Blessing # 88
Words of Encouragement From Another Perspective
Many people, some anonymous, some named, some family, some real-life friends, and some blog friends, have taken the time to express their feelings to me regarding the passage of proposition 8 in the state of California. All gay Californians and perhaps all gay Americans have had to come to terms with this. I have had to come to terms with it and how it pertains to my relationships with loved ones who may belong to religions condemning same sex marriages, or who may fundamentally believe that same sex marriages are wrong. If you don't recall what I'm talking about, click here.
In a show of my gratitude, I have included some of the comments and/or emails that I have received that have most especially helped me sort things out in my mind. And I do feel better.
Anonymous:
"One of the tragedies of this situation is that extremists on both sides of this conflict have made us feel we need to align with a "side." I think it's a false dichotomy. Our beliefs are not that simplistic. My understanding of Christ's message to us all, instilled in me through my Mormon upbringing, is the same understanding that guides my support of homosexuals and their rights. I urge you to talk directly to those you seek support from--let them tell you how they feel."
"California is now the fertile ground upon which a nationwide movement for civil rights for same-sex marriage partners will be built. A new day is dawning. Bigger and better and stronger than we'd hoped. "
"There's a lot more I could write or say. But in the end I have faith in you. I have faith in a God who loves you. I am LDS with a brother who's gay. And I love him. There is no fear or shame."
One of my four brothers:
"Naturally I have been thinking about this issue a lot, and to be honest I am glad I do not live in California. Three things especially bother me:
First, Mormons do not have the best track record when it comes to traditional marriage so why on earth did we think we were the best religious entity to spearhead such a movement?
Second, why now? I mean frickin' Mitt Romney was governor of Mass. when they passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage and not a peep, so what changed?
Finally, it is too bad Mormons ended up taking so much heat for this because there are definitely not 50 million in California. Sad to see churches vandalized etc. because it implies all Mormons supported Prop 8 but I've heard there are quite a few prominent members that disagreed with the law. But the saddest thing, supposedly members gave 15 million to support Prop 8.
Now I'm not a Californian so I do not have to support or not support Prop 8 but I am a social worker so my mind goes to social issues and do you know how many starving families could have been fed with that money, how many homeless people could have had homes, how many men, women, and children could have crucial vaccinations, how many schools could have been improved, how many orphaned/abandoned children could be supplied with crucial care, or how many patients with cancer/HIV/diabetes could have been treated?
Nope, instead that money was used for this and all elections in general...very frustrating."
Another of my brothers:
"I do not believe you are going to hell. I do not believe in a God who would punish someone that severely for being a great Dad and brother
You are one of my best friends and brother, I would not belong to a church who would say otherwise. "
You are one of my best friends and brother, I would not belong to a church who would say otherwise. "
My sister-in-law, Laura:
Jason there is no choice when it comes to me, i am not torn. I am proud to call you my brother in law. I love you, and everything you are. and i love you and your amazing family, who have such warm, wonderful, amazing, open, huge hearts. there is not option when it comes to me. I support you!!
Jamie:
"I wish we were related, because I'd throw my arms around you and call you brother. I'd tell you that family and loyalty and religion are incongruous, and that it's okay. "
"Coming from those who support you:
Inclusive. Inviting. Harmonizing.
Compassionate.Empathy. Acknowledgment.
Justice.Bonded.
United. Love.
Love will overcome all. Even this. We’ll work for it. We’ll make it happen."
.
13 comments:
Lots and Lots of love via the internets!
I heard the state supreme court will be hearing arguments on the constitutionality on Prop 8 and I have all my fingers and toes crossed that love and family will triumph over bigotry and hate.
Hugs...
Shoot! I was going to say what Katy said. I think this fight will continue on until states will not be allowed to write hate and discrimination into their constitutions. It isn't right. It will eventually fall . . .I just hope it's during our lifetime, because I want to see it.
Yes we can.
Oh Jason, what a funny irony. I clicked the "Jamie" comment that I thought were my words ('cause come ON, who doesn't see their own name and click, click, click?), and I saw a new blog, with a trio (including twins, like me). Love that. In my EXTREME desire for more kids, I see it as a sign (I'd see ANYthing as a sign...) to have my own trio...then more.
So, where was I? Babbling about myself, of course. Glad you feel supported in your comments, in real life, amongst family and friends. Hope to call you a real-life friend some day. Until then... lovin' the man behind the blog. :)
Have you seen this post on Debbie's blog over at Etc., Etc., Etc.? http://kuroiwafamily.blogspot.com/2008/11/on-these-particular-topicsi-completely.html
It includes a great pie chart.
Let's hope the State Supreme court will see that EVERYONE should have the same rights!!!
By the way your brother is AMAZING, and SO CORRECT! There are so many people that money could have benefited!!
It is encouraging to see so many good people behind this...hoping to make it change again. take care, Suz
amen.
Did you see this? Found it on another blog I really like...I should de-lurk over there...anyway, here's the link to the relevant post.
http://newlycanadian.blogspot.com/2008/11/i-could-not-have-said-it-better-myself.html
Your brother hit the nail on the head. So much money... just think of all the good that money could have done, but instead it went to support hatred and bigotry. And those people claim to speak for God? Sickening.
I hope the State Supreme Court can overturn this. There was such a small difference in the numbers I don't see how they can pass that into law. All people are created equal and should be treated as such. Much love to you and your family.
I always learn something here, about you, and about our Country. I got such a charge from the sign being carried that said, "You Want 2 Wives. I Want 1 Husband". It's not even a difference of opinion to me ... it's not even their business because it's not their life. My God, in the end, will judge our service to Him as well as to each other. That's it ... nothing more, nothing less.
Glad you stopped by my site and commented on my Sister. Love from The Prairie. xoxo.
XOXOXO!
Oh Jason, you deserve all this support. You have a beautiful heart and you share it so readily with others so you deserve the same thing back. Reading what your family wrote, really touched my heart. Bless you Jason!
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