The Parker Family Tells it Straight (plus or minus cheesy music)
Growing up in Idaho and Utah, Brett and I were "morally" well sheltered. Granted we had our personal and family challenges, we were blocked from many societal moral conundrums. However, as of late, it seems no matter where you live the pressure of media and mainstream (or lame-stream) society wants to challenge your religion.
In August we joined in on the YES ON 8 campaign, to RESTORE the definition of marriage to be between a man and a woman. Not the Yes on 8 campaign to take rights away from homosexuals, because they have their rights preserved in civil unions- but the Yes on 8 campaign to protect our families right to unbiased public schooling (watch video), protect the majority vote of millions of California voters, and protect what we know society will prosper from; appreciation and respect for heterosexual marriage.
I've never thought too much about homosexuality until college. A high school friend "came out" and let me know he realized he had been gay all his life. He then proceeded to share his anger that the President was against same-sex marriage and same-sex child-rearing. At the time I was shocked, but still sympathetic. However it caused me, over the course of a year, to study the subject thoughtfully and thoroughly.
The answer lies here http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html .
However, where is the material proof? The ultimate equation that is a convincing enough answer that it could persuade ANYONE that married, heterosexual relationships are best for the individual and for the child the couple might raise?
Surely, even the atheist or agnostic could admit that nature biologically only gives the "key" to producing children with the aid of one male and one female, and therefore nature even clues us in on the best and ideal way to raise a family.
However, whatever the drama caused and feelings hurt, I have to stand up for my family.
But why would God make people Gay? If marriage and children are the ultimate happieness we find in this life, why would God deny gay people that?
Now this is the part where I could really get up on my soap box and tell people Love is a choice, but the reality is that the answer is private, being between the individual and God. He loves them and won't deny them happiness.
My job is not to judge but to protect my rights and teach my daughter that God does love everyone. He loves me just as much as everyone on the No on 8 campaign. And that's were I cross a bridge. Every time I see a "No on 8" sign, a movie star promoting immoral behavior, or hear of people in high political places making it difficult for me to teach my daughter my religion- I remember that God loves them exactly as much as he loves me. It's almost frustrating. I want be like "Seriously God, can you just smite them now? Because they are like totally in my way." But instead He gently reminds me through one of his servants that he loves them to, he answers their prayers the same way he does mine, and the only thing I need to worry about is teaching my family what is right and to be helpful to others. Not be self-righteous to others, but to be kind and helpful.
Anywhosers, I could go on but I will spare you.
Please take the time to watch the video and visit the link in the side bar to see where I am coming from.
Feel the same way? Donate at http://www.protectmarriage.com/ - even a couple bucks helps! And trust me, California needs all the help it can get!
9 comments:
I respect your opinion on this issue, even though I disagree. I think it is appropriate to teach children have respect for other lifestyles in school. It is likely that, while in school, kids will come across other kids from same sex household. All the school programs are doing is ensuring children don't make fun of other children for coming from a different kind of home. I do believe it is up to the parents-not schools- to teach them whatever morals they want to instill in their children, while teaching it is okay to still be nice to the kids who don't have the same beliefs. Its the same thing with evolution vs creationism. The Parker children will probably have to learn evolution at school but it is up to the parents to teach them creationism because it is a religious view.
Good post Rachel. I just donated seconds before I read your post. It was a preemptive victory by you. I liked the video, that's crazy that they threw that guy in jail. Anywho, keep fighting the good fight. Peace.
Rachel- so glad you said what you did. It made me realize I had missed one of the key points of my title.
When I say I "crossed a bridge" it really means I have alot more respect for homosexuals now than before I joined "Yes on 8". Being a part of this campaign means I have had to realize what feelings I am hurting here and what people a "Yes on 8" might affect. Though in the end they and I will disagree on marriage, I have gained a greater understanding of the opposite perspective.
It's also made me realize I can't say "that's so gay" or use homosexual terminology as an insult- something I did pick up in grade school and carried into my adult life.
I need to respect their privacy, and in turn hope others treat me with the same respect.
I want to reiterate to my fellow readers how as they REALLY study this issue they will find a greater love for their fellow men whom make different choices. And HOPEfully understand God better.
In the end it's probably best for schools to stay out of relationship issues all together (though that's a barrel of monkeys in and of itself).
But as a parent being a part of this campaign has made me realize I don't want to be a "queer hating hick holding a pitch fork in one hand a and a torch in the other." I will calmly make wise and loving choices for my family.
And yes, shame on any parent or child who would make fun of a person who is a homosexual. And also shame on anyone who would infringe on parental rights.
ok... wow I am really vain... who comments on their OWN blog?!
I am hoping more people who join "Yes on 8" do it for the same reasons you did. Unfortunately, I think there are a lot of people who do it for all the wrong reasons. I am glad to hear I won't be seeing pictures of your sweet little girl holding a pitch fork anytime soon :-)
Eye opening video Rachel. It is interesting to note that children can opt out of evolution units in school, just so you know. Also, they allow children to opt out of sex ed units as well. While allowing parents no notification or an opt out on this unit should be allowed. I am not sure how this does not cross the church and state lines? Morals to be taught at school would include honesty, respect, etc. Morality on the other hand is a parents right and responsibility.
Excellent post. This isn't about hating another person because of their differences. This is about protecting our families and ultimately society. I know a lot of people don't see how it could negatively effect society, but, thankfully, we have another source that warns us of dangers long before anyone realizes they are dangerous. (See: WORD OF WISDOM).
By the way, I love your new title for the mainstream. Lamestream. That's awesome.
hmmm.... Marie would look pretty cute with a pitch fork, a cowgirl hat, and chewing grass out of the side of her mouth... alas i will refrain...
but I feel a baby photo shoot coming on!
I'll blog them and title it:
Less Politics - More Babies!!!
I do have to say that I just LOVE how all of these "open minded" and "tolerant of everyone" people are stealing the YES signs. What the?! Seriously. I have so much to say on this issue, but I'm not going to do it here. I tend to let my emotions rule what comes out of my mouth, so I will refrain - because your blog is all about the love.
Please post some pics of Marie already!! :)
Yah, 3,000 of the 8,000 signs in our area have been stolen. Lame.
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