agree with mormon? or what?

[@SBLAassassin]

@SJPEghost He was joking about giving out his number, He probably just pulled out something random. I could say, 543, but that doesn't make it my area code. And just because he's FROM somewhere, doesn't mean he lives there now.