People are scared of what they don't understand. I am one of them. I don't really understand much of the Chinese culture so I am scared to visit Hong Kong with my husband. I have had many people tell me they don't understand how Dallin and I could have waited until marriage to have sex. We had a long courtship compared to other LDS couples. Everyone has loyalty. Loyalty to friends, to family, to clubs, to sports teams, to high schools, to spouses, to religion... etc. I am loyal to my Religion above all other things. That is how Dallin and I were able to wait until marriage. We have made promises with our Heavenly Father that we will remain as righteous as possible through out this life.
Sorry for that long intro.. here is my opinion.
Because of the out pour on Facebook revolving around gay marriage it got me thinking about how I handle the subject. As a member of the LDS church and having a close family member who is openly gay I think I have a pretty good perspective of both sides of the subject.
As a member of the church we are taught that being gay or having gay tendencies is NOT a sin! However, it is a trial. Everyone in this life is given trials and some people are given what I believe to be the hardest trial of them all, which is homosexuality. Acting upon these tendencies is a sin. This is why I would never wish this upon anyone. There is such pressure to fit into both molds. The mold of being gay and the mold of being a righteous member of the church. I am sure we have all heard stories of those who are members and are gay. They have chosen to be loyal to their church and so they go through life alone, they never marry, never have kids. The thought of this makes my heart ache for them. However I know that God knows that they are strong enough to over come this or he would not have given this trial to them.
Love rules all. Love is why we are here on this Earth. Our Father in Heaven loves us so much that he created this Earth for us. He also gave us our AGENCY! I believe in agency, i believe in the right to choose the way you live your life.
Here is where I feel my opinion differs with many of the world and many in the church. I do believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. However, I believe that gay people should have it too. My only thing is: I don't think it should be called marriage. Marriage is something that is sacred and dates back to Adam and Eve in the Garden. Gays should have the right to enter into a civil union! They have the right to choose for themselves where their loyalty lies.
Love is love. Whether it's between a man and woman, two men or two women. Their love is not any less of real love than mine and Dallin's love.
Again this post was not to say "hey, my opinion is the best and you should change yours!" I believe in love, agency and in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
