Hello Friends!  (Lesson 3)

 I am richly blessed with friends who are willing to share their honest views on issues, though they may differ from mine. I have shared this story time and time again, but my closest friend's (Michelle) husband has long asked, in regards to Michelle's and my friendship "How can the two of you get along so well and believe so differently?" Our answer: "Why not?" Additionally, we have come to find in our twenty years of friendship, that we are not really that different! 

     I openly welcome opportunities to share what I believe as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints, thus the birth of this very blog many years ago. I truly appreciate this opportunity to be more educated regarding the rulings of Obergefell v.Hodges,the decision of the Supreme Court to make legal same-sex marriages, which I have never taken the opportunity to read. Having the opportunity to study the reasoning from the majority as well as the wisdom of those who dissented brought up many points which I had considered in the past but had never exactly been able to put words to. For instance, it is typical of friends who believe differently than me concerning same-sex marriage to cite how we are closed-minded or unable to accept that others with a different view of marriage are able to receive health benefits...etc.  

     Most of all, I value Roberts' assessment: "The fundamental right to marry does not include a right to make a state change its definition of marriage." And why, the majority did not see the connection with one of their closing remarks, I do not understand. The majority stated, "Marriage is the foundation of the family and of society, without which there would be neither civilization or progress." This remark could very well be an argument for heterosexual marriages, except for the context in which is is used. 

     In my life, I strive to live as (then) Elder Nelson counseled, "The future of marriage and of countless human lives will be determined by your willingness to bear solemn witness of the Lord and live according to His gospel." THIS I KNOW AND THIS I DO.

With Love,

Katie

References: Nelson, Russell. Disciples of Jesus Christ - Defenders of Marriage.Aug 2014                          BYU Speeeches. 

                    Obergefell v.Hodges, 576 U.S. (2015). Supreme Court of the United States.