Proud to be LDS

Oh Liz, you have me hooked on your blog! For the rest of you, you should check it out for professional photography, fabulous writing, or for links to more of my favorite subject, Prop 8. I have been reading Article VI Blog, which I find to be very enlightening, entertaining, and yes, a supporter of my beliefs. In reading some comments, I came across one that said almost perfectly something that has become more real to me in the last week or so. Here was the comment:

1. JLFuller on 25 Oct 2008 at 11:33 am #

   It goes with the territory (meaning, being Mormon). We all knew what we were getting into before we came here. We knew Satan would do what you see happening now but we came anyway because of our commitment to Father and Christ. We knew that many of our number would fall away because of their choice to follow the ways of the world. Satan has used these same tactics since the founding of this earth and likely before so few should be surprised. He would make evil seem good and good seem to be evil. He would turn families against each other and split some from the rest. Even the most stalwart and committed would be corrupted and fall away and so some have. The most troubled of us should remember that we cannot serve two masters, God and Mammon.

   This is a war. It continues from our pre-mortal life. It is and always has been Satan against God and we are in the middle. We knew we would be. Again we again have to choose. There has always been a battle ground. There has always been some human weakness that Satan uses where he can squeeze in to separate us from Father. This time homosexuality is the battleground. It will be something else next time. It has always been good versus evil and right versus wrong. It has always been about taking us from God.

In my recent experience this has been much more apparent, like the difference between black and white. The mockery of righteousness; the rejection of truth; the division of good and evil. Just months ago I could have tried to fathom how bad things could be, how our lives could at all be compared to those of the pioneers, how life could really be a test of faith in our days. I now have a hint of those fathoms. Seeing church members claim to be in good standing in the church, while opposing Proposition 8, of which the Apostles and Prophet have asked us to support in no uncertain terms. Hearing of individuals losing friends over professing their support of Proposition 8. Experiencing first hand the dichotomy of equality for marriage and equality for religion/parental rights/and most of all speech. Having everyone of our statements be turned around or taken completely out of context and considered "lies" (while truth doesn't seem to be their- the opponents'- strength).
Now I understand why we are to practice our religion everyday. I understand why we as saints meet often. I understand why we are to continually be converted. I understand why there are two sides of preparedness, both physical and spiritual.
I hear them, the opposition, say that we are using fear as our tactic. We are "crazy", "fearful" people. Well, really I am not full of fear in a way they might think. I am becoming more "fearful", or should I say respectful, of my God, our God. I know he lives and watches over us. He doesn't like that we have some of the reactions that we do just as much as he doesn't like that the other side is doing horrible things. He desires that we have greater love for one another, a hope in all that IS true, and greater faithfulness in him, all so he can give us eternal happiness. I can do a lot better at loving my neighbor, including those that "discriminate" against me. I can do better at being obedient to his commandments. I can do better on a whole lot of things, and that really should be where I focus my energy that I have been spending on trying to convince the other side of who we really are (more in my mind or on the streets while waving signs than actively seeking out opportunities).
On the Article VI Blog they have an article on how the Mormons are being targeted, called Proposition 8:Open season on Mormons? In this it talks about digging up any dirt on Mormons that made large contributions to Prop 8. As I read that my thoughts were directed to my life and whether or not they would find garbage on me. I can't think of any that would be so notable, but maybe they could work it so it was. So then I thought about all those that have had a past that has been forgiven, yet will be brought to the table as if there has been no change in that person. And this is all done in the name of Equality For All. I just don't get it. Nevertheless, it moves me to be more stalwart in my efforts of obedience and righteousness to the kingdom of God. Not out of fear of the people, but out of fear for my God.
I am grateful for the blessing that have been bestowed upon me, and I should be more grateful. I am grateful that I have a place of refuge from the battle grounds. I am grateful that I have support all around me and I don't have to battle this one alone. I am grateful for a wonderful family, both extended sides, and my small nuclear one. I am grateful for the innocence of my sweet Corban that reminds me why this is worth fighting for. I am grateful for the unity of my ward family. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven that grants me peace whenever I remember to ask for it. I am grateful that I have a testimony of God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ.