Thoughts on same-sex attraction

The Church has been under attack for it's stand on same-sex marriage since it got involved with Prop 8 in California in 2008. Since then we have had to deal with issues such as the independent film "8: The Mormon Proposition," the somewhat convoluted news reports of Elder Jensen's apology on the issue, and the latest public outrage over Elder Packer's conference talk.

This is a particularly complex issue for me. As a devout member of the Church I completely accept the official position against same-sex relations and all other sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage as established by God. However, there are several people in my life who I am very close too and love dearly who struggle with same-sex attraction. Each has handled it in a different way some abandon their faith, other resigned to a life of fighting the urge, and everything in between.  I've arrive to a understanding of the issue that I am comfortable with, but I find I have trouble articulating it. Therefore I'm posting this video of the Church's latest official statement on the subject and then I'll make yet another attempt to explain my own thoughts on the subject.




Never haven't experienced same-sex attraction myself I know that my view is overly simple. There are many things I do not understand, like why some people have to deal with this and other don't. However, in my simple way, there are a few things that I do know and understand.

I know that the essence of being a disciple of Jesus Christ is charity.  I know that prejudice, hatred, and phobia against people have no place in the heart or action of any Latter-day Saint.  I also know that it is possible to have unconditional love to people without giving tacit consent to behavior and lifestyles that the Lord has clearly taught are no acceptable.

I don't understand the complexities of the issue or have great advice to offer to those who are struggling with it, but I do know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real and powerful and that either in this life of the next everything that is unfair or difficult will be made right for those who are faithful to him.

For anyone interested in a more interesting view on this issue I recommend this blog: http://gaymormonguy.blogspot.com/

Reflections on Conference, Part 2

I was about half way through my mission when President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away. President Hinckley was the prophet of my childhood and youth. It was listening to him that I gained my own personal testimony of living prophets and his signature was on my mission call. While I have never doubted that Thomas S. Monson was a true prophet of God part of my always wondered if he could fill the place the President Hinckley had in my heart.

Last weekend when President Monson addressed the Relief Society I felt a spirit testify to me again that he was a prophet of God and felt a love for him growing in my heart.  Even more powerfully, as I listened to his talk during the Sunday morning session of conference I felt the overwhelming presence of the Spirit and power coming from him and I know he is the prophet that God has chosen for this time and that his counsel is the most relevant and important message we can listen to at this time. I feel humble and grateful for the blessing to live when the Gospel is on the earth and to have it in my life.

Reflections on Conference, Part 1

General Conference weekend. A wonderful time of spiritual feasting filled with reminders, inspirations, and gentle nudges to face my weaknesses, depend on the Savior and improve myself. I anticipate that Conference will lead to many posts over the next several months so here is the first installment of Amber's reflections on General Conference.

Elder Jeffery R. Holland was the first speaker of the conference on Saturday morning. As I listened to him talk about the quite acts of service and love performed by faithful members of the Church all over the world I was thinking about the many examples of that I had seen in my life when I was presented with yet another example. During the talk, my boyfriend quietly got up and slipped out to meet a member of our branch who just started coming back to church. He brought him into the room where we were watching conference helped him find a seat and made sure he was comfortable then quietly slipped down beside me again. Maybe that seems like a small, simple, even unimportant thing to do, but to me it showed a selflessness and awareness of the needs of others that I love. As Elder Christofferson taught yesterday "simple acts can confirm divine love and awareness."

Weekend at Cape Cod

My sister lives out in Cape Cod, MA where she works for a large, wealthy family who own a private island. The family puts her up on the island and when we went out for her wedding they let all of us stay and play on the island as well.

It was an absolutely beautiful place and I spent as much time outside as possible. I find nature to be very therapeutic. There is something so peaceful and comfortable about being outside to me and it is the best place for talking, laughing, or meditation. Here are a few pictures of the beauties of Cape Cod.

Promoted

This morning, just as I was getting settled in and started with my day's work, my boss called me into her office and said she had good news then added with a smile "Well, it might be good news. Sometimes good things come out of difficulties." And with that interesting opening, she offered me a promotion.

Starting next Monday I'll start my training and take on quite a new new duties - not to mention a nice little raise in my pay. I'm excited for the new challenges and opportunities and interested to see why my boss equated with change with increased difficulties.

Crystal's Wedding

I spent most of this last week at my dearly-beloved sister's wedding. For many years, Crystal and I have been best friends, able to talk about everything, and vent about anything. The last several years have been a difficult roller-coaster ride for her and it was beautiful to see her join her life with a wonderful man and the love of her life. I do not lightly relinquish my post as best friend and confidant, but as I saw the pure love and joy between them, I am happy to trust my new brother-in-law with the safety and happiness of my sister.

It was a short, simple, and sweet ceremony -- a style which suited both of them perfectly. I didn't used to understand why people cried at weddings, but as I felt tears gathering in my own eyes, I understood the true meaning of tears of joy. I kept my emotions in check but will never forget the complete and perfect happiness in my sister's eyes that day. Someday I hope to experience the same joy.

Say what you need to say

A few days ago my boyfriend and I were sitting around talking (and catching our breath after some spontaneous living-room dancing) when he told me that I was beautiful. I realized that no one had ever told me that before - expect, possibly, my mother. It may seems like a small thing but it was wonderful to hear and something that all girls need to hear more often.

That experience made me reflect on how stingy we can be with sincere compliments. Often we think well of people and mention to other people how wonderful they are, but for some reason we never tell the actual person the things that we notice and appreciate about them. So, I've made a resolution to be more generous and sincere with compliments to those around me. We are all in the same struggle of life together and the more we can help and encourage each other the better.