Thursday, November 6, 2008

"The heat is on!"

I normally only post cute pictures of my kids and family, but there is something on my mind that I feel really strongly about. As most of you know, Prop 8, which protects families and marriage, was just passed in CA. Today on the news I see that people are protesting in large numbers outside the Los Angeles temple and my mom told me that for awhile protestors were blocking the entrance to the Oakland Temple. At first I just felt angry, but now I feel more resolved than ever to look to the Prophet and the leaders of the church for guidance. These times are crazy and it's only going to get worse. We have to be willing to stand up and protect marriage regardless of how many people scream in our faces and call us "bigots". (Actually happened to my mom) I was sent this quote and found it extremely comforting:

This came from the Feb. 1979 Ensign.

'Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.' 'This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions. 'Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive.. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened....Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was, till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat.'
--- Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Sorry for such a long post, but I just feel such a strong conviction to stand with the Church right now even though the Church's point of view is going to become increasingly unpopular. Tell me what you all think!

8 comments:

Terrie said...

I was so relieved to see that prop. 8 passed. I know however that we are far from the end of this issue. The family is being attacked from every side and it is up to those of us who have the gospel to stand up for what we know is right, no matter how unpopular. I admire your post on something that is so important. And I agree wholeheartedly.

Patsy said...

Our family is all together in the same thoughts. Malcolm spent a lot of time walking the streets with info and signs. We were involved both with work and finances in our area and are thankful it was productive! Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting your thoughts. I couldn't agree more. I did make a mistake when I sent you the Neal A Maxwell quote. It was in the Feb. 1979 Ensign and the talk was given at BYU on Oct. 10, 1978. So 30 years ago, almost to the day.

Bobbie Murphy said...

I found my self praying that it would pass but knew it would not be popular! Thanks so much for your thoughts it has made me think more about where I stand and what I am willing to do!

The Eccles said...

Amen Sista!
I feel the same way...it's VERY important to follow our leaders, and there is always safety in that! (Even if we are prosecuted)
Sometimes it is discouraging...but I find comfort in what our leaders said in conference...we are to still push on and we are here for that very purpose! Thanks for your thoughts. Love you guys!

Jenni said...

Prop 8 passing was at least some good news on election day for me. And now you would think that since the majority of people want it that the opponents would just let it go. I guess that's just a sign for the future. At least now we have 30 states who have amended their constitutions to define marriage between man and woman.
What I think is funny is that people are all upset that the Church took a stand now. But the Church took a big stand over 10 years ago when it released the Proclamation to the Family. That proclamation wasn't just for church members but for the world. This is what we as members believe, there isn't any gray area to it.
Anyway, I loved the quote by Pres. maxwell.

the lunch lady said...

amen!

excellent quote.

Fred & Charlene said...

Grandpa and I admire and support your beautiful beliefs wholeheartedly!!
After working and doing all we could do, we felt that Heavenly Father and our Savior gave us the support we needed to pass this proposition. They will continue to give us and our families love and support in righteousness.
As the hymn states, "Follow the
Prophet, he knows the way."