Jennifer - gay marriage is not the issue here. We do have a child who recently announced she was gay. We did not express shock, judgement or anger. We were "supportive" by reminding her that, while we all have our challenges, to achieve true happiness we are all required to keep Heavenly Father's commandments regardless of our weaknesses. One of those commandments is sexual purity. The plan of happiness is so named because it is, indeed, the plan that - if followed - will bring us the greatest joy both in this life and in the eternities. Sometimes that includes sacrificing our greatest desires. We told our daughter that we love her with all our hearts and that is why we expressed our sincere belief that keeping the law of chastity would bless her life more than giving in to physical drives that would likely prove to be destructive.
Gaye WillisFebruary 15, 2021
Wonderful insights! Thank you!
MEBFebruary 10, 2021
In my dealings with members, face to face, I compartmentalize that relationship apart from dissenting opinions I know they hold on a variety of issues, and instead love them as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
JenniferFebruary 10, 2021
Michelle, what are your views on gay marriage? How would you feel if one of your sons or daughter came out to you? Would you be supportive? I hope so!
ScottHFebruary 9, 2021
Thank you for this article. I have found that the more I care about individuals, the less my political differences with them matter. The differences still exist; it is even OK for us to advocate for different sides of issues and opposing candidates. A small dose of humility goes a long way too. The more experience I gain in political matters, the less certain I am that my views are as universally correct as I had previously imagined. I have much to learn from those with differing views. But I learn those things best when I interface with them in nonpolitical venues such as church classes and service projects.
Tori BlackFebruary 9, 2021
Amen.
Diane IrwinFebruary 9, 2021
Michelle - Excellent article! I especially liked the paragraph about giving differences too much power. Thank you for teaching me.
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HalFebruary 16, 2021
Jennifer - gay marriage is not the issue here. We do have a child who recently announced she was gay. We did not express shock, judgement or anger. We were "supportive" by reminding her that, while we all have our challenges, to achieve true happiness we are all required to keep Heavenly Father's commandments regardless of our weaknesses. One of those commandments is sexual purity. The plan of happiness is so named because it is, indeed, the plan that - if followed - will bring us the greatest joy both in this life and in the eternities. Sometimes that includes sacrificing our greatest desires. We told our daughter that we love her with all our hearts and that is why we expressed our sincere belief that keeping the law of chastity would bless her life more than giving in to physical drives that would likely prove to be destructive.
Gaye WillisFebruary 15, 2021
Wonderful insights! Thank you!
MEBFebruary 10, 2021
In my dealings with members, face to face, I compartmentalize that relationship apart from dissenting opinions I know they hold on a variety of issues, and instead love them as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
JenniferFebruary 10, 2021
Michelle, what are your views on gay marriage? How would you feel if one of your sons or daughter came out to you? Would you be supportive? I hope so!
ScottHFebruary 9, 2021
Thank you for this article. I have found that the more I care about individuals, the less my political differences with them matter. The differences still exist; it is even OK for us to advocate for different sides of issues and opposing candidates. A small dose of humility goes a long way too. The more experience I gain in political matters, the less certain I am that my views are as universally correct as I had previously imagined. I have much to learn from those with differing views. But I learn those things best when I interface with them in nonpolitical venues such as church classes and service projects.
Tori BlackFebruary 9, 2021
Amen.
Diane IrwinFebruary 9, 2021
Michelle - Excellent article! I especially liked the paragraph about giving differences too much power. Thank you for teaching me.
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