I belong...

It makes me so sad these days to get on facebook, which is usually such a happy place of excitement and sharing, only to find so much hatred.

There is so much controversy going around about the LDS church the last few years and most of it stems from the views on gay marriage and homosexuality. I have been hesitant to even join in on the topic and giving out my opinions and beliefs on the matter just because it brings out so many arguments between friends. I would consider myself to be an anti-confrontational person so that is why I have avoided it thus far.

Well I decided I need to give my 2 cents on it. For my own personal reasons-not to start a fight or anything- so if anyone wants to fight about it-go somewhere else please.

This new talk that was given by President Packer at this past conference has abviously stirred up some tension between the church and the people of the world. And it has caused me to reflect on my own beliefs and testimony of the gospel. I would never claim to be a perfect member of the church, I am not always able to go to church, I struggle with some of the members that I know, and in some of the ways that I act in what I do or say, does not always reflect what a good member should be. I am human. I make mistakes. But the only thing I can say is that I am trying. And that is all that my Heavenly Father requires of me. I am definitely going to try and better after reflecting so much on it lately.

I understand why people are upset with Elder Packers talk. Any time that a persons belief system or lifestyle feels threatened- there is cause to get defensive. What I don't understand is when people get online and start Mormon-bashing. What does that accomplish? They are entitled to say it- I know- but really? bashing? is that really necessary?? That's just how I feel though I guess.

These are merely MY thoughts and opinions.

Last time I checked- we are all citizens of a free nation and Elder Packer, along with the LDS members, and everyone else in this country, have the freedom to say whatever they want, whether it be on a street corner or a religious world-wide broadcast. Everyone is quoting the constitution and saying how they should have the right to choose to be gay and how they have a right to protest. Which everything they say is true. no doubt about it. but what about the other side of it? Are we, as mormons, not afforded the same rights and priveledges? You are free to be homosexual if you want to. Elder Packer can't tell you what to do. Just because he said it- doesn't mean people have to live it if they don't want to. He is a leader of ONE church. If you don't like it-then don't listen to him. simple as that.

And another thing people keep bringing up is the whole concept that mormons are infringing on other peoples rights by voting a certain way. i.e. Prop 8 (just an example). So let me get this straight....  if I'm not mormon and I vote against it-then it's ok-because I have the freedom to vote how I want to and am allowed to have my own opinion in the way I vote. But, if I'm a mormon, and I vote against it- then i'm infringing on peoples rights.... what about my right to vote how I want to? regardless of my religious affiliation. I am allowed to oppose gay marriage if I so choose. That's why we have the judicial system that we have... if there was a law saying people could freely kill each other-I'd vote against that too. If there were laws passed saying you could marry a tree- I'd vote against that too. If there were laws saying you can't stand on your head... well I don't think I'd care about that too much.... but if I wanted to vote against it- for whatever reason I want to think of- then I will. That is my right!

It just bothers me that the "freedom" argument in this case seems so one-sided. Mormons have the same rights as everyone else and we are free to do,say,think,vote,believe etc. in any way that we see fit just the same as everyone else. If you want to vote a certain way-then go for it! and I will do the same.

I'm not comparing being gay to killing people, or marrying a tree-I should clarify. I have friends who are gay and I love them just the same as my straight friends. I can "love the sinner and hate the sin" per say. I also have ALOT of friends who don't live a lifestyle that coinsides with the churches teachings- and that's ok too. I don't treat them any differently and I don't look down on them in any way. That is their right to choose how to live and what to believe and I commend them for doing so. I will live by the teaching that I want to and everyone else should do the same. And I hope that we can all just be happy and be friends along with our differences.

The whole arguement has brought up many thoughts in my head (because that's where thoughts happen :) and the reason it has caused me to reflect so much isn't because I am doubting my testimony or the church. The reason is because so many of our churches members have also joined the "bash elder packer" bandwagon. (I use the term "bashing" lightly for lack of a better description) They are siding with (what we as mormons refer to as) the oppostion. Thats all good and dandy, they have the freedom to choose, as I stated before- but one has seriously stuck with me after discussing it with my cousin over lunch. Everyone is saying-put yourself in someone else's shoes- what if you were a gay mormon?

 I can't imagine how hard that would truly be- so I don't know. but I'm kinda thinking of it from a different angle.

Let's (as Memeber) put ourselves in Elder Packers shoes. How would you feel in this situation?

being a leader of our church-ordained by God, praying and fasting to write your conference talk in such a way that it would be pleasing to the Lord and that reflected what He wanted you to say, You write the talk months in advance to have it read over by the prophet so that everyone is on the same page and that everyone prays, feels, and believes that it truly comes from God. You deliver your talk, knowing what is coming for you the next day after it is delivered. Opposition, hatred, thousands upon thousands of letters telling you how horrible you are and how the church is wrong. You know it is right, you know you have to do it. Then, upon delivering your message, you have not only the opposition against you- but the churches members as well. How would you feel being an apostle of the Lord, and having the members of the church-fellow children of God's church, oppose you as well. I don't know about you- but I couldn't handle it. My shoulders could not bear the burden. He can take it though- he is strong and has the Lord on his side, Which is all that matters really. Satan is using this to weaken our testimony of our leaders. If you don't follow the leaders then who are you following?

We all know that Elder Packer is not at home crying over it like I would be- and he isn't about to come out with a retraction statement. Not. Going. To. Happen! We all know it. But I think it serves as a strong lesson to us as members- to stand by our leaders. Follow the prophets and appostles. And listen to their counsel and teachings. My own interpretation of his talk is probably different than everyone elses. But I believe his talk held the message of help, love, comfort, and forgiveness. Not of intolerance and hate like people are saying. My personal testimony has been strengthened by this whole experience to be honest. I have seriously reflected on who I would stand by in this matter.

I actually have 2 totally different opinions on the gay marriage/homosexual issue. I have a husband who is going into law enforcement and has a criminal justice degree. So I have be versed in the laws of our contry. and I am ENTIRELY a fan of our country and the constitution. I support what it says 100%. So when it comes to my constitutional standpoint- I am all for the freedom to do WHATEVER you want to! I don't believe we, as a people of this country, should be able to determine what other people can or can not do.

Sounds pretty conflicting with everything I just said before, right?

Well my religious standpoint on some matters happens to conflict sometimes with my political standpoint. :) If my religious leaders, who I believe are called of God, say something, whether in conference or anywhere else, then I am going to follow it. That is what I believe in and that is who I will side with on any matter- no matter what it is. I guess you could say I air on the side of caution. When it comes down to it- do I side with our country? or with my God? yeah.... I think I'll go with God. When I'm standing at the gates- waiting for my judgement to be passed- I want to be able to say that I followed the prophet and what he told me to do-because that is what I believe to be right. Rather than having to give some lame explanation on how I was trying to be politically correct on everything.

Just the other night I was talking with my sister and brothers about this very topic, and I mentioned- why us? why is everyone picking on the LDS church? Catholics, muslims, budhists, other christians, etc etc. all oppose some of the same things that we do. Why doesn't everyone go pick on someone else for a change. And my sister gave me some good insight on it. It's because they can't take it. We have broad shoulders, we have the Lord on our side- so bring it on Satan!! we are ready and waiting and we can take anything he dishes out. With the TRUTH-comes the strongest opposition.

So...... Sorry so longwinded. I feel much better now though.

Just want to say, that I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I believe it is the one, true, living church on the earth today. I believe that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God and he lead our church today in a manner that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father. I believe that all the apostles and leaders of our church are ordained of God and I will support them 100% in all they do, say, and teach. I know Jesus Christ died for us on the cross so that we may be saved. Bring it on Satan- I am prepared for the fight and I am willing to stand for what I believe to be true.

 I am PROUD to belong.