So, you know how I wrote a post a couple of weeks ago about how it's not okay to be cruel to people who are gay? Everyone needs compassion, love and respect, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual identity. It's easy to look at the gay issue with an "us versus them" mentality when you don't actually know anyone who is gay (or, in actuality, you just don't know who is gay because they haven't told you, but most likely you actually do know someone who identifies as gay). I used to have more of an "us vs them" mentality, but my viewpoint has changed with time, age, and knowing and loving my brother-in-law, who is gay. (My viewpoint has also changed with prayer, following promptings of the Spirit, open communication with people who have more understanding than me, and truly learning empathy regarding the subject.)
I also wrote about my friend who came out to me years ago, and our relationship changed after that. Well, I reached out to her on Facebook, asked her to read the post, and told her that I love her and that I truly do wish her the best. We have since had a great conversation via Facebook, and I found out yesterday that she and her girlfriend are getting married next month in Iowa.
I am so happy for her. SO happy. I desperately wish I still lived in Iowa so I could attend the wedding. What a great celebration it will be between two people who love each other, and have loved each other for years.
I know there are many of you who will not agree with me. That is okay. We can agree to respectfully and kindly disagree.
Tuesday, September 13
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I'm so happy for your friends! And I'm glad you're happy too. In my opinion, love is love, and it's great when that love leads to marriage--no matter what. And like you said, I know some will not agree with me, and that's okay.
Thanks for sharing!
Erin, you are inspiring. I love your posts. Your are right, this is a very controversial topic. I have mixed feelings. I used to have the problem where upon learning someone was gay, my opinion of them would change. I figured out that it wasn't right. So, I decided to change. It doesn't mean that they are animals or any less of a person than they were before. I think tolerance and understanding is greatly lacking in our world. Sigh. Thank you for posting this.
Even those who don't rejoice with you should come away from this post without any negative feelings, I think, stir as you may. :)
Thanks, Lisa. :)
Amen.
I agree with Lisa :).
I also have mixed feelings but I have yet to pray and do all you've done on the subject, so really, thank you for your point of view!
I have a friend that I grew up with who grew up in the church, served a mission and went to BYUI all while not admitting to himself who he really was. Once he did 'come out', he had the realization just how lonely his life would be without children and a traditional 'family' of his own. He longs to find someone to marry, and I want that for him too. I think that's what it takes- loving someone first and then finding out that they are gay that changes/alters your views. Thank you for your post Erin. I mostly just keep my mouth closed...
I think it all boils down to compassion toward everyone.
In AZ, the controversy is "illegal aliens." It's easy to judge them as a group, but if you get to know them personally, they're usually pretty awesome.
Love this and love you.
I wish you could be there, too. I admire your integrity.
This world is not black and white, and sometimes that's a hard thing to come to terms with.
To echo Kristina, love you and love this.
I won't disagree with you. It's easy to demonize anyone you don't know- and that goes for anyone about any lifestyle choice. I have many people in my life who are gay. Most are great, some are jerks- just like everyone in my life who is straight. It's not a big issue to me as I'm more concerned with monitoring my own 'morality' than someone elses.
And one more thing (because I love to stick my foot in my mouth), I think that the government shouldn't be part of the 'marriage' contract at all. Everyone, gay or straight, should be eligible for a 'civil union' and that is ALL the government should be involved with. Marriage itself should be left in the realm of religion. The governments role is to protect rights and gays deserve that protection too. Marriage is the moral commitment that includes God and how that is administered should be the domain of individual religions and persons involved.
Finally, the desire of one person to 'marry' and commit themselves to another individual is ALWAYS more moral than temporarily using the person- gay or straight. I think those willing to step up and take on the legal and moral responsiblity of a partner should be applauded. Instead, we (the supposed more 'moral' people), try to force a situation in which the more moral choice is unavailable to gays so that we can remain 'better' than the 'sinners'. I don't think that makes us better. And yes, I know that my political opinion on this will not be well recieved. I am totally okay with that- I am not conflicted at all about my view but respect that others may disagree.
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