Are you ready to join the ranks?

I was moved during this week's readings by this statement from Elder Russell M. Nelson. "The day is gone when you can be a quiet and comfortable Christian. Your religion is not just about showing up for church on Sunday. It is about showing up as a true disciple from Sunday morning through Saturday night—24/7! There is no such thing as a “part-time” disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus invited anyone who wants to be His disciple to take up His cross and follow Him. Are you ready to join the ranks? Or will you be ashamed of the gospel? Will you be ashamed of your Lord and His plan?  Will you yield to voices of those who would have you join them on the popular side of contemporary history?

When I take a step back and see how the world has changed it's view and position on what marriage is, and what is good for families and societies I am amazed at how quickly things have changed. I remember like it was yesterday in 1995 when President Gordon B. Hinckley first presented The Family A Proclamation to the World in a General Women's Meeting broadcast. I remember thinking, well that was interesting but we all know those things, why does he feel like he needs to remind us in such an official way. Fast forward 20 years and look at where we have ended up! Not only is it a testimony to me in the power of following a prophet, seer and revelatory but also how quickly evil can seem good and good evil.

So how as Latter- Day Saints can we uphold our values and position on marriage, without being offensive to those that so not share our beliefs. How can we join the ranks? I think it starts with us. I think it starts with how we feel about and honor our own marriage vows. I think it starts with being the best parents we can be. It starts with living our beliefs in a way that no one can wonder where we stand. That being said we also have to be civil and understanding. I won't deny that reading some of these arguments, pull at my heart strings a little.I have know several gay couples that are outstanding citizens and friends. I don't have any ill feelings towards them even though they have chosen a different path.  I do think that same sex couples should be able to have civil unions. I do think that they should be able to act as next of kin for example and to be treated respectfully. However I think redefining marriage is not our right, it is ordained by God and must be protected.

One of my classmates suggested that marriage licenses no longer be issued for anyone. That all couples regardless of religion or sexual orientation be offered civil union license. Then those that believe in marriage being a God ordained institution could choose to be married in the religious institution of their choice. I thought this was an interesting idea. Although I stand firmly for traditional marriage, I believe that other's have the right to life and love in the way that they choose. My concern is that in changing the laws of marriage we are on a slippery slope of limiting religious freedom. In the 11th Article of Faith ( a list of 13 statements on the beliefs of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) it states " We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." In order for me to practice my faith as I believe I am obligated to offer that same right to those that believe differently. We must learn to live together in respect and consideration, agreeing to disagree if needed. 

As a Latter-Day Saint I am trying my best to live my life in a way that is authentic. I want those who know me, to know my beliefs by the way I live my life. When they hear my name I want them to acknowledge that I was a person who stood up for my faith, but also allowed other's to do the same. I want others to speak of me as someone who truly 'lived their religion" and 'practiced what I preached". I also want them to say that I loved others, and allowed other's to live in the way that they chose. That even thought I have strong opinions I was respectful, loving and kind to all. I have a long way to go to fully accomplish this but I am trying my best everyday.