Experience #1

As many of you know, yesterday President Hinckley shared a few of his life experiences that he has always remembered and cherished. He encouraged all of us to write down meaningful experiences we've had in our own lives. Not enough time or brain power to do it all at once, but I have time for one.

Last night, around 2 am, Roommate A and I had a long conversation about SSA. Our conversation continued today. We shared the thoughts we had had about gay people before we had known any gay members of the Church. Neither of us really understood why people were gay, but both of us had had gay friends. We sort of just loved them who they were but didn't agree with or understand their lifestyle.

We also talked about gay marriage. We have some common friends--a gay couple--who we love dearly. I remember when they broke up how sad we were. Recently they got back together and all seemed right with the world. Why wouldn't we want them to the have the opportunity to get married? Living in California, close to SF, most people were for gay marriage. In history and government classes we never really knew which side we were on. Gay marriage seemed so logical, but we knew the Church was against it. The Church told us gay marriage is wrong, but logically it makes so much sense.

Then we learned about SSA in the Church through a friend. It was hard to understand at first--how could a member of the Church be gay? In the past [almost] year, we've learned more about how people could experience SSA but still be a good member of the Church. And now most of our friends are gay, and we love it. SSA isn't talked about a lot in the Church, which is unfortunate. But it's gradually getting better, and hopefully will continue to do so.

We came back to gay marriage with this new understanding of SSA and decided that it's just one of those things that are HARD. Marriage is between a man and a woman only. It sounds so harsh to just tell people, I'm sorry, you can't get married to the person you love. But that's what the Lord has told us. Even though gay marriage logically makes sense, eternally it doesn't. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." (Isaiah 55:8) It's so sad for me to think that some of my dearest friends won't be able to get married in this life. I really admire their strenght; it's far greater than my own.

Our conversation continued on today and we talked about gay people we know and love and how they've made our lives better. It was one of those really meaningful conversations that I will probably think about for a long time.

Sorry if I offended anyone. The conversation more of an exploration of our thoughts and ideas and I wasn't trying to be opinionated by posting it. I'm still learning. Love to all. I'm tired. Goodnight.