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!!!
