Dear friend,
There are certain things in life that are really hard to do. For me, standing up for something when I know I may be ridiculed and demeaned for it is hard. I mean, really hard. I hate feeling responsible for offending others. I hate debating about issues that I feel very passionate about, especially when the issue tugs at my heartstrings. I am often content to sit and be silent--to debate and disagree in my mind without voicing my stance for fear of stepping on toes. But every once in a while I feel an urgency to stand for something, and I act on it. I've heard it said that if we do not stand for something, we will fall for anything.
Elder Jeffery R. Holland once said, "If you haven’t already, you will one day find yourself called upon to defend your faith or perhaps even endure some personal abuse simply because you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Such moments will require both courage and courtesy on your part."
There's an issue that has come to the attention of many as of late. It's a topic that's as heated as any I know, God has made it clear to me that I need to raise my voice and help those who are struggling with this issue. If I lose friends and gain enemies over this, so be it, I have done the will of the Lord.
This article has taken days to write, and it is with all the courage and courtesy I can muster that I proceed.
If you haven't heard yet (I would be surprised...), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently came out with a modification to official policy stating that the children of two homosexual parents are not permitted to be baptized or engage in any of the saving ordinances until they turn 18. This had already been a long-standing policy among the children of polygamist parents for generations, and was just expanded to include the children of LGBT parents as well.
Why this policy? God has ordained marriage to be between man and woman since the days of Adam and Eve. Acting on homosexual behaviors is a sin not tolerated by God, as is clearly evident in the Bible.
Ok, so whether or not you believe that homosexual behavior is a sin, why should the children be punished? They have done nothing wrong, right?
This policy is not a punishment.
I hear many saying that the policy goes against the 2nd Article of Faith of the Church, which reads: "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression." This simple statement dictates our stance on the doctrine of "original sin" that other religions do not believe. We believe that little children are born without guile, being "alive in Christ," and we are held responsible for our own sins only once we reach the age of accountability, age 8, at which time we may choose to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by immersion under the proper authority. Anyone who has not had the opportunity to be baptized in while yet in this life may have the opportunity to receive the ordinance vicariously in the temple when the right time comes (proof that God doesn't withhold blessings from anyone willing to receive them and keep His commandments-whether in this life or the next)
Back to the point: As another blogger pointedly put it, the policy has nothing to do with the concept of original sin. This policy is not a punishment on the heads of the innocent children--rather it is a protection for them. If you are shaking your head right now, please try to understand. The Lord is trying to protect children of LGBT parents by avoiding the conflicts that would be inevitable in such an environment. Put yourselves in their shoes--can you imagine being a child in this situation, where the parents practice homosexuality (making the parents apostate, unable to be sealed together for eternity either as a couple or as a family, and obviously opposed to the teachings of the church), yet allow the child to make sacred covenants with God in a church which clearly states that marriage between a man and a woman is the only acceptable relationship before God? Think of the inner instability it would cause for that child! Such deep confusion! An endless tug-of-war between faith and family.
The church has ALWAYS placed family first--even broken families--and leaders will always seek to preserve the family relationship rather than tear it apart over doctrinal or cultural differences. The Lord is still anxious to bless these children, and in the meantime they can still attend church and do nearly everything their peers can, growing in the knowledge and love of the Lord and His commandments until the appropriate time comes, in which they have the opportunity to state that they sustain marriage as between only a man and a woman, and they are of legal age to make their own well-thought-out decisions.
It makes me sick to my stomach to hear those who believe the brethren of the church are trying to exploit children. Those who say such things don't know of whom they speak ill of. I bear witness that those men are called of God--their words of compassion and truth have pierced my soul
May I suggest 7 steps for those who are hurting and confused, truly desiring some clarification on the matter:
STEP ONE: Be willing to understand what you do not understand
The first step to understanding this policy change (and ANY revelation from God on which we lack wisdom, for that matter) is to be willing to understand it.
God cannot grant unto you understanding if you do not have an open mind and heart. Bitterness, contention, and hard-hardheartedness never once opened the windows of revelation--rather, those cause blindness and unbelief.
STEP TWO: Seek understanding from the Lord Himself- NOT from the news and your Facebook feed.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him....but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering" (James 1:5-6) I see so many jumping to conclusions, relying on the professed wisdom of man instead of God--they read one article and declare with the rest that the policy is intended for evil. The writers' distortions of the truth are vivid, and unfortunately, convincing for many.
The answers and understanding we seek may not come in our own time and our own way, but come they will. I promise you that. They will not come unless we have the faith to ask and act on what we have been given. "And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth." (Mormon 9:25)
STEP THREE: Understand the true nature of Christ.
One of the most frustrating ironies occurs with people saying that if we profess to be Christian and believe in Christ, we would have tolerance for homosexual behavior. Christ was compassionate and endlessly merciful, it is true. Yet being also equally just, He had no tolerance for sin. "I, the Lord, cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; nevertheless, he who repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven." (D&C 1:31) and, "He that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them." (Mormon 9:8)
Elder Jeffery R. Holland described the pandemic among those of our days who want "cushy" and comfortable commandments and doctrine, and who believe in a god who condones sin, far from the God of the New Testament who commanded many to "go, and sin no more":
There are certain things in life that are really hard to do. For me, standing up for something when I know I may be ridiculed and demeaned for it is hard. I mean, really hard. I hate feeling responsible for offending others. I hate debating about issues that I feel very passionate about, especially when the issue tugs at my heartstrings. I am often content to sit and be silent--to debate and disagree in my mind without voicing my stance for fear of stepping on toes. But every once in a while I feel an urgency to stand for something, and I act on it. I've heard it said that if we do not stand for something, we will fall for anything.
Elder Jeffery R. Holland once said, "If you haven’t already, you will one day find yourself called upon to defend your faith or perhaps even endure some personal abuse simply because you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Such moments will require both courage and courtesy on your part."
There's an issue that has come to the attention of many as of late. It's a topic that's as heated as any I know, God has made it clear to me that I need to raise my voice and help those who are struggling with this issue. If I lose friends and gain enemies over this, so be it, I have done the will of the Lord.
This article has taken days to write, and it is with all the courage and courtesy I can muster that I proceed.
If you haven't heard yet (I would be surprised...), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently came out with a modification to official policy stating that the children of two homosexual parents are not permitted to be baptized or engage in any of the saving ordinances until they turn 18. This had already been a long-standing policy among the children of polygamist parents for generations, and was just expanded to include the children of LGBT parents as well.
Why this policy? God has ordained marriage to be between man and woman since the days of Adam and Eve. Acting on homosexual behaviors is a sin not tolerated by God, as is clearly evident in the Bible.
Ok, so whether or not you believe that homosexual behavior is a sin, why should the children be punished? They have done nothing wrong, right?
This policy is not a punishment.
I hear many saying that the policy goes against the 2nd Article of Faith of the Church, which reads: "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression." This simple statement dictates our stance on the doctrine of "original sin" that other religions do not believe. We believe that little children are born without guile, being "alive in Christ," and we are held responsible for our own sins only once we reach the age of accountability, age 8, at which time we may choose to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by immersion under the proper authority. Anyone who has not had the opportunity to be baptized in while yet in this life may have the opportunity to receive the ordinance vicariously in the temple when the right time comes (proof that God doesn't withhold blessings from anyone willing to receive them and keep His commandments-whether in this life or the next)
Back to the point: As another blogger pointedly put it, the policy has nothing to do with the concept of original sin. This policy is not a punishment on the heads of the innocent children--rather it is a protection for them. If you are shaking your head right now, please try to understand. The Lord is trying to protect children of LGBT parents by avoiding the conflicts that would be inevitable in such an environment. Put yourselves in their shoes--can you imagine being a child in this situation, where the parents practice homosexuality (making the parents apostate, unable to be sealed together for eternity either as a couple or as a family, and obviously opposed to the teachings of the church), yet allow the child to make sacred covenants with God in a church which clearly states that marriage between a man and a woman is the only acceptable relationship before God? Think of the inner instability it would cause for that child! Such deep confusion! An endless tug-of-war between faith and family.
The church has ALWAYS placed family first--even broken families--and leaders will always seek to preserve the family relationship rather than tear it apart over doctrinal or cultural differences. The Lord is still anxious to bless these children, and in the meantime they can still attend church and do nearly everything their peers can, growing in the knowledge and love of the Lord and His commandments until the appropriate time comes, in which they have the opportunity to state that they sustain marriage as between only a man and a woman, and they are of legal age to make their own well-thought-out decisions.
It makes me sick to my stomach to hear those who believe the brethren of the church are trying to exploit children. Those who say such things don't know of whom they speak ill of. I bear witness that those men are called of God--their words of compassion and truth have pierced my soul
May I suggest 7 steps for those who are hurting and confused, truly desiring some clarification on the matter:
STEP ONE: Be willing to understand what you do not understand
The first step to understanding this policy change (and ANY revelation from God on which we lack wisdom, for that matter) is to be willing to understand it.
God cannot grant unto you understanding if you do not have an open mind and heart. Bitterness, contention, and hard-hardheartedness never once opened the windows of revelation--rather, those cause blindness and unbelief.
STEP TWO: Seek understanding from the Lord Himself- NOT from the news and your Facebook feed.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him....but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering" (James 1:5-6) I see so many jumping to conclusions, relying on the professed wisdom of man instead of God--they read one article and declare with the rest that the policy is intended for evil. The writers' distortions of the truth are vivid, and unfortunately, convincing for many.
The answers and understanding we seek may not come in our own time and our own way, but come they will. I promise you that. They will not come unless we have the faith to ask and act on what we have been given. "And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth." (Mormon 9:25)
STEP THREE: Understand the true nature of Christ.
One of the most frustrating ironies occurs with people saying that if we profess to be Christian and believe in Christ, we would have tolerance for homosexual behavior. Christ was compassionate and endlessly merciful, it is true. Yet being also equally just, He had no tolerance for sin. "I, the Lord, cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; nevertheless, he who repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven." (D&C 1:31) and, "He that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them." (Mormon 9:8)
Elder Jeffery R. Holland described the pandemic among those of our days who want "cushy" and comfortable commandments and doctrine, and who believe in a god who condones sin, far from the God of the New Testament who commanded many to "go, and sin no more":
It is as the Lord Himself lamented to the prophet Isaiah:
“[These] children … will not hear the law of the Lord:
“[They] say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
“Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.”10
Sadly enough, my young friends, it is a characteristic of our age that if people want any gods at all, they want them to be gods who do not demand much, comfortable gods, smooth gods who not only don’t rock the boat but don’t even row it, gods who pat us on the head, make us giggle, then tell us to run along and pick marigolds.11
Talk about man creating God in his own image! Sometimes—and this seems the greatest irony of all—these folks invoke the name of Jesus as one who was this kind of “comfortable” God. Really? He who said not only should we not break commandments, but we should not even think about breaking them. And if we do think about breaking them, we have already broken them in our heart. Does that sound like “comfortable” doctrine, easy on the ear and popular down at the village love-in?
And what of those who just want to look at sin or touch it from a distance? Jesus said with a flash, if your eye offends you, pluck it out. If your hand offends you, cut it off.12 “I came not to [bring] peace, but a sword,”13 He warned those who thought He spoke only soothing platitudes. No wonder that, sermon after sermon, the local communities “pray[ed] him to depart out of their coasts.”14 No wonder, miracle after miracle, His power was attributed not to God but to the devil.15 It is obvious that the bumper sticker question “What would Jesus do?” will not always bring a popular response.
At the zenith of His mortal ministry, Jesus said, “Love one another, as I have loved you.”16 To make certain they understood exactly what kind of love that was, He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments”17 and “whosoever … shall break one of [the] least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be … the least in the kingdom of heaven.”18
Christlike love is the greatest need we have on this planet in part because righteousness was always supposed to accompany it. So if love is to be our watchword, as it must be, then by the word of Him who is love personified, we must forsake transgression and any hint of advocacy for it in others. Jesus clearly understood what many in our modern culture seem to forget: that there is a crucial difference between the commandment to forgive sin (which He had an infinite capacity to do) and the warning against condoning it (which He never ever did even once).
STEP FOUR: Realize that the Lord's standards will NEVER change.
Policies, procedures, and handbooks may change as the Lord calls for adaptations, yet they are inspired... but the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- does. NOT. change.
"For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing" (Mormon 9:9)
Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles related the following in April 2014 General Conference: (It's long but worth every word)
"President Thomas S. Monson has said, “Where once the standards of the Church and the standards of society were mostly compatible, now there is a wide chasm between us, and it’s growing ever wider.”6 This chasm, for some, stirs strong spiritual whirlwinds. Let me share an example.
This past month the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve published a letter to leaders of the Church across the world. In part it read: “Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We urge you to review … the doctrine contained in ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World.’”7
As the world slips away from the Lord’s law of chastity, we do not. President Monson said: “The Savior of mankind described Himself as being in the world but not of the world. We also can be in the world but not of the world as we reject false concepts and false teachings and remain true to that which God has commanded.”8
While many governments and well-meaning individuals have redefined marriage, the Lord has not. In the very beginning, God initiated marriage between a man and a woman—Adam and Eve. He designated the purposes of marriage to go far beyond the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of adults to, more importantly, advancing the ideal setting for children to be born, reared, and nurtured. Families are the treasure of heaven.9
Why do we continue to talk about this? As Paul said, “We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.”10 As Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the responsibility to teach our Creator’s plan for His children and to warn of the consequences of disregarding His commandments.
....
Of special concern to us should be those who struggle with same-sex attraction. It is a whirlwind of enormous velocity. I want to express my love and admiration for those who courageously confront this trial of faith and stay true to the commandments of God!12 But everyone, independent of his or her decisions and beliefs, deserves our kindness and consideration.13
The Savior taught us to love not only our friends but also those who disagree with us—and even those who repudiate us. He said: “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? … And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others?”14
...If you have a question about counsel from the leaders of the Church, please discuss your honest concerns with your parents and leaders. You need the strength that comes from trusting the Lord’s prophets.
President Harold B. Lee said: “The only safety we have as members of this church is to … learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet. … There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes. … It may contradict your political views … your social views … interfere with … your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself, … ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against you … and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you …’ (D&C 21:6).”16
I just found another blogger who reiterated the same concepts in a profound way. I highly recommend you read the whole post... he nails it right on the head:
For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are supposed to believe both in revelation that guides the Church and personal revelation that can confirm revealed truth. Unfortunately, too many members of the Church would prefer to hang a suggestion box on the door of the temple. They campaign for changes to doctrines, policies or practices with which they don’t agree, confusing the gospel with a glee club. We do not believe in a “bottom up” gospel in which the Church bases its doctrines upon opinion polls. Much of Christianity operates that way, and as a result countless churches have backed away from traditional Christian expectations that no longer comport with the behavior of their members. Very few Christian churches place conditions on membership. You can do what you want and still represent yourself as a member.
The LDS Church just doesn’t operate that way.....At all stages of our discipleship, we are held accountable to adjust our lives to the teachings of the Savior through His authorized representatives. We are fundamentally misdirected if we believe that the Church is supposed to conform itself to fit our personal beliefs, expectations or preferences. The Church never has been a “come as you are and stay as you were” organization. We are all about striving for something more, to become one with our Father in Heaven and Christ, our Savior. We should strive to think as They think and act as They would act. We strive for perfection as the Lord defines it. We don’t set that standard for ourselves.
Because of that, it is inevitable that there will be collisions between how we would do things if we were in charge and how the current priesthood authorities do things. Some of these will be minor fender benders; others might be five car pileups. What are we to do in those moments?
.....Stated bluntly, we have two choices when a Church policy is announced that doesn’t fit with our personal opinions. We can get up on our high horse or get down on our knees. We can be divas or disciples.
Now I understand that those struggling with the policy are not all rebellious divas on a high horse--many are just good members of the church trying to come to terms with something that shakes them so... but that's why it's so important to understand these key principles, so that nothing can shake your faith.
Let's keep going.
Let's keep going.
STEP FIVE: Understand the misunderstood principle of obedience
There is a staggering difference between BLIND obedience and FAITH-filled obedience. We do not always know why the Lord asks us to do something. But if we have faith, we trust in God's will and God's timing, knowing that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28) And that includes those children affected by the policy. Though they may not now receive the blessings of baptism and other saving ordinances, they can press forward with faith, knowing that those ordinances will not be denied them once they turn 18 and can clearly see and understand the law of chastity and morality for what it is. In the meantime while waiting upon the Lord, they will be loved and embraced by members of the church, and encouraged to partake of the blessings of all other aspects of the gospel. Nothing shall be withheld from them in the eternities if they are faithful.
Those who feel we have been brainwashed into blind obedience simply do not understand the conviction in the minds and hearts of the saints. I know, independent of any other person, that God lives. He has a prophet--an ordained mouthpiece, on the earth today, just as He did in ancient times. Following the prophet wasn't popular then, either. I CHOOSE to obey, because I know and have received incredible blessings from exact obedience to God's commandments that come down through the prophet. The Lord has said, "whether by mine own voice, or by the voice of my servants, it is THE SAME." I know that to be true--and no argument can convince me otherwise.
Sister Carole M. Stevens put it beautifully last conference:
There is a staggering difference between BLIND obedience and FAITH-filled obedience. We do not always know why the Lord asks us to do something. But if we have faith, we trust in God's will and God's timing, knowing that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28) And that includes those children affected by the policy. Though they may not now receive the blessings of baptism and other saving ordinances, they can press forward with faith, knowing that those ordinances will not be denied them once they turn 18 and can clearly see and understand the law of chastity and morality for what it is. In the meantime while waiting upon the Lord, they will be loved and embraced by members of the church, and encouraged to partake of the blessings of all other aspects of the gospel. Nothing shall be withheld from them in the eternities if they are faithful.
Those who feel we have been brainwashed into blind obedience simply do not understand the conviction in the minds and hearts of the saints. I know, independent of any other person, that God lives. He has a prophet--an ordained mouthpiece, on the earth today, just as He did in ancient times. Following the prophet wasn't popular then, either. I CHOOSE to obey, because I know and have received incredible blessings from exact obedience to God's commandments that come down through the prophet. The Lord has said, "whether by mine own voice, or by the voice of my servants, it is THE SAME." I know that to be true--and no argument can convince me otherwise.
Sister Carole M. Stevens put it beautifully last conference:
"...We can choose to see commandments as limitations. We may feel at times that God’s laws restrict our personal freedom, take from us our agency, and limit our growth. But as we seek for greater understanding, as we allow our Father to teach us, we will begin to see that His laws are a manifestation of His love for us and obedience to His laws is an expression of our love for Him."
If you understand the principle of obedience, and have gained a testimony independent of anybody else that the prophet is ordained of God, then there is only one thing left to do:
STEP SIX: Follow the prophet.
Not profess to follow the prophet...I mean actually follow the prophet.
I'm reminded of a simple song I sang as a small primary girl...maybe you did to...and the words ring more true in my ears now more than ever.
Now we're in a world where people are confused--
If you don't believe it, go and watch the news.
We can get direction all along the way
If we heed the prophets--follow what they say!
Follow the prophet, don't go astray!
Sister Carole M, Stevens continues, "There is safety in following the word of the Lord through His prophets. God called President Thomas S. Monson, the counselors in the First Presidency, and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. In this world of increasing fear, distraction, adversity, and anger, we can look to them to see how disciples of Jesus Christ—filled with charity—look, sound, and react to issues that could be divisive. They testify of Jesus Christ and respond with charity, the pure love of Jesus Christ, whose witnesses they are."
If you really believe that--if you really believe that these men are called of God, then no amount of conflict and confusion in the world should fluster you. Truth is truth. The brethren don't go around creating policies at whim. Everything they do as representatives of the church is guided and influenced directly by God. If you don't have a testimony of that yet, I suggest you get one, and quickly. This is why the brethren have told us for years and years to gain our own testimonies, and not to rely on the conversion of another. The moral storms are raging. The Lord needs those who are committed to striving towards faith-filled and exact obedience to His prophets and commandments--all of them..
Please, friend, as President Deiter F. Uchtdorf so wisely said, "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."
STEP SIX: Follow the prophet.
Not profess to follow the prophet...I mean actually follow the prophet.
I'm reminded of a simple song I sang as a small primary girl...maybe you did to...and the words ring more true in my ears now more than ever.
Now we're in a world where people are confused--
If you don't believe it, go and watch the news.
We can get direction all along the way
If we heed the prophets--follow what they say!
Follow the prophet, don't go astray!
Sister Carole M, Stevens continues, "There is safety in following the word of the Lord through His prophets. God called President Thomas S. Monson, the counselors in the First Presidency, and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. In this world of increasing fear, distraction, adversity, and anger, we can look to them to see how disciples of Jesus Christ—filled with charity—look, sound, and react to issues that could be divisive. They testify of Jesus Christ and respond with charity, the pure love of Jesus Christ, whose witnesses they are."
If you really believe that--if you really believe that these men are called of God, then no amount of conflict and confusion in the world should fluster you. Truth is truth. The brethren don't go around creating policies at whim. Everything they do as representatives of the church is guided and influenced directly by God. If you don't have a testimony of that yet, I suggest you get one, and quickly. This is why the brethren have told us for years and years to gain our own testimonies, and not to rely on the conversion of another. The moral storms are raging. The Lord needs those who are committed to striving towards faith-filled and exact obedience to His prophets and commandments--all of them..
Please, friend, as President Deiter F. Uchtdorf so wisely said, "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."
STEP SEVEN: "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve"
Life isn't meant to be easy. We are given challenges and obstacles to prove and try our faithfulness. Each day is a choice, because "no man can serve two masters," (Matthew 6:24) and sometimes a fight to choose what's right. "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
So it is without wavering that I stand with Christ--He who stands at the head of the church and gives voice to living apostles and prophets.
For those of you who are personally suffering from this policy change--I am sincerely sorry, but please know that in the end, no blessings will be withheld from those that love God and strive to do their best within their circumstances. Have hope in the words of Christ when He said, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:18) But first we must come to Him. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
It's one thing to share a heated article--it's quite another to write one. Please be kind in your comments, I will not authorize any that are demeaning or argumentative in any way. I pray that we can all come to an understanding, and that this rift among members of the Church may be minimal.
If this has helped you understand the policy, or if you need more help processing this, I'd love to hear from you, either in the comments below or through a private message.
All my love and compassion for those whom this affects,
Kira
Additional resources/blog articles:
The Family: A Proclamation to the World - lds.org
Official interview on the policy from Elder Christofferson - mormonnewsroom.org
Waiting on the Lord - gaymormonguy.blogspot.com
Policy change is actually pro-gay family - dannyras.com
Church Policy Update - positivethingkingtips.org
"Spiritual Whirlwinds" - Elder Anderson, 2014 LDS General Conference
"If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments" - Carole M. Stevens, 2015 LDS General Conference
Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady - President Eyring, 2005 LDS General Conference
Life isn't meant to be easy. We are given challenges and obstacles to prove and try our faithfulness. Each day is a choice, because "no man can serve two masters," (Matthew 6:24) and sometimes a fight to choose what's right. "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
So it is without wavering that I stand with Christ--He who stands at the head of the church and gives voice to living apostles and prophets.
For those of you who are personally suffering from this policy change--I am sincerely sorry, but please know that in the end, no blessings will be withheld from those that love God and strive to do their best within their circumstances. Have hope in the words of Christ when He said, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:18) But first we must come to Him. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
It's one thing to share a heated article--it's quite another to write one. Please be kind in your comments, I will not authorize any that are demeaning or argumentative in any way. I pray that we can all come to an understanding, and that this rift among members of the Church may be minimal.
If this has helped you understand the policy, or if you need more help processing this, I'd love to hear from you, either in the comments below or through a private message.
All my love and compassion for those whom this affects,
Kira
Additional resources/blog articles:
The Family: A Proclamation to the World - lds.org
Official interview on the policy from Elder Christofferson - mormonnewsroom.org
Waiting on the Lord - gaymormonguy.blogspot.com
Policy change is actually pro-gay family - dannyras.com
Church Policy Update - positivethingkingtips.org
"Spiritual Whirlwinds" - Elder Anderson, 2014 LDS General Conference
"If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments" - Carole M. Stevens, 2015 LDS General Conference
Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady - President Eyring, 2005 LDS General Conference