So tonight I was supposed to be getting ready to take a couple of finals that I have tomorrow... but knowing myself, that is a pretty lofty expectation because I'm the biggest procrastinator who ever lived. I did feel like I wasn't totally wasting time because I watched the most intense and entertaining episode of Gossip Girl ever AND more importantly, I spent most of my night on this here website:
www.mormonsandgays.org
This is a website that is put out by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that in my mind absolutely should erase any misconceptions that the world may have about our church and the topic of same-gender attraction to anyone who visits it. I am so impressed with not only the words from the apostles in these videos, but the inspiring stories told by members of the church with personal experiences in this area. It is so personal and such a misunderstood topic, and I am so glad to see the church stepping forward with the stance that we should love one another and be like Christ. I also think that members of the church, especially, could learn so much from this if they would listen with an open heart and mind.
I like how many of the comments in the videos resonate the same idea that we have so much more in common as people than we have differences. I hadn't really thought about that before, but it definitely changed my perspective. I think if we all focused on the fact that we are all people, going through this earthly experience with different trials, we would be much more tolerant of others because we would realize that although the trials appear different they all have the same purpose in the context of this life and in all of eternity. We are all striving to overcome these things and want to become like the Savior. We are just given different means to prove ourselves worthy and obedient.
Those who know me well know that I'm pretty outspoken on this topic when it comes up. I personally have not, nor any members of my family, struggled with same-gender attraction. But I have had oodles of friends, in and outside if this faith, who have. I was good friends with and had great respect for all of these people before they ever opened up about this. I have never seen them differently or loved them less, in fact, it made me love and respect them even more. It hurts me when I see others who change their attitude or behavior toward someone for that reason. I think there is so much to learn from people who are different from myself and I truly believe in loving others because that will bring a person closer to Christ-- after all, it is the Second Great Commandment.
This is, as made clear by Elder Oaks, a very complex issue. There are so many answers that we just don't have. What is simple is the example set forth by Jesus Christ and the doctrines that he established when he was on this earth. He did not cast judgements or do anything that was not out of love. He is no respecter of persons. He sees us not as we are, but as we may become. I hope I can become who he wants me to be and at the same time, help lift others to be their best too.
I feel like I learn so much from things like this website and I know that it will be a great blessing to the saints as we live in times like these. The more unified we are, the better equipped we can be to face personal challenges as well as ones that affect us all. There have been times in my life that I have yearned for acceptance and didn't quite find that at church. I want others to feel loved and accepted in this church because it is the true church on the earth. We could all improve how we treat each other and I hope that steps like this made by the church will set an example for us going forward about listening, empathizing, and learning from each other.
So although I wasn't quite on task, I don't see taking the time to check this site quite as much of a time-waster. It's a great excuse to take a study break and in the process feel the spirit of the message displayed, which can be summed up in a simple phrase: Love One Another.
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