There have been protests in front of many temples including The Salt Lake, Los Angeles, and Manhattan, to name a few I am sure. The Los Angeles had to be closed due to the security threat. There are all kinds of threats being written. Burn the mormons temples to the ground is one. Take away their tax exempt status. There are many many more. In fact yesterday the Salt Lake temple also had to be shut down do to a white powder that was sent there as well as the Los Angeles temple. It is said that Saturday there is supposed to be rallies in every state protesting this movement.
The most interesting article I found is one entitled Gay marriage ban backlash: Calls for Utah boycott. There were two reasons I found this article interesting. First there was a quote by a Washington DC based blogger who stated that the church took "marriage away from 20,000 couples and made their children bastards." I apologize for any offense to the word. To soften the blow I will point out the definition of illegitimate (the word the wikipedia give for this) is: born to a woman and a man who are not married to one another. So technically this is an untrue statement. The most interesting part about this article was this quote, "The irony in the attack on Utah's tourism industry is that it would likely do the most harm in Salt Lake City and Park City - two of the state's most liberal cities and those with some of the smallest percentages of Mormons in the state. "
I have found concern and stress over this issue as the conditions seem to worsen daily. As I have remembered to read my scriptures and pray I have found peace and comfort. I even found a stronger desire to make it to the temple. I went on my own tonight and enjoyed the blessings of the initiatory. If anyone is struggling with the things that are going on right now I suggest that is something you need to be reminded of. There are wonderful blessings to be given at the temple. He Lord is ever watchful of us and He is listening to our prayers. If we do what we have been told our homes can be our own temples that will keep us safe from these storms.
We do, however, have an obligation to get out of our homes and share the gospel with those around us. Why are we keeping such a valuable lifeline to ourselves when our neighbor and those around us are drowning in the sins and evils of this world. We all (including myself) need to do more to share the gospel with others so that their lives can be abundantly blessed as ours have been. This misfortune could actually open up opportunities to share the gospel so lets be ready for the opportunities.
As I have read the scriptures I realize that there really is a responsibility for this gospel to be heard at all corners of the earth. People need to be tested as to where they will stand and whether or not they will accept the gospel. To those who feel we hate you and are against you it's not true. Yes there will be some members of our church who will be wrong and judge you. Most of us try to love everyone and accept all God's children, but we are not perfect. We love you and wish for the best in your life, but we cannot accept what you choose. You may have tendencies but it is still what you choose to do with those that matters. If you read the bible God has been very clear about how He feels about your choices. Come unto Christ and leave your sins behind. We do love you and above all I know God loves you.
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