The Wisers: Eternal Families

So there was some vast news in the media and The United States today. Monumental. Historic. The Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996. (DOMA) An act, as it is, a democratic president signed into law, which has now been disbanded. We all saw this coming. It’s no surprise. And for those that it will benefit, I first want to say congratulations. It’s a great day for you. I will not take that from you, and I will not lie. I am happy for you. But I don’t agree with it. Shhhh. I have an opinion just like anyone else, but it differs than most. Don’t condone me. That’s the beauty of this country. I get my opinion, you get yours. We can’t change that. I am not a terrible person for believing something different and that doesn’t mean I also can’t be happy for you. Marriage is a wonderful adventure and I hope all works out for you. But I don’t agree with it.

I have gay friends and family members that I love and support. I wish them the most happiness in their new future. And three weeks ago, I didn’t know what I believed. I didn’t know if everyone should have the opportunity to marry or if it should be man and wife. But I got my answer, like a punch in the face. It came and I couldn’t ignore it.

Now just before I get into defending my belief, please know, this is not a hate post, or an anti-gay marriage post. This is a religious belief, backed up with my testimony. Not political. Please don’t try to argue with me or start any debate. I just felt like I needed to get this out there, mainly for myself.

I was sitting in Sunday school a few Sundays back, semi listening, semi candy crushing it up. I have to say, our wards Sunday school is remarkable. I have been in a lot, and sometimes topics can get contentious, but mine is wonderful, and civil. They use documented scripture as all references, not book author quotes. We were discussing how to Be Valiant in the Fight of Faith. This was the title of a talk given by Elder Bruce R McConkie in 1974. Basically, the concept was fight for your faith. It’s not hard to pick that up from the title. But still, fighting for your faith is tough. Especially in today’s world. We have so many things fighting back, to tear down our faith it whatever it might be. One that I truly was struggling with was gay rights. I don’t hate, or think ill of those that chose to live that lifestyle. As I said before, I have many friends and family members that I love and support, but just because I love and support you, that doesn’t mean I agree with your choices. That’s where I was really struggling. How can I support them, but not agree with them? I couldn’t wrap my mind around that. But then when I really tried to find the source of my confusion, gay marriage kept popping into my mind. What would I do if I had to vote in this? I honest to goodness didn’t k now what I would do. Until this talk. We didn’t cover the entire talk, because the lesson wasn’t on the talk, it was used as a resource. But I was curious. In his talk, he had this wonderful quote.

“Now there neither are nor can be any neutrals in this war. Every member of the Church is on one side or the other.” (McConkie)

This was written 30+ years ago. So obviously he wasn’t speaking about gay marriage or gay rights, but he was talking about the world and the war against all that Satan brings into the world. So it helped me realize that there is no gray zone. I don’t support gay marriage. I support my family and friends though. I don’t believe it is right, but how am I, just a single woman in this world, to judge them for their own beliefs. I can’t. It’s not my place. But I don’t have to believe in their belief, just as you don’t have to believe in mine. It doesn’t make me a bad person. Nor you to believe or even live differently.

Then, this same talk had this in it.

“To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to take the Lord’s side on every issue. It is to vote as he would vote. It is to think what he thinks, to believe what he believes, to say what he would say and do what he would do in the same situation. It is to have the mind of Christ and be one with him as he is one with his Father.” (McConkie)

If I have a testimony at all, it’s one of Christ. So to be told that in order to be valiant in my testimony of him, I should take his side, I already knew my answer. His side is the side of eternal families. I should vote the way Christ would vote, which is to uphold the sacred bond of marriage between man and wife. No neutrality. My view is one sided.

I pulled up the The Family: A Proclamation to the World and ironically….Ha there is no irony in when new scripture is given, it was release one year before the original Defense of Marriage Act was even signed. The church was preparing us, even before the country defended marriage. Obviously they knew that this would come to be fought years in the future, and this document hold strong in my life.

The biggest aspect in the Proclamation that stood out to me was this paragraph.

” The Family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Presidency)

I am happy for those that can now be married. I don’t want to take anything away from you. It’s a great step for you and worldly, you have been granted something that you’ve strived for, for years. But my religion comes first, and I still hold that marriage between man and women is what matters. It’s eternal. That will never change. The gospel is solid, and that will never change. I love the gospel, and without a doubt, know now where I stand as far as my belief is concerned. I will vote as he would vote.