Heavenly Father Loves Everyone

The tears I am shedding are from the ache I feel for those who are so angered by the policy clarification from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on same sex marriages and the children, natural born or adopted in those families.

When I first read the news article I was stunned, even angry.  How could they not allow children to be blessed or baptized? Isn't that punishing them for choices made by someone else? Doesn't our second article of faith state that we won't be punished for Adam's transgressions? I thought we love everyone! This didn't feel like love.

I immediately started praying for help in understanding this.  It was only minutes before I got a text from my oldest daughter asking if I had read the article.  I told her I had and then I prayed even harder knowing what the next text would ask.  She asked what I thought about it and with divine guidance I was able to express to her the following:

"When I first saw the headline I felt mad but then I read the entire statement and realized that once the child is an adult and making their own choices they can choose to join the church.  It is difficult in our society to draw a line of right and wrong. The church must draw that line with their policies so that everything coincides with the teachings of the gospel. We don't believe in same sex marriage but we do believe that every human being has certain rights. Those rights don't include changing the definition of marriage but should include civil rights allowed to all.  If someone chooses same sex marriage it doesn't mean that they are loved or valued any less, it just means they choose not to live by the guidelines of the church. I probably don't fully understand the depths of the policy but I know that President Monson is a prophet of God and speaks for him. If nothing else, I trust that and will certainly come to understand the whys."

Through the next few days and with continual prayer to my (and your) Heavenly Father, I feel so much peace in the policy and it's clear protection for the children and their parents.

I am only a whisper in the fury of the social media storm but I shall whisper nonetheless.

As a child I attended church.  Alone.  On occasion one of my brothers would attend with me but, for the most part, I went alone.  Our home life was less than ideal with many financial difficulties, alcoholism and violence that shaped our lives in many different ways.  There was love in our family but there was also a brokenness that seemed to never get repaired.

Being with my ward family at church was a refuge.  A calm in the storm of my life. I belonged. But there was also a deep sadness as I listened and learned the gospel and made the connection that my family wasn't living this gospel that I loved.  It was not a welcome response at home when I started asking the "why's", especially, Why don't you come to church? My parents had their reasons, the most memorable response was that the "Bishop couldn't answer their questions".

We had some neighbors move in next door from South Carolina, the Allen's.  They had three daughters, the youngest being just a year or two older than me.  We became friends and eventually I was invited to a sleep over.  That night, before we went to bed, the entire family gathered in her parents bedroom and kneeled around the bed to say a family prayer.  This was completely foreign to me! The father said the prayer and he asked for a blessing for me and for my family. My little heart skipped a beat....this man just asked Heavenly Father to bless me and my family! I remember laying in bed that night with my mind racing at this thought.  It was that night that I believe I was converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not at my own home with my family, but at the home of someone who was living the gospel to the best of their ability.  I found myself wanting to be there as much as I could. I started noticing gospel centered actions in other friends homes and found myself gravitating to their homes too. I knew that this was what I wanted in my own family, I wanted my children to feel that and to have a family that lived a gospel centered life.  I have tried to instill that in our family and while not perfect, I am comfortable with my efforts.

Reflecting on these experiences has made the policy clarification of children in same sex families not being blessed at birth or baptized until age 18 an act of love for the child and their family.  No child wants to attend church and learn that their parents, the same people who they mostly view as their heroes, are not living the gospel. What good would come from that? In my own life experience it has caused grief and brokenness.  No one would wish that on a child or on the parents.

I loved the explanation this video with Elder Christofferson gave.  Please take 10 minutes and watch it.  I hope the peace I feel will fill your hearts.  I love you and I know Heavenly Father loves you. He wants the best for all of his children and he continues to show us the way.  It is not easy but I testify that it is worth it.

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/handbook-changes-same-sex-marriages-elder-christofferson


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The Best Is Yet To Be

January 1, 2015. The day millions of people make billions of resolutions that are usually forgotten in a mere matter of days. Why do we do that?



So, I am not going to make declarations about all of the things I am going to do or change or think. I quite like where I am at and who I am. In fact, I plan on enjoying everything that already is just a bit more.



Today, I just want to let you know that I will be appreciating every person, place and thing in my life for exactly what it is, a blessing.



Consider yourself thought of and loved.



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