I hesitated even typing this post because it is easier to numb my thoughts on social media instead of declaring my beliefs in a lengthy post that will permanently exist. But enough is enough. I felt I had to take a stand, even if that stand is an obscure blog post, one voice does make a difference. The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is a religion that circulates around love. As members in the church we are taught to stand by our leaders while showing love to all. This last week an announcement was made regarding a policy change, updating what determines someone as Apostate. This policy change upset a great number of people both members of the church and not, despite the fact that the LDS church holds a firm and clear stance on gay marriage. The day this policy change was announced, social media outlets everywhere erupted, at least, on my phone they did. Hate, confusion and grief was spewing from every end of the spectrum. People kept asking "Why?!" Time and time again they demanded to know why this change was made. Disgusting remarks about the church kept spitting onto my news-feed. My answer to all of this is, sometimes, we need to have faith. I realize that the answer of "put complete faith in God" may confuse and even anger some of you, but as a flawed human being who has endured great trials I testify to you that faith in God will reap more rewards than faith in humanity. "Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been." Mormon 9:31
Some of you out there simply want to know why this has happened, but some of you seek to strike down anyone who doesn't share your beliefs. To those I say, when Christ was on the Earth he interacted with, taught and healed people of all classes and backgrounds while standing firm in his beliefs. I try to follow his example in that I love all but remain true to His gospel. To those who are simply confused I encourage you to go to LDS.org and read the First Presidency's statement, as it clarifies a lot about what restrictions will be made. The letter states, "Revealed doctrine is clear that families are eternal in nature and purpose. We are obligated to act with that perspective for the welfare of both adults and children. The newly added handbook provisions affirm that adults who choose to enter into a same-gender marriage or similar relationship commit sin that warrants a Church disciplinary council."
I may just be one person on the Internet, but, a dark room that is lit with a single candle is quite powerful. Gods love is real. I felt it when waking up from my spinal fusion in excruciating pain, I felt it when I was rejected and tormented by people in school, I felt it when I had no one else who understood my pain, and I feel it now as I endure through my anxiety. Heavenly Fathers love has no filter, but humanity's love sure does. Love is mentioned 57 times in the Book Of Mormon while Hate is mentioned only 8 times. Let's all try to be more like our Heavenly Father and have filterless love. 2 Nephi 31:20 "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, end endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."
Some of you out there simply want to know why this has happened, but some of you seek to strike down anyone who doesn't share your beliefs. To those I say, when Christ was on the Earth he interacted with, taught and healed people of all classes and backgrounds while standing firm in his beliefs. I try to follow his example in that I love all but remain true to His gospel. To those who are simply confused I encourage you to go to LDS.org and read the First Presidency's statement, as it clarifies a lot about what restrictions will be made. The letter states, "Revealed doctrine is clear that families are eternal in nature and purpose. We are obligated to act with that perspective for the welfare of both adults and children. The newly added handbook provisions affirm that adults who choose to enter into a same-gender marriage or similar relationship commit sin that warrants a Church disciplinary council."
I may just be one person on the Internet, but, a dark room that is lit with a single candle is quite powerful. Gods love is real. I felt it when waking up from my spinal fusion in excruciating pain, I felt it when I was rejected and tormented by people in school, I felt it when I had no one else who understood my pain, and I feel it now as I endure through my anxiety. Heavenly Fathers love has no filter, but humanity's love sure does. Love is mentioned 57 times in the Book Of Mormon while Hate is mentioned only 8 times. Let's all try to be more like our Heavenly Father and have filterless love. 2 Nephi 31:20 "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, end endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."