Bravo.

This is a post that I stole from a gal pal that I went to Nauvoo with. I would rewrite it, but she has such a great way with words and it says what I think! Enjoy!
October 12, 2010

I’m sad today. Sad because, while I would like to believe that life consists only of the things going on inside my little bubble, the truth is, the world is going mad (exaggeration? Maybe).

I read a little bit about the controversy regarding President Boyd K. Packer’s talk on homosexuality in general conference last weekend. To say the talk was about homosexuality is actually a misrepresentation. To say that he discussed it, and with divine boldness, would be more accurate.

I’m wondering now if I should have stayed away from the news headline “HRC Delivers Petition Against Mormon Leader Boyd Packer's Anti-Gay Message.” After all, it only dampened my spirit.

The truth is, I didn’t think twice about Elder Packer’s talk. I never dreamed it would stir up so much anger and opposition. Did it come as a shock to the world that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in families—in marriage between a man and woman, as God obviously intended it to be? Haven’t we already stood our ground in supporting proposition 8? Why the sudden bitterness now?

I guess it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change anything. The gap between what the Church believes and what the world believes is growing larger. More and more members are doubting their religion. Sad, isn’t it? And yet, this is how it is supposed to be. Increasing wickedness, confusion, the “very elect” deceived. I don’t want to be a part of the world’s mess, but I don’t have a choice, do I?

The truth is, I am IN this world. And as long as I am in it, I am affected by it. While we are told to be “in the world, but not of the world,” we can’t ignore the world. I try to. Every single day. Usually it’s pretty easy, but I’m starting to realize, it isn’t right—to stand on the sidelines with a “woe is me” attitude. I have a voice, and a choice to share it. So here it is; my voice. One small, insignificant voice among millions. A voice that may not make the slightest difference. But I have to try.

I endorse with all my heart the words of President Boyd K. Packer. It has very little to do with my political standing on homosexuality, and everything to do with the fact that I have a testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Part of that testimony is following the Prophet and his Apostles as they receive direction from a loving Heavenly Father and with that knowledge guide the people of the church.

If you have any reason to doubt their words, then pray about it. We are all entitled to our own personal revelation. Our leaders don’t ask us to follow blindly. I would go so far as to say they expect us to exercise faith and use our free agency. Ask God. It’s that simple.

So where do my beliefs come from? How do I know this so called church is true?
I’ve heard it before, the assumptions. “You were raised in the church, so that is all you know.” Or “You’ve been brainwashed.” are things I’ve heard. I’ll try to explain it my best.

I’ve lived it. I LIVE my religion every day. Everything in my life is a testimony to me of the reality of God, His son Jesus Christ, and the true gospel that He restored to earth for His children. I didn’t wake up one morning and decide to become a “Mormon.” I have prayed and studied the scriptures, and have LIVED what I’ve been taught through my study. I can’t think of a better way to figure out if something is true or not than to live it.

The world around me seems to be full of chaos and confusion. So much greed, hate, violence, and anger. So many reasons to doubt everything, even our very existence. The gospel is a message of peace. It is the perfect antidote to the wounds inflicted by the world. Don’t take my word for it, though. Find out for yourself.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30.)