My Soap Box (you may not like this)

All these protests and rallies against the passing of California's Prop 8 has really impacted my tiny little mind. I have had a difficult time with this issue since it was first brought up in a Sacrament Meeting months and months ago. I was confused to why the church leadership would get involved politically when my understanding was that the church didn't get involved with political issues. Since that time, there has been clarity as to why the church leadership made the decision to encourage church members in California to dig into their pockets and contribute money and of course oodles of time in behalf of Prop 8. As a member of a very active and motivated ward/stake, I saw hundreds of people, including many friends and even my own husband donate time money and a lot of energy into the passing of this bill. All the while, I was struggling with my own thoughts about the rights and/or privileges we are entitled to as citizens of this great nation. Tony and I had countless discussions because I was trying desperately to understand why this was such a huge issue. I guess I have always felt that people have the right to choose what they will, and then they will be subject to the consequences of those decisions. I read the articles put out by the first presidency, listened to many talks, had countless conversations and received countless emails regarding the subject of same sex marriage, but I still felt confused.
One Sunday a friend of ours, who happens to be a high council speaker, spoke about this subject and finally shed a different light and perspective on the issue. Basically, in short he was talking about how we may not understand all the reasons or consequences of this proposition at this time, but we must trust the Lord and His Prophets--that they would never lead us astray. Okay, that means we need to be obedient--that I get.
Bear with me for a moment while I expand on a particular weakness/strength (I'm not sure which one it is at this time) I have. I have this drive toward tolerance of views, beliefs and opinions. This is not to be mistaken for a tolerance of unruly, disruptive and violent behavior. We live in a wicked world where morals and virtue are not held in high standard. We also live in a very diverse country where people are entitled to their own ideas and opinions--about everything. I am a very opinionated person--who knew--but agree or disagree, I respect the right of others to have opinions as well. I respect and thrive on differences. I respect that people have their own ideas of what marriage, morals, faithfulness, etc. is. It doesn't bother me in the least that people are passionate about what they believe. My faith is unbreakable. I know what is right and I know the Holy Ghost is my companion and that He gives me strength when I am weak. Even though I do not doubt what I know to be true, I have this strange sense of walking the fence sometimes because I have such a compassion that compels me to be empathetic with those who believe differently than I do. It makes for difficult times for me because there is so much of a clash between what the Lord and the world says is appropriate behavior. I understand the worldly view all to well. Maybe it's because I lived in the world for a while, or maybe it's because the Lord has blessed me with a keen sense of understanding. Like I said, I don't know if it's a strength or a weakness.
My thoughts on the passage of Prop 8: I think it's absolutely amazing, incredible and somewhat shocking that the state of California voted to restore the morality of marriage. I never thought I'd see the day. I think the Lords will pour out abundant blessings on those who worked so diligently in their efforts to restore the sanctity of marriage. My personal opinion is that marriage is defined by God. There are many laws of God that are not upheld in the laws of man. Regardless of how man, or the human law defines marriage, morals or life, we are held to a higher degree of standard by our Heavenly Father. He does not live by the laws of the people, but by His own laws, which in the end is what we are compelled to live by for our eternal well being. Ultimately, I believe this issue boils down to one thing: Is marriage a RIGHT, or is it a PRIVILEGE? Who decides? In the laws of our Heavenly Father, marriage is indeed a privilege that we regard in the most sacred manner. However, in America--the land of free speech, choice and the American Dream, I feel it will inevitably be deemed a human right--entitled to all men. As for now, at least the sanctity of marriage has been defended--even if it is for a short time. My hope and prayer is that those who are in despair regarding their "rights" being taken away, will find a more effective and less harmful way of conveying their opinions, anger and outrage without causing such distress to others. I do believe with all my heart that people need to fight for what they believe to be right. Prop 8 was a tough battle for both sides, but we put this issue to a vote of the people and the verdict is in. Can we really put our faith in the American way and the justice system, but then rebel when things don't work out our way. After all folks, this is America, and even if you don't agree with it, "We the People. . ." have spoken.