Tragedy all around us

Las night in Las Vegas a gunman open fired on a concert killing at last count 58 people and wounding over 500 . The last month has seen devastating earthquakes in Mexico, Hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico as well as other islands. Fires ravage many states

People are struggling all around us. Some of us have been lucky enough to not have been directly affected by any of these. Some of us may have close family and friends affected. Many feel a sense of fear and hopelessness at the tragedies that surround them. We want to help. Where can we send money, food, clothing? Where can we donate? Where can we help.

 Maybe we can offer counseling services, or maybe you are a medical professional. Maybe you can donate blood. WE just want to be able to help relieve the suffering. People drove for hours with their boats to Texas to help people trapped by flood waters. Men left their families from all over the country to head to areas where they could help provide security, Power, Search and rescue.

How about those around us who are are struggling . hanging on by a thread.... In need of a life line

Many individuals  who are LGBTQ and especially those who identify with the Mormon faith are facing heartache of epic proportions lately. It seems as if on every turn there is some new thing that "quakes , or floods" their very existence.

THe church stands behind a Baker who refuses to make a Gay couple a cake. They say it is religious freedom. Well, so If someone decides they don't want to serve a Mormon at their establishment would that be religious freedom too?  Yes as businesses, you should have the right to refuse service to someone, but on the base of purely because of who they are?
Black, Latino, Gay?
How about Jewish?
Haven't we as a society come farther than that?

Why can't we just give an honest service to a paying courteous patron?

They are told repeatedly that this is a trial of this life and that in the next life they will be " free from this challenge"  And we wonder why they are killing themselves in droves.

They are told that as long as they don't " act on it " they are ok.
"Its just like those who never get a chance to marry in this life, They must follow the law of Chastity as well."    
Well, no not really. That person who hasn't been able to marry  can date, Hold hands, heck they can even Kiss someone.  They can have a relationship with another person. LGBT individuals are not afforded that option.

In Scripture it tells us it is not good for many to be alone. Men are that they might have Joy.

But we are to Believe that this only applies to Gods straight children?

I don't know what the answers are to many of these perplexing questions, but I do know this.
God loveth ALL his children. WE are taught that the first and great commandment is to Love God with all our Heart and the second is like unto it. Love thy neighbor as thyself.

This means it is not our place to judge them. Not our place to decide if they should be able to have the same rights as we do. Not our place to decide if they deserve our Love and friendship.
Now I am not always perfect at this, I am still learning and growing. But I think having a Gay son has taught me more about unconditional Love than I could have ever imagined.
IT has taught me to Look to my Savior as a guide to how I should treat others.

Their are those among us who are the casualties of the barrage of  insensitive comments, bullying, Terrorizing, and isolation.

So as you think about how you can help these victims of these tragedies around you, Look around at those who are facing these other tragedies . Think about how you can love a bit louder. To follow up those words of " I love everyone" with some actions.

Maybe start with just listening a bit more.
Ask them to tell you their perspective.... Their story.
Listen, Really listen.  
Practice having Empathy.

Just be a friend.
You don't have to agree with them.
Maybe they don't like that you like the Raiders ?
But they will still be a friend to you


Did we ask before we gave blood if it was going to a black, Jewish or Gay  person?  No
 WE just give it freely for anyone who needs it.

Do we ask if our donation is going to help a " Mexican" ?  Of course not
WE just want to help those who are in need.

We as members of the United States Live in one of the greatest countries in the World. Our cities have rallied around others who are in the war zones and in need of help. Don't look so far outside your backyard to think there aren't some right there.

Maybe you could consider Joining Mormons Building Bridges On Oct 20th for the annual Pride Parade, where you can Show your Love for some of Gods Children who could really use it right now.
THAT my friends is what the Savior would have us do. I think it is i these times of disaster and tragedy that true greatness can come. Maybe in the wake of these tragedies we can just look at each other as Human beings, who want and need love.

****AS a side note I am so proud to call Vegas my home . To see people in droves coming out to help. Lines of over 6 hours to give blood, Over 1.3 million raised for the victims. Uber and Lyft drivers offering rides for free to help those affected. First responders running in while everyone else was running out. Doctors and nurses from everywhere jumping in to help however is needed. Over 2500 listing for people of places to stay. Food being donated to Ronald MC Donald house and Red cross in droves. Way to step up and Bear one anothers burdens Las Vegas!!!

LOVE LOUD

On saturday August 26th, I had the opportunity to attend the LOVE LOUD festival in Orem Utah. 
I just happened to luck out that we were already going to be up in Provo to attend the temple with my Daughter in law, so I jumped on to see if there were any tickets available and there were. 

Now it started out rough when we had to stand in line for about and hour and 45 minutes just to get in, but once we got in, and found a place to settle in , it was truly an overwhelming site .  I have not attended many concerts, and the ones I did were very different (as they should have been.)  I love Imagine Dragons and Neon trees, and enjoy their music. BUT , This was not just about their music though. This was a festival of people coming together to raise awareness and open the dialogue that there are people in our midst, especially youth who feel Alone, unloved, Ostracized and  some even unwelcome in their own families.  These youth are committing suicide at alarming rates especially in Utah. 

Now there are varying statistics, but even one is too many  One  study released In June of 2016 states that Utahs suicide rates have TRIPLED since 2007, and are double the national average .Here is one article   HERE

Why is this you ask??  Good question. 

I don't think it has anything to do with the elevation or the fact that Utahns move alot.  I think we really have to look at the pressure that comes from being a part of a culture that is so stringent and does not accept you unless you fit into a very specific mold. 

Now I have been a member all my life, and I too have had  feelings of not being enough, or not feeling like I fit in. 
Luckily for me though I am not Gay , so it was a bit easier to overcome this. 

I was never told I could not find joy in this life , or that I could not  marry someone I love. I was not told that if I did, and had children, that they could not be a part of the gospel until they were adults and they would have to disavow me as their parent.   
I was not told over and over I was a sinner, but they would "love me anyway" as if they were not " a sinner" 

Aren't we all sinners? 

I was never told that this challenge was just for this life, and it would all be fixed in the next life . 
Well,  .... No wonder they are killing themselves. 

Dan Reynolds ( of Imagine Dragons)  decided he was not going to be silent on this issue. He decided to use his voice to bring up the dialogue. To open the conversation about LGBTQ indiviuals and the challenges they face. They are wonderful human beings who deserve Love, respect and the same rights and privileges we all enjoy.  They need not ever feel alone. 

LOVE LOUD is the name they chose for this event.

LOVE as described in the dictionary 
    
  (1) :  strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties
:  warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion   :  unselfish loyal and benevolent , concern for the good of another:         such as (1) :  the fatherly concern of God for humankind           (2) :  brotherly concern for others  :  a person's adoration of God
LOUD as described in the dictionary     marked by intensity or volume of sound  :  producing a loud sound
So if we look at our interactions with those who may be different , or don't fit our mold ,  Do we show affection or kinship  with great intensity? Are we really showing love if they don't Feel ( or hear ) it? 
Is it LOUD enough that they hear it? 

Do we try to live up to our baptismal covenant to " bear one anothers burdens" Comfort those who stand in need of comfort?
I had the privilege of spending a few hours in the MAma dragons hugging booth talking to individuals, and giving out hugs. I had many individuals talk about how they have felt left out and unloved by their peers and family because they are Gay. I watched a mother tear up as I talked to her about my journey and how I ended up there to help support my son and others like him. Her 14 year old daughter had recently come out and she was trying to figure out how to navigate it all for her. Her family is not very supportive. She said " I love my daughter for who she is , and why should she have to change to fit in?"  She is exactly right. It doesn't mean that this poor mothers heart is breaking for what lies ahead for her sweet daughter. I had another young man talk to me about how to better  help and support  his brother who is gay . HE asked lots of questions as to how he can help his mom, and what resources are available. It was just a few hours of my time, but it was the best feeling in the workd to be on a mission to help others on this journey we call life.  NOt that I have it all figured out, but because I can listen and have empathy for their situation, together we can help each other through the good times and the bad.    
Yes, LOVE LOUD was all about our LGBT brothers and sisters, but it can be related to so many other situations we are facing in our country today. The riots in Charlottesville, the refugee crisis all over the world. The immigration issues at the borders in Arizona and Texas.   
From an article in   "Deseret News article"Today, 17,000-plus people are coming out to say, you know what, we may have different beliefs, we may come from different backgrounds, different religions, different politics, different cultures, different ethnicities, but none of those things matter. We all can agree our LGBTQ youth need us." Dan Reynolds 
WE need to continue the conversation. We need to be courageous and stand up and make our voice heard.
 We need to walk with our eyes and hearts wide open. Pray each day for Heavenly Father to help us see those around us that may need a Smile, a hug, a lunch,  or maybe even something more that we can help facilitate.  
Know the numbers for the suicide   Hotline   1-866-488-7386 There are other resources such as    Encircle Provo  Which is expanding into other areas. Maybe you could volunteer in some way? Be a friend . Be a good neighbor
In Nephi chapter 11 vs. 16-17 when Nephi is asking questions of an angel,  This is the dialogue which follows 
 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescensionof God?

17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

Neither do I know the meaning of all things, but We do know that God loves his children. ALL OF THEM!

WE don't have to understand every bit of doctrine to be kind and loving . Its ok to have questions, to not understand how this is all going to play out. 

MANY , MANY of us do. That is ok too. WE can still move forward in Love . We will never be wrong by erring on the side of Love and compassion.

It is our responsibility as children of GOD to also LOVE His children.

 To help in whatever way we can 

What does that mean to you ?? Only you can answer that.

There are many Pride festivals coming up , maybe you can step out of your comfort zone and LOVE LOUD by showing up . 

By making a statement that even though you are a Mormon,Christian, Jew, or however you classify yourself ,  that you will not judge them.That you will be their friend. You will walk with them. Talk with them, and make sure they are not alone.  

IF we could all just strive to  LOVE Better ,I tihnk so many of the issues we face today would go away. These are just my thoughts, as I contemplate the events of this weekend.

 As a mother of a Gay son, it fills my heart with joy to see an  event such as this , and see so many who are willing to strive to Love a little better to maybe even

 LOVE LOUD !!  

You never now, you might just save a life

 

My wish

This past week, my husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. At some times it seems like yesterday , and other times it seems like forever ago.
Nevertheless,  it is a milestone for us. WE had the opportunity to go to Hawaii ( grandma stayed with the two younger girls and the dogs.) IT was a much needed break for us.

After a few days, I was overcome with a profound sense of sadness for my son Tyler and all the other LGBTQ+ individuals who are taught that in order to remain part of Gods kingdom, they must forego any type of personal relationship . Oh they can have "friends" but they can't date or have a committed relationship or marry even though it is legal in many places.

This is "acting on their feelings"
What happened to " Adam fell that men may be . Men are that they might have JOY!!""

Heavenly Father wants us to be happy
 In several articles published Here   and Here,

They discuss the issue of lack of connection and lack of human contact and its detrimental effects. If children die in orphanges because of the lack of human contact and interraction, don't you tihnk that could have negative effects on an adult as well?

As human beings we long to be loved, accepted, touched,and included.
Yes, some of this can come from our parents and other family members, but at some point as those family members move on to their own fulfilled relationships, our LGBTQ+ memebers are left alone and isolated.

Sitting on a beach likes this, watching the sun rise on a new day  and being able to just relax and hold hands with the person who means the most to you in this life. 

That is connection 

Being able to share your hopes and dreams, and even your fears. 

So many jump to the issue of that  three letter word... SEX

It really has very little to do with that. 

Brene' Brown states..

“Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. The power that connection holds in our lives was confirmed when the main concern about connection emerged as the fear of disconnection; the fear that something we have done or failed to do, something about who we are or where we come from, has made us unlovable and unworthy of connection.”

Human beings thrive on connection

It breaks my heart to think that Tyler and so many others like him have grown up being taught the gospel and have tried to live within those perameters and now find themselves facing a life of disconnection. 

Not from us as his parents , or even his siblings, 

but from a life of sharing those moments of joy when you buy your first house , 

or bring home your first little boy. 

The frustration when your husband doesn't do things exactly like you thougth he should and you argue and work through it.

Calling to tell them you got that new job!

Trying that new meal your spouse made and pretending it was great.

The joy of watching your children excell in their talents. 

Enjoying a quiet night snuggled on the couch watching your favorite tv show.

Sharing a favorite treat together .

Deciding together whether or not to buy a new car or just keep fixing the old one.

Attending church together and finding peace in your Faith and worship. 

Taking family vacations, 

Late nights talking about life, and children ,

and just having a best friend by your side. 

WHY??? 

Why are our children told they are exempt from this in their life? 

I just don't understand this. 

My wish is for Tyler ( and all others)  to find someone to love and who will love him in return. To have all those things that I have experienced, both good and bad in the last 30 years,

 and those things in the years to come.

To be able to go to Hawaii, or wherever he chooses and celebrate his anniversary , enjoying the sights and sounds that this beautiful world has to offer, ... with his best friend and companion. 

On one of our last days in Hawaii we saw this rainbow.Its a bit hard to see in the picture. 

I felt this was a sign for me that Heavenly Father knew my heart was heavy about this.

That he was aware of me,   and TYLER! 

 I loved being in that beautiful place with my sweetheart,

 and enjoying the sights and sounds of Hawaii, 

but I could not help but wish that things were different for Tyler. 

I couldn't help but wish that he did not have to be burdened with this dilemma of feeling torn between two worlds. 

I imagine that it is much like this view

Seeing all that the gospel had to offer , and recognizing that for his health and sanity he has to view it from a distance. To find out how to reinvent what life looks like for him. 

Trying to find the beauty and the joy that is right there around him even though he sees the beauty that is now far off in the distance. 

Trying to hold onto his faith and testimony and relationship that he has with his Savior. 

Im sure many times feeling as if he is totally all alone out there on that vista in the distance. 

Hoping that one day he will understand this plan that God had for him. 

For me, I cherish the blessings I have and try my best to understand and walk with faith. I cherish the tender mercies I have experienced in my quest for answers. I remember the pains and frustrations of not getting the answers I seek.  

Some days are ok, and some days or weeks are really hard. 

 I want my children to all be happy and fulfilled in this life.

Isn't that what every parent wants? 

As parents of LGBTQ+ individuals, ,it is a whole different set of worries. So many lose hope and feel the burden is too great to bear. We must rally around them with love and acceptance for whatever path they choose here. 

God will be their judge, and I beleive he is way more merciful and understanding than 

we could ever imagine.  

I believe he will hold them in his arms and let them cry and explain it all to them.

 I beleive he will understand their hurt and anger . 

Until then,.... This mother has a wish for all of these individuals to be able to find the joy and happiness that they deserve. That they can be a part of their work , or school or church community , without hiding who they are. That they can love and be loved. That they can share their god given gifts with all of us around them. 

That if they choose they can find a mate and help bring up some of the most vulnerable children out there in the foster care system. 

That others will be able to see them as God's beautiful children, and look for ways to help them on their journey , than be judge and jury of  what they feel should be pointed out. 

True Millenialls

So I have to admit that I do not read the Ensign as much as I used to . Sometimes its hard to run across that article about the blessings of the temple, or eternal families, when I feel that is being withheld from us because we have a gay son. 
But this week for institute , our teacher asked us to read the article by Elder Russel M Nelson entitled Stand as true millennials from the October Ensign. 
Stand as True Millenialls
" A true millennial is a man or woman whom God trusted enough to send to earth during the most compelling dispensation in the history of this world. A true millennial is a man or woman who lives now to help prepare the people of this world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and His millennial reign. " 


I have struggled over the last 5 almost 6 years to many questions , one that MY son had to struggle with as well as so many others is "who they really are" They are asked and sometimes forced to live a life contrary to their very nature if they want the blessings of the gospel, and quite frankly want to "fit in" in society. 

Elder Nelson says.... Therefore, my first recommendation is to learn for yourselves who you really are. Ask your Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ how He feels about you and your mission here on earth. If you ask with real intent, over time the Spirit will whisper the life-changing truth to you. Record those impressions, review them often, and follow through with exactness."

Each one of us has a divine mission. WE need to ask our Heavenly Father what that is. As I sat in class and we went over this again, the words came to my mind 

" I have already told you what I need you to do"
  Yes, 
Several times I have had the feeling and impression that Tyler is part of our family because Heavenly Father knew we would love him and not be afraid to be a voice of Empathy and Love and compassion to others like him. HE knew that it would be difficult for us in the beginning , but if we would turn to him he would help us every step of the way. This is not the path I would have thought my life would take, but IT is the mission that Heavenly Father knew he could trust me with. 

This also reminds me of the strength of these individuals like Tyler, Casey, Rachelle,  Spencer, and Jordan, and MANY MANY others . What spirits they are to have accepted the assignment to come to this earth knowing they would be judged harshly by others, ridiculed, and may times hated just for who they are. 

Elder Nelson continues ...."God has always asked His covenant children to do difficult things. Because you are covenant-keeping sons and daughters of God living in the latter part of these latter days, the Lord will ask you to do difficult things. You can count on it—Abrahamic tests did not stop with Abraham (see D&C 101:4–5)."

This life was not meant to be easy. WE came her to learn and be tested. To prove ourselves to God. I believe in a loving God who knows us perfectly, and will judge us according to the Desires of our hearts. 
Alma 41:3  And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.

I don't mean to sound like I am complaining because I am not , just merely sharing my thoughts. This is one of the other things that I feel Heavenly Father has prompted me to do, to write and share my experiences, and feelings in the hope it can help someone else along the path. 

Now I know for those of you who may have read this article previously, or here in the ink, are saying ... " this article is all about sharing the gospel and  doing missionary work."

That is true it does talk about  that, but for me, the messages that are contained herein , can apply to so many things, and for me, it was another confirmation to me from my Heavenly Father that he knows me and is aware of me. 

He is giving me answers in some very unexpected places. Many times it is through music, sometimes it is in a sacrament meeting talk, or a message at Time out for Women? 

Today it was in my study at my institute class,  from a message from one of his prophets. 

Haven't you ever discussed  general conference and see that everyone got something different out of it? 
Maybe this is only for me. 

Maybe this is just for my kids and grandkids to read and learn from?

Or maybe this might help one other person who is struggling with their mission and purpose here in this life.


Elder Nelson states ...".You will have days when you will be thoroughly discouraged. So pray for courage not to give up!"

My mission here is important . 

Your mission is important

Your Heavenly Father Loves you and wants you to be happy.
Take the time to read this article and see what little nuggets stand out to you.

Being a millennial is not about how old you are. It is about being strong and courageous to move forward in doing what God has sent you here to do.  
Don't let the angry voices of the world drag you away form your Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.  

Remember those things you have felt and learned. 

Hang on to that

You are mighty warriors in the kingdom of God .

You have worth and value

You just might be the one who can help someone else to hang on to the light they once had.

Together we can become better disciples of Christ. Practicing Charity and the pure love of Christ. 

WE won't always get it right, but as long as we keep trying, that is all he asks of us.  
and to echo Elder Nelson Pray for Courage not to give up 

Can you feel it?

Have you ever really stopped to think about how someone else feels about something? 

I mean really?

WE encounter people frequently who seem to be rude , or angry, or sad, or maybe a little strange, and we pass judgement about them and move on. Never pausing to think about what might actually be going on in their life.

Brene' Brown  has several books on the subject, but this video will give you a brief but powerful lesson on Empathy

Empathy by Brene' Brown

Empathy Fuels connection, while sympathy drives disconnection. 

On my Journey of learning I have a gay son, I have learned a lot about empathy. Now I thought I was a pretty empathetic and compassionate person before , but There was so much for me to learn and discover. It really takes practice. 

If I just feel bad ( sympathy) that someone feels left out, or picked on,sad, or angry, there is no way for me to connect with them. They do not feel validated or heard. They will never feel as if I

 really care. 

But when I can try and understand where they are coming from. Try and put myself in their shoes.

WE can find a common ground. I  can begin to "FEEL " what they are feeling. 

With so much happening in the world right now with racial tensions and people "picking sides " for one thing or another, we can never come to a peaceful understanding. 

What I have also learned is that having empathy can be very painful. As I said before I thought I was a pretty compassionate person. I will bring you a meal, send you a card, run some errands whatever you need. Sometimes what they need is just someone to listen. Someone to understand. You don't 

have to agree with them, or even completely "get it"  to have empathy. 

I love this quote by Mother Theresa " if you are judging someone, you have no time to love them"

  

Now for those who don't know me, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormon as some know it. 

When I was baptized I made a promise to take upon my self the name of Jesus Christ.

That I would follow him. 

In our scriptures  Mosiah 18:9 it makes it very clear what our commitment is.

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— 

My responsibility is to be a disciple of Christ. The first and great commandment is to "Love the Lord thy God with all thy hear and in all thy ways acknowledge him." The second is like unto it." Love thy neighbor as thyself."

Who is my Neighbor??

That is the question we must all ask ourselves and then realize that Everyone is our neighbor. The Savior wants us to love everyone. He needs us to look after one another. 

To help one another.

Charity is the pure love of Christ. 

I think so many people confuse loving and not judging with acceptance or condoning. WE will not always agree with others, we may not understand , but that does not mean we cannot love them or have empathy for them. 

It really made me sad when comments after the Pulse night club shooting were said in effect that." Well , look where they were . They deserved it." 

So because someone is gay and chose to hangout in a place where they were accepted for who they were, they deserved to be shot? 

OR comments after many of the  police shootings, "well, they were running away, they had a history of problems with the law "and on and on..

So again because they were not perfect and maybe they were scared and ran away, they deserved to be shot?? 

Is that what we have come to as a people? 

Now I am not here to be controversial . I am not judging the police officers, nor the victims, but can't we try and understand how the families of those who are killed are hurting? They just lost their  Father, Son, uncle , brother. 

Can we try and understand that most police officers are really just trying to protect and serve? That they are put in situations where they have to make snap judgments of what they think is best and there is no ill intent involved?  

Instead of taking a stand on our moral high ground, Can't we just try and find common ground? A human decency to look at them as another human being who is struggling with something right now? Probably more than we could ever imagine.

IT seems as if everyone thinks their opinion is the only one that matters. 

That they are right, and any other viewpoint is WRONG

I guess the best part of this should be that we don't have to carry the burden of being the judge in these situations. Our responsibility is to reach and and be understanding of all sides. Try and have a paradigm shift  and see it from the other persons point of view.   

Listen

Take it in

Try and step into their world for a minute

As a parent, we teach our children and set examples and hope they will follow them, but sometimes they make choices we don't agree with. Sometimes they find themselves in some dark places. 

Do we reach out in love to the parents or  even the individual? 

Or do we say. " well that's too bad.  It's their own fault." 

" They deserve it" 

Another such incident is at the Olympics when Gabby Douglas did not put her hand over her heart at the Medal ceremony. She was crucified all over social media for that.

 Why didn't she? 

 I don't know, but I don't really need to know. I would hope that it is not some disrespect for our country, but ultimately it is her right and choice to do so. 

I choose to think that maybe she was a bit overwhelmed having competed in her last Olympics, Having won a gold medal and was just taking it all in . 

Meaning no disrespect at all. 

To be in the spotlight of millions as you had a moment of contemplation and failed to do a simple act of placing your hand on your heart.

I certainly would not want a camera following my every move. To have every action I took scrutinized by the masses who expect their own version of perfection.

Well guess what ?? 

None of us are perfect

We all mess up sometimes. We all have had those lapses in judgement when handling a difficult situation.

AS we practice having Empathy for others our hearts will expand. WE will find a greater understanding and love we have not felt before. The down side to that is, that sometimes it can be very painful.

 Recently a friend of ours lost their 15 yr old daughter in a fluke incident when  she had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic  after having her wisdom teeth removed. 

The empathy I felt for them was almost unbearable. A friend actually posted a comment that she "felt guilty that she just kept crying"  She should not feel guilty. Her empathy for our friend did not negate the feelings of those parents. It just proved that she was truly feeling empathy . WE could put ourselves in her their shoes and "feel the hurt "of losing one of our children.

WE don't need to let it consume us, but if we are truly going to be able to comfort and mourn with others, we need to "feel it" 

That Empathy will fuel a connection that can be gained no other way 

I am no expert or authority on anything, just a mom who is trying to make the world a little better for her family and those around her.

It makes me sad to see the hatred and mean spirited things that are being done and said to others in the name of "principles" or for any reason.  

As a follower of Christ I am certainly not perfect, and I have much to learn, but I do strive to do what he would want me to do. I strive to be a little better. To love a little more, be a little kinder. Each day I have a choice in whom I will emulate and follow. 

Im sure there are people out there who wish I would just stop talking about or posting things about LGBT issues . 

I won't

I can't

If I can help one person who is traveling that journey not feel isolated and alone, then I have dome what my Savior requires of me. If I can keep one person from taking their life because they can reach out to me and know I will listen and be there for them, 

I will have done my job

If I can be there for a mother when she has to bury her child because they just couldn't bear the pain and they took their life, 

I will hug her and cry with her and give her all the support and understanding I can. 

They are children of God and they deserve the same rights and privileges that we enjoy. They deserve to find love and be loved.

I will be a voice of Hope 

There are so many difficult things we must face in this life. Our background and experiences are all different.WE all have different perspectives. Why not try and learn from those ? 

Maybe we could all try ..... Just try and give others the benefit of the doubt.

 Seek to truly understand where they might be coming from. IF you still disagree with them. 

That's ok. 

We can still be kind.

We can still show love and empathy.

We can agree to disagree ... Agreeably 

Maybe ... Just maybe we will find more peace in our own life.