Thursday, March 28, 2013

My two cents: Marriage Equality

So it's been awhile again. I have been so smitten with my little and quickly growing munchkin that writing a blog has been my last priority. I have a few minutes today, and feel that I want to weigh in on how I view our current civil right fight for marriage equality. First off, I am pretty sure everyone reading this knows where I stand, but if for some reason you don't let me just say the I am a great advocate for equal rights across the board. With that said, here are my two cents:

Here we are talking about people, like REAL human beings. My heart is broken at the lack of acceptance toward the LGBT community. We are all equal in God's eyes contrary to the beliefs of many. I have heard so many different angles on this subject, and none of which hold much weight for me. Everything I hear, though it may be intelligently delivered and articulated, summarizes itself to " we don't want the government involved in our affairs, BUT WAIT government do something about this because I don't agree with it!" I think the bottom line is that we live in a country full of greed and personal agendas. That's what makes us free, but how about using some logic when "picking your battles". More so, what do you really care? Your church doesn't have to marry same sex couples, isn't that the basis of your argument? That marriage is between a man and a woman? How does it affect you if another church, or the courthouse, or someone who jumped online to get ordained marries a same sex couple? Really, why are you even making this your business? Why do you care? I wish people would just ask themselves that question and then give me an answer that has depth and weight and coincides with separation of church and state by the way. Not that I will be swayed, because I do truly believe that God loves us all and created us in his image. Not one of us are the same.

Additionally, for those who think that being gay is a choice. I am going to assume you don't have relationships with homosexuals. Well let me not assume as you very well may. You may have grown up with a family member just as I did. However, if you do have the experience of a brother/sister/etc. being gay, and were with them your whole life how could you not believe that they are born that way? Or to say that they can choose to act on it? Would you chose to be with someone who you had absolutely 0 feelings or attraction for, and honestly think that this is what God wants for you? To be miserable and not experience true love as many of us do when we find our true love? Is t not obvious to children when there is no love in their home? They pick up on this. Just as they pick up on love being present. Parents are the first teachers when children are learning HOW to love. They don't teach you WHO to love (well not a good parent at least).

I do feel peace in all of this as I know when my daughter is old enough to understand, that this will all be history-- maybe she will even be the flower girl in her Uncles wedding, but sadly it's probably safer to say she will be a bridesmaid. Either way, her home and sanctuary will be one that teaches true love of all mankind. That she does not have to agree with everyone and the only decisions that she needs to be concerned with are the ones that concern her own personal character.

I just need to give a quick "shout out" to my parents. They raised all 5 of us to follow our hearts and to be independent-- not to be followers. They are parents of a homosexual son, and they are his greatest supporter regardless of their faith, maybe even because of their faith. They are true examples of the religion they practice as they reflect the true spirit of loving everyone as God's children and they take seriously the fact that we do not judge one another, that is between the individual and God (Heavenly Father).  My brothers,  the grandkids, and myself are so fortunate to have such great teachers and guides.


One more thing that I thought was cool. A true feminist is not one who stands for only women's rights, but for equal rights for everyone. My friend Erin shared that with me and I love it!

So that is SOME of my take. I am not going to proofread since I need to get my workout in while little one is napping. Sorry in advance for typos and grammatical errors!!

One love.

2 comments:

  1. Great post, Lady!! You know that I wholeheartedly agree with everything you wrote. I just have a quick random question about Mormonism and homosexuality and I figured it best to come straight to the source, rather than speculate as to what I read :)

    I recently read that the Mormon church changed their stance on homosexuality to say that homosexuality is not a sin, but acting on it is. I took that it's okay to be gay just so long as you aren't having gay sex.

    Anyway, mostly out of curiosity, I just wanted to see how you reconcile those two things? Or set me straight if I am wrong. You can email me if you'd rather not respond on your blog.

    xoxo

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    1. Hey love! I honestly can't answer that for you as I am not really equipped with those facts. However, I would love clarification or perspective from my parents or friends that practice regarding this. I definitely am of the mindset towards all religions that you have to look for what you believe, and agree to disagree on other issues.

      My main "gripe" is that there is not a separation of church and state, or government for that matter. If I were to take a stance on what you mentioned, I would have to reference above concerning what I believe in my heart of hearts to be that being gay is not a choice. Telling someone not to "act on it" makes it sound like an ailment or disease, where I see it as part of someone's makeup.. Kind of like I am 5'2 and there is nothing I can do about it. What I do know and feel confident saying is that the church does not believe in pre-marital sex, so gay or not It is not within the value system.

      I know this didn't help you much and I honestly wish I had a better answer.

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