Started typing on my Facebook page only to realize that what I had to say was longer than I wanted to post, and more appropriate for a blog. Amazing how when you try to celebrate marriage and take a stand for the sacrament of marriage, the response you get.
So yes, Bruce and I celebrate marriage, and believe marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman. Not everyone sees it this way, but we do. And we believe that marriage should be celebrated. Does that mean we are homophobic and hate homosexuals! NO!!! We agree that they should be shown love and respect like everyone else.
In response to the proposed Kansas legislation, I think it's sad it's had to come to this. We should be able to respect each others' opinions and beliefs. We should be able to be polite when we say, "I'm sorry. I can't do your wedding cake. I'm a believer in Jesus and I don't agree with same sex marriage." And the response should be just as polite. "I understand. I'll check with some other places."
How can it be that is has come down to being taken to court? And now there is proposed legislation trying to protect business owners. Why is it even considered necessary? My husband has yet to have to turn down doing a wedding, we don't live in a same sex state so not yet an issue. And the thought is that clergy have the right to say no. But what would stop a couple from taking him to court?
Maybe "same sex friendly" signs aren't the answer. Word on the street would probably be more effective, or a website, or a Facebook page, or an app of some kind. I'm just trying to understand why it's not okay to have the right to say no.
I think it's sad that business owners may have to close businesses because they are sued. I think it's sad that we who don't believe in same sex marriage are accused of hate and bullying and being judgmental. I'm not saying there isn't hate and bullying-I don't like the Westboro cult any more than anyone else (and no, it's not a church, not in my opinion). There is discrimination, and on both sides. But I do really wonder sometimes who really is showing more hate and bullying.
I think it's sad what all of this is doing to our churches and denominations. And to our country. And all of the communities in our country. I accept it's not going to go away anytime soon. But I am NOT going to change my mind about this. And I am going to continue to speak out against same sex marriage. Again, not with hate or fear. But with the belief that the beliefs that fuel same sex is okay comes from the pit of hell and satan himself. Am I going to speak out that way? Probably just in a blog! or with a friend that I know it's safe to say it, too. But that is what I believe.
And because that is what I believe, I think it is very, very sad that so many people are so very, very deceived about this issue. And it's sad that it's not going to change. Not until we stop being afraid of speaking out and taking a stand for what we believe-not just about same sex, but much,much more about the Gospel and Jesus' love for us and salvation through Him. And about what the Bible teaches, and how it has the power to change and transform lives.
So let me say it one more time. NOT with hate or fear, but speaking the truth in love as the Bible has told us to do. Am I being judgmental? I don't believe so. Speaking up for what I believe is truth as taught in Scripture is not being judgemental. It is proclaiming the One who has come to bring us the way, the truth and the life, and what it means to be a follower of Christ.
The reality is that some will agree with what I've said, and others will disagree, some quite strongly. And even though I will continue to speak what I believe, I will do my best to respect the beliefs of those who disagree with me. Are you willing to respect mine?
