Happy to be Free

I love writing this blog. I have found it to be a great outlet for me -- another way to express myself. I try to keep most of my entries light, as I describe our family life, and love doing it. It has been a good way to help me see the comical side of life, when life gets stressful. And, most of my entries will continue to do so. However, I have to write what I feel, and what I have felt this week since the election is great hope, yet great sadness. So, this entry may not be as light as my others, but it is sincere, and from within.

I will be the first to admit I did not support Barack Obama. After receiving quite an extensive email from a member of my husband's family of why he supports him, and why everyone else should, his family received a brief synopsis of why I did not support him. Yet, election night came, and it was pretty apparent who was going to be the winner. I was disappointed because he was not my choice, yet as I watched the faces of those who supported him, specifically African-Americans, I was sincerely touched. I came to realize that while I do not agree with most of his policies, I can see that maybe he is the right person to help our country finally get past the horrible racism we have endured. I could see hope and amazement in their faces, and I was truly touched by that. I truly do feel the Lord has directed all that has happened, for whatever the reason. So, while I still do not agree with Obama, I do support him and am hopeful that he can make some headway where Bush could not. I am very much an optimist that way, and believe, once again, that the Lord knows what needs to happen. I trust Him.

Then came the news of the Proposition 8 in California. I was so proud of my own brother and sister and their families for all the time, money, and trust they have given in support of preserving the sanctity of marriage. Many times, as they stood on street corners, holding up signs, and getting sworn at, things tossed at them, yelled at, flipped off, etc, I'm sure they felt like giving up and asking themselves, "Is this truly worth it?". Yet, because they believed that President Monson is a prophet called of God at this particular time, and is a mouthpiece for the Lord himself, they heeded the call and fought. In spite of heavy persecution and the risk of losing friends, they fought to the bitter end. I was so proud of them, as well as each and every person in the state who fought. Many times, protesters would yell at them, saying, "Marriage is just a word. What difference does that make to you?". At one point, my brother did speak to a group of young people opposing the ban on gay marriage, and calmly told them it isn't just "a word". He calmy and plainly told them that marriage is truly a holy practice, instituted by God. It is a covenant between man, woman, and the Lord that we, and other religions, take very seriously. At the end of their discussion, these young people still did not agree, but at least were listening and were able to be a little more respectful. How wonderful the Spirit is.

Then came the news of the protesting at the temples and churches after the proposition was passed. This has truly saddened me. I have served an LDS mission. One of our greatest investigators was a lesbian woman. She read the Book of Mormon and admitted she felt the Spirit as she read. As we met with her and partner, I was absolutely heartbroken when they asked the question if we accepted gay marriage into our church, and we answered no. They were, as well. We made sure they understood why, but it was difficult for all of us to realize we had reached a crossroads. We could no longer teach them, and they could no longer continue to investigate, as gay marriage was a huge deal to them, understandably. I remember questioning the Lord that night, wishing there was something more that we could say or do. The answer was, "Love them. No matter what, love them". I have truly taken that to heart. I have had many gay friends and co-workers over the years. I have never made any secret of what I believe, nor have they. Yet, we still have had mutual respect and admiration for each other. I am so sad to see even church members splintering off as they are now, over this issue. I have shed many tears, as close friends are taking one side or the other. Yet, the answer is still the same. "Love them".

This one issue, alone, seems to be separating out those who profess to believe in Christ and His church, and those who really do, and will walk through fire in order to show that love and dedication to Him. As we used to tell investigators while serving my mission: It's either all true or it isn't. There is no half way. Either Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ, or he didn't. If he did, then having a living prophet on the earth that receives guidance directly from the Lord, even when it is not popular with the world, is true -- or it isn't. Every person in this world can have their own witness about it -- all it takes is humility, prayer, and a small amount of faith that He will give you the answer you seek. I know this is true. I continue to hope and pray for this great country. It is still the greatest country in the world, where we are each free to share our thoughts and opinions. I hope that we can find a way to live in the world, but not be wordly. To show our love to all human beings, while still staying true to the Lord.

God bless America!