Ive always been nervous sharing my beliefs with people not of my faith. I cant stand confrontation. I get really nervous and I feel trapped if I cant answer a question or accusation. Lately I have felt that pressure because of the most recent election. No one has confronted me, but I have had the fear of being put on the spot mostly because of prop 102, the marriage amendment here in AZ. California's is prop 8. I supported this amendment, but I think I was a closet supporter. The only reason I had a sign in my front yard was because my husband brought one home and put it there. I'm sad to say this. I have some friends who are homosexual, although I have not had contact with them for a long time. I also have a couple friends who have a son who is gay. He is a good and kind man. I love and respect the latter two, and it was mostly them who I have been afraid to talk to about this issue. I believe in tolerance, but I also believe that tolerance is not acceptance. I believe in the "ability to hate the sin and not the sinner." I believe in my religion and what my God has told me is true and right.
Eta: here is a link with Elder Bednar talking about it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZE35Tz4lgQ
6 comments:
It's been a tough issue. I can't read any more articles about it, it makes me too sad. Joel's sister is lesbian, and she lives with her partner of 15 years. They have two kids. It's a hard issue, but I still supported the amendments, and I know that was hurtful to them that they had family members supporting these. Anyway, it's tough! But I have felt that the prophet has asked us to support it, and that's the most important thing.
It is deffinately a hard issue to deal with, but it is becoming a "separation of the wheat from the tares" so-to-speak. Who's side are we on, the Lords or satans?
Calling good evil and evil good, right? I think about it quite often. Stresses me out a little. It's definitely not the last time we'll have to deal with it out in the open and have to put our beliefs out there for people to say whatever they will! I prefer to not have my beliefs in the spotlight, too, but is it a spotlight or a "city that is set on a hill" or a candle we can't put under a bushel? ooooh, scary.
I have NEVER thought you to be one to nervous to share your beliefs! There are/were MANY churches who supported these propositions. It made me sad to read the article on the hatred, especially when I read their note about the website being hacked. Satan is trying his best right now and I think that article made it clear.
Sadly, we live in a world where it is so easy to manipulate perception of what truth really is. I feel your pain; it is so much easier to be kind to others than flash that "I'm LDS, and I know what the real truth is!"
Our neighbors stopped to talking to us because we voted yes on 102. The Lord is drawing lines in the sand and wondering which side you are on. No more riding the fence! Thought I would stop by and say hey! Your girls are really pretty! Amanda said she was in your ward. What a small world!
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