I have felt compelled many times , too many to count to sit and write this. I have struggled with this because I do not wish to cause contention, or negative feelings. But this must be said.
I want to start this article out with a scripture that has been resonating in my mind, my soul ever since the new Latter Day Saint Church announced the new policy concerning children of same sex couples.
"For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?" (Mormon 9:9)
Is it really a surprise that the Church has placed same sex marriage in the apostasy category? I will admit that when I heard that they had placed in the policy that the children had to wait tell the age of 18 I did question it, even though part of me understood it, even though I did not know why. But then as I have done my research I have come to realize why I did not jump to anger or hostility. I understand why they have made this policy.
Imagine this: You are are 8 years old, one or both of your parents are in same sex relationship(s). You have made a sacred covenant with the Lord into the LDS church. You have been baptized, you go every Sunday and sit in a class full of other children. And as you are taught about the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the LDS religion. You discover that your parent(s) are considered to be living in sin. They are un worthy to enter into the Temple. And the life they live is opposed to the covenants you made with the Lord. You then go home and are taught by your parent(s) that same sex marraige is ok. Its not a sin, and its alright. And that the church is wrong.
How would you feel? What would you think? Place yourself in the position of a child who is told 2 different things. Which are they to believe? Who are they to trust?
Ask yourself why you would place a child in that position, to choose between their baptism covenants and their parents.
I understand why the church placed this in the policy. We are really big on the family foundation. We believe that families can be together forever. So why would we want to divide a family home? This is not only for children with parents in same sex marriages. This applies to Polygamist's , and to Muslims as well. This is not an act of hostility but an act of love. And if you do not believe what I have written. If you do not believe the words of our Church leaders. That is your decision. But I will testify to you and to the world that it is so.
If you have not yet had the chance to hear from the LDS church's leaders on why they placed this in the policy go to this link, and watch as Elder Christofferson is interviewed. http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/handbook-changes-same-sex-marriages-elder-christofferson?HP_FR_11-6-2015_dPAD_fCNWS_xLIDyL1-A_
With that said, I want to go and reflect on the scripture above.
"For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?" (Mormon 9:9)
This article is not to focus on the new policy. It is only what inspired my thoughts. Do you believe in God? Do you believe in a higher power of some kind? What ever religion you are, do you believe that there is some one, something bigger then us all that created this world? Created us , and everything here? Well if you do then why do we try to change him? Would you tell your teacher in a class room that 2+2=10?? Would you argue with him that 2+2=10 when he tell you the answer is 4? Truly is it not common sense? Do you really believe that you know more then he? Did he not create you? Did he not create this world? Why do we try and take his simple commandments and try to change them? Why do we tell him " Lord, I know this is a sin to you, but everyone is doing it so you must be mistaken"? And I am not just talking about same sex relationships here. I am talking about it all. There are too many people who come to church every Sunday. They partake of the sacrament. They renew those sacred covenants only to go the next day and knowingly break them. My heart breaks into so many shards for those individuals. My heart shatters for all those who do not truly understand the Lord when the answers are there in front of them. I love everyone I meet in life. I love my enemies my friends. I have tried to hold grudges, but when they are in need or hurt I am one of the first to give them a helping hand. And yes it has stabbed me in the back plenty. But I will not change how much I love you all. Even if I do not know you. And that is why my heart shatters for all of you who happen to look the Lord in the face and tell him you know better. Because my brothers, and my sisters we know nothing compared to him. We know very little. Even if we were to learn all that his world has to offer we will not have all the knowledge that he has. So why do we think we know better? Why do we believe that if it is popular is right, even if the Lord says no?
I do not understand why people will walk away from the Lord, when he tells them no. I do not understand why his simple doctrine is looked at as difficult and hard.
Yes living in this sin filled world is hard. Yes it is hard to watch as wrong is made into right and right into wrong. But no it is not hard for me to say "no". It is not hard for me to walk away from a crowd that is shady. It is not hard for me to say no to alcohol, drugs and extra. And no not because I am religious. No not because my church is against these things. But because why would I partake in something that will cause damage to me. Why would I allow myself to become a slave to a worldly item. I am happy having no addictions driving my life.
