It's everywhere--which side are you on?

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I realize I'm taking a huge risk with this post but it's something I feel strongly about.  I feel like it's time to really have a voice about certain things that are going on in the world regarding same-sex attraction.  I've heard the stories.  I hear about the bullying, the unfortunate suicide attempts and the unworthy feelings that so many people (young and old) are experiencing but at this point in the game we call life, there isn't time to dilly daddle and not choose a side.  In my opinion, you either stand for something or you stand for nothing.  It's easy to sit by the wayside and hope that everyone around you will say what YOU'RE thinking because you're too afraid to say it yourself...but we need to stand up for what is right, not what is popular.  As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we are taught to get involved in our communities and to take part in things going on around us.  I wonder how many of us really do.  I know I've been lazy and that my feeble attempts to make a difference are just little links on Facebook.  The conversations are going on everywhere and the latest trend is attacking a very inspired leader of our church for a discourse he gave during General Conference.  Some of the statements he has made have been taken out of context and used to demonize him and the church as a whole.  I know that is a strong word--but I've seen some of the signs from the rally at Temple Square and that is exactly what they are doing.  It's sad that there is such a huge misunderstanding between what we truly believe and what people say we believe.  Most of the people involved in the rallies probably haven't even read President Packer's talk and are just there to be supportive of gay friends.  If they haven't taken the time to read it, I wish they would...with an open heart.

I truly believe that everything he spoke during that talk was inspired.  I know that people really do struggle with same-gender attraction and the frustration and uncertainty they feel.  I am sure that it is an extremely difficult trial but I also know that with God all things are possible.  President Packer stated that it is one thing to experience those feelings but it is an entirely other thing to act upon them.

It seems like the media has been slowly but ever so persistently pushing the envelope to the point that the cat is out of the bag.  A popular music-oriented TV show that is targeted to young people (in my opinion) couldn't BE more gay friendly.  It has even recently stepped it up a notch.  A sitcom that Danny and I watch regularly has recently come under scrutiny for not having 2 of the main characters (who happen to be gay)--kiss.  A Facebook petition really put the pressure on and they caved.  This is not right.  It ISN'T OK.  How much are we going to tolerate and justify our way through each episode before we say that we've had enough? And how much is too much?

I don't even want to think about the kinds of conversations I'm going to have to have with Cole in just a few years (if not sooner) about this type of lifestyle.  I think it's hard for a child to comprehend that the sin is bad but the person isn't.  Heck, I think it's hard for some adults.  The Proclamation on the Family was inspired and comes directly from a loving Father in Heaven.  It doesn't' talk about hate and persecution towards those who choose to believe that they are gay by chance, and not by choice.  It sets a standard for what is morally right. A standard that comes directly from God.

We know that things will probably get worse before they get better and everyone will be required at some point to make a decision.  I think the weak will become weaker and the strong will become stronger.  I know which side I want to be on.