As a Mormon...

There is so much controversy right now about California's Proposition 8.  A lot of talk about "The Mormons".  I am not a California resident, so I didn't vote. But, I am a Mormon, so I have some things on my mind... :) May I take a moment to share my thoughts with you?

I believe that Marriage is a divine institution between a Man and a Woman.

I believe that Marriage between a Man and a Woman is ordained of God.

I believe that there should be no sexual relationships outside the bonds of Marriage.

That being said...

I do not hate homosexuals. In fact, I have a sister-in-law who is a lesbian. I do not hate her for this. I don't hate her partner. However, I am raising my children the way I believe, and seeing their aunt with her girlfriend confuses. So we have set guidelines for our home, which she has been wonderful to respect. I'm not trying to "brainwash" my children. I am raising them the best way I know how. When they are older, like all things, they will choose for themselves how they feel.

I'm not here to tell people who have same-sex tendencies to stop.

As Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), we do not hate "gays". In fact, we are encouraged by our leaders to love them, particularly when they are members of our families. Insulting, "hating", or any act of unkindness is not  an attribute of a practicing Latter-Day Saint.

While defending our constitutional right to vote as we feel, it is important to us to defend Marriage as a union between a man and a woman. It's not personal. It goes deeper than being "narrow minded. "

The purpose of Marriage is to create a family with a  father and a mother. When a family lacks one or the other, it is incomplete. Our society already hold little value to marriage covenants... which is apparent by the number of divorces. It's heart breaking to see, first hand, the effect of divorces on children. It's not fair to anyone.  Children need a Mother and a Father.

The sacredness of Marriage is being attacked from all angles.

My understanding (and I may be wrong) is that Same-Sex couples want the same rights and privileges that only married couples get. Which is totally understandable. If you're with someone and share your lives and income, you should be able to have the same benefits of a "married" household. I say give it to them! I say if you have found the one you will be with for the rest of this life, whether same sex or not and you want to enjoy the benefits of filing joint taxes - you should be able to!

Just call it something else. A union of sorts - but not Marriage.

For everything I hold dear in my marriage and the blessings that come from this Divine Union, can only be attained when you include God. - Which is religious. Marriage is Religious. So if you don't want to "be religious" about it - Don't call it Marriage.

*stepping down from my soap box*...

With all the love in my heart, I hope you do find someone who makes you a better person and encourages you to be your very best self.

Comments, welcome. I will respond to them as best I can. But any hateful, contentious ones will not be responded to.