October 12, 2010
I’m sad today. Sad because, while I would like to believe that life consists only of the things going on inside my little bubble, the truth is, the world is going mad (exaggeration? Maybe).
I read a little bit about the controversy regarding President Boyd K. Packer’s talk on homosexuality in general conference last weekend. To say the talk was about homosexuality is actually a misrepresentation. To say that he discussed it, and with divine boldness, would be more accurate.
I’m wondering now if I should have stayed away from the news headline “HRC Delivers Petition Against Mormon Leader Boyd Packer's Anti-Gay Message.” After all, it only dampened my spirit.
The truth is, I didn’t think twice about Elder Packer’s talk. I never dreamed it would stir up so much anger and opposition. Did it come as a shock to the world that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in families—in marriage between a man and woman, as God obviously intended it to be? Haven’t we already stood our ground in supporting proposition 8? Why the sudden bitterness now?
I guess it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change anything. The gap between what the Church believes and what the world believes is growing larger. More and more members are doubting their religion. Sad, isn’t it? And yet, this is how it is supposed to be. Increasing wickedness, confusion, the “very elect” deceived. I don’t want to be a part of the world’s mess, but I don’t have a choice, do I?
The truth is, I am IN this world. And as long as I am in it, I am affected by it. While we are told to be “in the world, but not of the world,” we can’t ignore the world. I try to. Every single day. Usually it’s pretty easy, but I’m starting to realize, it isn’t right—to stand on the sidelines with a “woe is me” attitude. I have a voice, and a choice to share it. So here it is; my voice. One small, insignificant voice among millions. A voice that may not make the slightest difference. But I have to try.
I endorse with all my heart the words of President Boyd K. Packer. It has very little to do with my political standing on homosexuality, and everything to do with the fact that I have a testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Part of that testimony is following the Prophet and his Apostles as they receive direction from a loving Heavenly Father and with that knowledge guide the people of the church.
If you have any reason to doubt their words, then pray about it. We are all entitled to our own personal revelation. Our leaders don’t ask us to follow blindly. I would go so far as to say they expect us to exercise faith and use our free agency. Ask God. It’s that simple.
So where do my beliefs come from? How do I know this so called church is true?
I’ve heard it before, the assumptions. “You were raised in the church, so that is all you know.” Or “You’ve been brainwashed.” are things I’ve heard. I’ll try to explain it my best.
I’ve lived it. I LIVE my religion every day. Everything in my life is a testimony to me of the reality of God, His son Jesus Christ, and the true gospel that He restored to earth for His children. I didn’t wake up one morning and decide to become a “Mormon.” I have prayed and studied the scriptures, and have LIVED what I’ve been taught through my study. I can’t think of a better way to figure out if something is true or not than to live it.
The world around me seems to be full of chaos and confusion. So much greed, hate, violence, and anger. So many reasons to doubt everything, even our very existence. The gospel is a message of peace. It is the perfect antidote to the wounds inflicted by the world. Don’t take my word for it, though. Find out for yourself.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30.)
That is my testimony. This is my voice.
8 comments:
Ya Preach it Sister! It is refreshing to read your thoughts, Amber. I read some of the news about the backlash against Pres Packer and its sad how others try to extrapolate his comments and infer hatred and violence when that had NOTHING to do with what he said. The gospel principles are founded on love and obedience that brings happiness. Just like you said.
This is a beautiful testimony. I am so proud of you and admire you so much! Way to use your voice for good.
So well said Amber! You are amazing! I feel 100% the same was and was honestly shocked at the responses of even member of the church regarding Pres. Packer's talk. I seriously might quote you, you said some things way better then I ever could. Thanks for sharing!
Well said! Love you...
Since that "we" includes all members, I suppose it includes me, which is where I am having a problem with this. I'm a member of this church. But I don't believe those things. And I did not support prop. 8. And I'm not the only one.
The gap between "the world" and the church isn't that large. There's really a lot of cross-over. But when the church and other members paint us all with the same brush, it makes people like me feel like WE are not included in that "we".
I believe in Christ, and I believe in same-sex marriage. And the only reason I am posting this is because it's my goal not to stay silent when people try to lump "us" all together any more. It's the only way I know to increase awareness that we don't all have to be the same to be members of the church. I think fewer members would be leaving if more people seemed to understand that.
I don't agree with President Packer's comments. But I still have a testimony, like you. You don't have to believe homosexuality is unnatural to believe in a living Christ. It's not just "the world" who disagrees, and it's not always evidence of wickedness in the world that people don't always agree. I don't agree with you, and I still love you. This one thing is not the foundation upon which this church is built, yet it has such power to divide us.
Three years of silence ruptured by the need to clarify; three unique friends expressing honest thought; three nights of self induced solitude; and the result? Emptiness. I really do feel empty, drained almost, but not like a soda pop or vessel. I feel empty in ability to communicate and redress. I am proud, foolish, often benign. I don't intend to hurt, but I always seem to. I try to share, but only take. I am…sorry, and hurt at the same time. I am sorry to taint the message of what Amber was trying to say, and I am sorry stain, again, the passion with which Alyssa stands.
I love how the Proclmation on the Family has stated it. "Gender is an essential characteristic of individul premortal, moratl, and eternal identity and purpose."
I've thought a lot about those words....identity & purpose. We were male or female before we came to earth, we still are now and we will continue to be eternally. Our gender makes a difference in our eteranl purpose.... think about it.
Also the quote from the same text..."All human beings--male and female--are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of Heavenly parents, and as such, each has a divine nature and destiny."
Then, "In the premortal realm...(we) accepted His(God's)plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately relalize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life."
For me, that explains it so simply and beautifully. God's plan...a way for His children to obtain physical bodies...why? to gain earthly experience and progress towards our devine destiny
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