Lesson 03 Traditional Marriage

This is a sensitive and controversial topic and knowing that, I want to make it known that this post is my opinion based on my beliefs and what I know within my heart to be true.  I do not wish to stir the pot or start a war, but rather state my beliefs with the hope that we can come together as people to have a discussion without having nasty or inhuman things said about one another.

As a bit of background, I live in a place that where this topic is one that comes up on almost a daily basis.  Numerous times a day I am asked, what is the big deal?  Why does it matter if two gay people get married?  Why are you blowing this out of proportion?  First off, I would like to say that I do not believe that this is something that I blow out of proportion.  This is something that is of the utmost importance to me.  As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman.  Marriage is the entity by which our Heavenly Father allows humans to create life.  Marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God and has been since the beginning of time.  Adam and Eve were put on the earth to compliment and help each other.  Men and women are different.  Their roles within a family are different.  In my own life, I can testify that this is true.  I look at the relationship that my wife has with our children.  She is nurturing and always is worrying about their well-being.  She teaches them to love others and makes sure that they know that they are loved.  She does all this while working a full-time job.  On the other side of the coin, I have a different relationship with them.  I teach them to work hard for what they have, serve others, and to accomplish their goals.  In my marriage, along with I believe is most marriages, my wife is strong in areas of parenting that are weaknesses for me.  The same can be said about my strengths and her weaknesses.

As I have thought about where I live and the individuals that I associate with, I wonder what I can do to defend traditional marriage?  As I mentioned, I live in a place where this is topic that is brought up on a daily basis.  I believe that the best thing that I can do is not stand idly by when the discussion happens.  Defending traditional marriage puts me in the minority but standing up for what you believe is also something that I believe.  Additionally, I think that it is important to love everyone and make sure that they know that.  Respect for other’s opinions is necessary and I want to help people understand that just because we disagree, doesn’t mean that I dislike you as a person.  I believe that the largest misconception is that I dislike homosexuals.  The fact of the matter is that I don’t feel that way at all.  Allowing open discussion gives the opportunity for discussion and understanding on both sides.  What is the best way that you have been able to have open communication on topics that are controversial?  How do you show someone love, when you disagree with their actions?