for some reason, I debated making this post.
why?
I was worried that people (both of my faith and not) would leave me mean or non-relevant comments or start some war with words via an anonymous poster.
I just like the blog post, geesh.
I just like the blog post, geesh.
it's my blog, and I can do whatever I want.
I got this from my awesome FIL a month-ish ago.
sean and I felt the message was poignant and lovely.
p.s. the man in the link was recently called to ward executive secretary in the bay area
(he was set apart by my FIL)
I just realized it would probably be better if I explained why I love his story. It isn't necessarily because I have had a difficult time understanding the church's stance on homosexuality within the church, but rather I was so curious how it felt from the other side. I am a pretty stereotypical conservative Republican (as far as my interest in politics is concerned, which isn't really that great an interest--sue me).
I have been (I shamefully admit) judgemental and ignorant, and unfortunately, still often am.
I am grateful for Brother Mayne's blog because in the midst of worldly anger, confusion, sadness, judgement, ostracism, pain, and whatever other emotion people within and outside my faith believe or feel about homosexuality, homosexual inclinations, or whatever-- he sees the big, beautiful picture.
And if he can see that, I sure as heck better be able to do it, too.
Life is all about perspective, people.
I just realized it would probably be better if I explained why I love his story. It isn't necessarily because I have had a difficult time understanding the church's stance on homosexuality within the church, but rather I was so curious how it felt from the other side. I am a pretty stereotypical conservative Republican (as far as my interest in politics is concerned, which isn't really that great an interest--sue me).
I have been (I shamefully admit) judgemental and ignorant, and unfortunately, still often am.
I am grateful for Brother Mayne's blog because in the midst of worldly anger, confusion, sadness, judgement, ostracism, pain, and whatever other emotion people within and outside my faith believe or feel about homosexuality, homosexual inclinations, or whatever-- he sees the big, beautiful picture.
And if he can see that, I sure as heck better be able to do it, too.
Life is all about perspective, people.
What a great article. I read a few other posts of his and I really love what he has to say. I feel torn about the issue as well. I have known and love many gay people and want them to have the same rights as straight people. They are committed to their partners, want to show the world their love and I don't see why they shouldn't. But we as LDS people are taught that homosexuality is a sin=gays are sinners, which translates in our minds into ostracizing and disliking them. We are taught to hate the sin, love the sinner but how many of us can actually differentiate that? Thanks for posting this. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachael! Isn't it just awesome? It has helped me immensely. You guys should come visit us in LA!
ReplyDeleteRachael: my own thought on the whole "sin angle" is that if there is one thing you come to know as you get older, it is that our pews are already full of sinners. (It's just not as obvious, and believe me when I tell you that not all gay people are obvious, either.)
ReplyDeleteThe lady four seats over is an adultress, the guy right in front of you struggles with pornography, the older woman two rows behind you has all kinds of problems with prescription meds, that 22-year-old just back from his mission hasn't told the real truth about anything for as long as he can remember... everybody's got their problems, I promise you that.
So maybe the thing is just this: let's not all act like being gay, even if we consider it a sin, makes the person all that different from the rest of us.
That's my thought, for what it's worth.
^ I second mfmosman's comment. We all have sins that we struggle with, and for some reason homosexuality is pegged as one of the most repulsive. I think those who live and deal with it, especially in such an open way as Brother Mayne, should be applauded and supported, rather than ostracized. Members of the church, including myself, would do well to take the charge to "love thy neighbor" more seriously.
ReplyDelete