El Matrimonio Está Bajo Amenazas
I had a good friend in high school who identifies as bisexual. I loved her dearly, and continued to be her friend after this fact was revealed. She soon joined our high school's LGBT club and I came to some crossroads in my life. Do I join the club to show my love and support for my friend or do I abstain from joining because of my beliefs?
I also found myself at crossroads when gay marriage was about to be legalized in 2015. I knew that I believed marriage was to be between a man and a woman, but I also believed in agency and the freedom to choose. Was I going to stand up against the cause or be apathetic about the matter?
However, in the past year, my questions have all been answered and I have found clarity. I felt prompted to change my major from Spanish Education to Marriage and Family Stuides with a minor in Spanish. From all of my classes, we have been able to have in-depth discussions that have opened my eyes and deepened my understanding. I now realize people are free to choose, but that doesn't mean that man can change an institution that was defined and created by God. I see how changing God's definition of marriage is a gateway to decay of marriage. I understand now that I can love and respect those who have and/or act upon same-sex attraction, but that I can still believe the marriage is between a man and a woman.
Since gay marriage was legalized, I have made two resolutions:
I also found myself at crossroads when gay marriage was about to be legalized in 2015. I knew that I believed marriage was to be between a man and a woman, but I also believed in agency and the freedom to choose. Was I going to stand up against the cause or be apathetic about the matter?
However, in the past year, my questions have all been answered and I have found clarity. I felt prompted to change my major from Spanish Education to Marriage and Family Stuides with a minor in Spanish. From all of my classes, we have been able to have in-depth discussions that have opened my eyes and deepened my understanding. I now realize people are free to choose, but that doesn't mean that man can change an institution that was defined and created by God. I see how changing God's definition of marriage is a gateway to decay of marriage. I understand now that I can love and respect those who have and/or act upon same-sex attraction, but that I can still believe the marriage is between a man and a woman.
Since gay marriage was legalized, I have made two resolutions:
- If my Heavenly Father and Savior can love me with all of my faults, weaknesses, and mistakes, then who I am to withhold love and service from someone who identifies as gay, lesbian, or bisexual? I will love everyone, especially those who are different from me.
- As President Nelson says, "Disciples of the Lord are defenders of marriage" (2014). I will defend traditional marriage and protect religious freedom.
While it may have seemed impossible to me years ago to accomplish both resolutions, I have gained great courage, faith, and insight from the following talk given by Elder Oaks, and I pray that you will too. I know that it is possible to love others and still be defenders of marriage.
"Loving Others and Living with Differences"
References
Nelson, R. M. (2014). Disciples of Jesus Christ - Defenders of marriage. Retrieved from https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson/disciples-jesus-christ-
defenders-of-marriage/
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