Time To Stand As A Witness

"We will stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things and at all places..." As we come closer to the Second Coming, we will face more opposition and more challenges. Tonight I sat in a meeting where two Apostles of the Lord reminded us of our responsibility as the Lord's children to defend His plan. In the state of California, there is a proposition, Prop 8, hoping to legally define marriage as an institution between a man and woman. For weeks, members of the LDS church and many other faiths, have been walking the streets getting the word out to Vote Yes on Prop 8.

There is great opposition to this proposition. Many believe it is trying to eliminate or take away the rights of homosexuals. Now I have several friends with same sex orientation, I don't want them to feel as though I am going against them. This is not the objective of this proposition, it is simply to defend the definition of traditional marriage. In 1995, The Family: A Proclamation to the World was issued as a clear declaration of our beliefs. We are simply being asked to defend this belief. No matter your religious affiliation, we mist fear God more than man and stand for truth.

As I sat through the past General Conference and tonight's meeting, I have felt the Spirit, renewing my testimony of the Lord's will. I kept thinking, this is His Church, His plan and we are simply meant to live and defend it.

Many may think us intolerant, but that is not the case. Elder Cook mentioned this evening that tolerance does not mean condoning sin, it means loving the sinner. He said that Satan tries to hide sin behind a face of tolerance. We must follow Christ's example of tolerance by loving and showing kindness, BUT defending our rights as well.

We may not see the repercussions now, but the consequences are great, the idea of free speech may impede our religious liberties. We are asked to be tolerant, but that is a two way street. We cannot be expected to step aside and watch as our society tries to change God's truths.

So spread the word, whether you live in California or not, tell everyone you know to tell everyone they know VOTE YES ON PROP 8! Networking is key!

For more information see the following sites:
www.preservingmarriage.org
www.protectmarriage.com

www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91486191&sc=emaf

www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage