I was very blessed. You see, I married my best friend. Our parents called us soul mates. At age 17 we were sure our love knew no bounds. We were sure that our relationship out-matched any other in communication and solidity. We were going to have the perfect marriage when the time came. Ahhh, young love.
Sure, we have hit our share of hard times. There are times when we get mad at each other and need to cool down. But we have weathered the hard times so far; and that has made the good times even better. Getting along with someone and being their "roommate" is challenge enough. Add to that different family traditions, different emotional & physical needs, different personalities and children -- sometimes it is hard to not get frustrated.
When these times come (and those times get fewer and fewer as the years pass) there is one thing that keeps me committed to my husband. I know I love him. I love everything about him, even his flaws. If only I had his flaws, I would be doing much better in my life. I love working through challenges and growing closer. When I look at my husband, I see a man who the good Lord puts to work. I see someone who I grew up with and yet I am in awe of who he is.
No, we don't have a perfect marriage -- yet. But we are working on it. And I know that the Lord has given us marriage to help each other. I want to be better because of my husband... I think that is what it is all about. Helping each other -- the way God designed.
I believe marriage to be a sacred ordinance between 3 people: Man, Woman and GOD. I believe that if this nation will work to build up marriages (in the "traditional" sense) that families will be strengthened and communities fortified. No, marriage isn't easy. But God will bless the marriage -- and the nation -- for doing this.
I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There is no question as to the position we take on marriages. It isn't what the loud majorities are saying. It isn't politically correct. But it IS God's will.
During the election year, there are many issues that are debated back and forth. I could spend a blog or two on the "mixing of words" and "waffling of issues" but will only say this. Our nation, to continue to be strong MUST support marriage as defined by God. Between ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN. This is what His law is. This must also be our law.
Now, in case I have been misunderstood, I do not "hate" gays and lesbians. They are also children of God. They are also good people. I wouldn't turn away or "segregate" someone just because of their "life-style." But I do not believe that life style to be what God intended.
Politicians can say what they will, but our nation WAS founded on Christian values. It was founded by Christian men, through inspiration of God. Our nation IS a Christian nation. We will accept those of all faiths because that is what Christians do. But our strength comes from being a Christian nation. And as long as we continue to support those "traditional" Christian values, our nation will be strong. Marriage between a man and a woman is one of those values.
I believe that most people feel the same way. My mom would always say, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." I think that is why same-sex marriage is getting so much attention. In California, they have legalized same-sex marriage. But that is NOT what 61% of voters wanted. The votes of the people were overturned.
Having same-sex marriage legalized and marriages redefined in the constitution will have a snowball effect that I don't believe people want or are prepared for.
I have friends and family that feel differently than I do. My intent here is not to offend, only to defend, that which I believe with all my heart. I do not have animosity against anyone who may share a different point of view -- or life style. This is what I believe. Marriage is created by Divine Design, for the children of God.
**** check out these links for more information*****
A Family Proclamation
ProtectMarriage.com
When Gay Rights and Religious Liberties Clash
The Divine Institution of Marriage
4 comments:
This is really sweet.
It is so true that we have to make our voices heard.
Good for you Kathy for speaking up for what you believe. If there were more people that were willing to speak up and have their voices heard, this world would be a much better place!
No offense taken, but do you really want to live in a country where whatever the majority believes is inevitably all that matters?
I grew up Mormon in the South. If folks in that part of the country were given the chance to vote their beliefs, guess what? Mormon marriage would not be recognized.
Bringing one's religious beliefs to a contest over civil rights comes with its own risks.
Nobody is threatening your marriage.
Chino, I agree, no one is threatening my marriage. But I feel that to redefine marriage is threatening the very foundation of this country. My Country. To me, that is the greater threat. Whether a person is Mormon, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist or another religion, the issue is still the same. Marriage is between man and woman. It isn't as much a religious issue as it is a moral issue. There are so many consequences that will arise if marriage is redefined. I believe many people haven't delved too much into those possibilities. Thankfully, one state or one region will not define marriage, whether it’s a Mormon marriage or otherwise. It used to be that the south wouldn't recognize marriages between African Americans. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. I don't believe that the issue of Gay Marriage is a civil rights issue.
I suppose what a person feels on this issue is reduced to what one fundamentally believes.
Thank you for your comments. I welcome them.
Post a Comment