Some Things I Know: Obergefell V Hodges

I've learned that it is no accident that each of us face incredibly difficult challenges in life.  These challenges oftentimes help us to learn necessary life lessons that shape our character and determine who we really are.  Some of my personal challenges have come and gone, one-time events that I can reflect on.  Other challenges I face seem to be infinite, though I have hope that they are not, things that I am constantly struggling with or trying to overcome.  Understanding that every single person struggles with challenges of one form or another has motivated me to be less critical of anyone for whatever challenge he or she is dealing with.  I realize that many who deal with same gender attraction would not choose to have the feelings they do. Realizing that challenges in life take on all different time frames, names, shapes, and types has helped me love all people regardless of their challenges.  I hope that others love me in spite of mine.

When I heard the announcement of today's Supreme Court ruling, which has been predicted and anticipated, my stomach felt cramped and sick.  I cried.  And then I prayed.  And then, like I do when I am trying to sort out complex emotions, I decided to write.

I don't understand all of the implications of today's decision.  But there are a few things I know, things that I am completely certain of.

I know that today is a historic day.  This will be a decision that will be read and discussed and referred to over and over again in classrooms and courthouses and conversations everywhere.

I know that "no one is predestined to receive less than all that the Father has for His children" (D. Todd Christofferson, Ensign May 2015, 52).  I know that God truly loves all of His children, regardless of their religion, mistakes, status, or sexual orientation.  As one of His children, I have felt of His love.  Some of the most profound and humbling times in my life have been when I have felt of His real and changing love for me in the face of my enormous imperfections.

I know "that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection..." (2 Tim 3:1-3) and that God knew we would be "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).  I know this is why He has given us living prophets and apostles to guide us through the "shafts in the whirlwind" (Helaman 5:12). It amazes me that even the court admits that it's decision was based, at least in part, on rapidly changing public opinion.  "Well into the 20th century, many States condemned same-sex intimacy as immoral, and homosexuality was treated as an illness. Later in the century, cultural and political developments allowed same-sex couples to lead more open and public lives. Extensive public and private dialogue followed, along with shifts in public attitudes. Questions about the legal treatment of gays and lesbians soon reached the courts, where they could be discussed in the formal discourse of the law." (NPR.org).  I am troubled that the highest court in the nation is basing our constitutional rights on rapidly changing public opinion.

I know that "man's laws cannot make moral what God has declared immoral" (Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign November 2013).  How incredibly thankful I am, especially in times like these, for living prophets and apostles to guide us.  Their words of truth bring me comfort and courage.

I know "that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God" (The Family: A Proclamation to The World).  I have been memorizing The Family: A Proclamation to The World this summer.  As I have read and recited and practiced saying those words, their truth has been confirmed in my heart over and over again.

I know that marriage is sacred.  I know that today's events are merely a fulfillment of prophecy.  I know that as I follow the prophet, I need not fear.  I know that God loves all of His children, and that with His help, I too can love His children, even those with whom I disagree.  I know that His perfect plan provides a way for all to return to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  How thankful I am for these things that I know.