Recent events, in addition to the past years building up to where we are at as a nation- has all got me thinking. Now, before you read much more, let me tell you upfront- my opinions and knowledge are highly based upon spiritual beliefs and life experience combined. I was raised in the LDS church, and follow Christian beliefs and standards. Yes, I believe in God, Jesus Christ, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, prayer, heaven….So if that turns you away, feel free to stop right now.
THIS (being Christian & “Mormon”) however, does NOT mean that I judge people, am homophobic, nor that I carry any slight form of prejudice towards any type of people. I was never once taught that by any teacher, church leader, or adult in my life. Any Christians you may have known that DO act in such ways, clearly do not live by true Christian standards… let’s face it though - we are all human—and in ANY religious group there will always be many who misunderstand or take beliefs to an extreme.
Surprisingly, I am going to leave God, Christ, and the Bible out of this piece of writing, though.
Although I am no scholar or political buff, I have lived long enough, seen enough, been enough places, known enough types of people, and exposed myself to a wide-range of quality education to know one thing: it all comes down to quality of life. Now, here’s the teacher in me about to come forth. If you look up the word “quality”- you will come across another word a few times- “standard”. Hmm…this must mean that there exists a clear link between the two.
The beautiful thing about our nation is that it WAS founded upon moral standards and freedoms not provided to the rest of the world (at that time). It was, and STILL is, the land of opportunity. This does NOT mean that you live here so you can “do whatever you want.”. THAT, my friends, is not opportunity nor is it freedom. That type of lifestyle becomes chaos and confusion. If that were the case, all organization, order, and all forms of gov’t & law would be completely pointless.
In everything there is its opposite. Really. ALL things exist BECAUSE their opposite exists. If this is too deep to grasp—what is sweet, without bitter? What is up if there is no down. What is bad, without the good to compare it to? Light without dark? What is happy if there exists no sad…?? ALL things (from mere numbers & words, to people) must and do have their limits. THAT FACT right there, for anyone who is educated you would also know- is proven by nature, science, geography, & history.
My point is, there must be some point where a line is drawn in all things. Especially when it comes to keeping a society in order (meaning, feeling safe and happy in all basic ways).
I am all about progress and change, but I am equally about maintaining standards in order to protect strong foundations-no matter how “old-fashioned” they may be.
If we give in and accept gay marriage so that we can prove that 1.“Yes, ALL are treated with equality”
and
2. also claim that equality has nothing to do with religion or morals/ethics….then we WILL soon have to allow the same equality for (to name a few): incest, brother/sister marriages, multiple spouses, and heaven forbid I bring this one up, but yes also human to animal marriage. Come on, you KNOW as well as I do, that there are many out there who would fight and protest for that—because after all, it IS their RIGHT to marry whomever, correct??! A LINE MUST BE DRAWN SOMEWHERE.
All people do have the choice to love and have relations, or live with whomever, but as far as marriage (which is a Civil action, and effects families and economy greatly)- there is nothing unfair about finally drawing the line there.
What is a classroom without some standards and limitations? I’ll tell you what it is, it is a training ground for prideful, directionless kids. Anyone who disagrees, clearly has not spent enough time around youth.
What’s frightening today, is that we are steadily making it impossible to live in peace and tolerance. Yet that is what everyone tries to preach! When someone does not agree with our personal views, THEY are the bigot, the homophobe, the racist, the idiot…how DARE they be such a bully!
There is nothing wrong with wanting more, and wanting to make a positive change in the world. But angry protest, arguing, and flipping our nation’s core moral foundations upside down are not the ways to succeed and improve. Sometimes the big change that is needed, is within ourselves and not in the “rules”.
We have SO. STINKIN’. MUCH. To be grateful for. So much amazing-ness at our fingertips. We get to CHOOSE our career path, our religion, what to eat, what to wear, who to like and go out with, we have a right to bear arms and protect our homes & families from harm. We have more than enough forms of entertainment and pleasure. WHY, then, are the majority of us so quick to anger? Are these basics to life not enough?
AS FOR CHICK-FIL-A: Think about this: It would be absurd of me to stop supporting and working under my school’s principal, simply because his personal causes and beliefs were opposite of mine. Why are so many people outraged about ONE (out of thousands) fast food chain CEO’s causes and beliefs? He hasn’t denied service to anyone- people are just jealous because he actually has millions to spend towards his causes/beliefs so that apparently makes him a bully. If you feel that way, then hey- go start up your own organization or cause rather than get upset about those who already have one and are in the position to support it.
That’s my take on it.
And yes, I will go to Chick-fil-a now and then simply because I like their nuggets. It doesn’t make me a bigot nor does it mean I am trying to support a “bully”. I admire him and anyone else who sticks to their guns, and tactfully speaks out about what they believe, while continuing to treat all with kindness and respect.
Now let’s all go write down 3+ things we have right now that we are grateful for- and turn all this hostility into something more positive.
I am grateful for:
My body and it’s ability to let me enjoy the basics like walking, seeing, hearing, sleeping….and eating J
My job. There are moments it’s not perfect, but hey- it sure provides with what I need.
My husband. He teaches me patience, how to say thank you more,
and how to be bold.
My family. I was blessed to have a father and mother who together taught me how to find happiness, support, and joy in this world despite difficult times.
If you'd like to learn more about my beliefs, feel free to visit here: http://mormon.org/
So much to update on!
