Last night I attended a Town Hall Meeting to discuss Proposition 8. There were three people advocating a "NO" vote on the proposition and three encouraging "Yes." One of the "No" speakers was Dave Richmond, a teacher for many years at East High. He knows his stuff regarding US History and the Constitution. (He was the East High coach for the "We, the People" competition for years.)
Anyway, I went anticipating a healthy discussion on this proposition and that's how it began. However, the further into the meeting we got, the angrier and louder and more abusive the folks who are against this proposition became. By the time the meeting ended, I felt physically ill and even had a headache. I found myself wishing I had not attended - safer at home in my own world. There was an evil feeling all around us as we listened to distortions, misrepresentations, accusations, condescensions, anger, belittling, etc.
I've done some thinking about that experience and pondered what my responsibility is. My dear friend, Gaye, reminds me that we can be assured that if we do all we can, the Lord will win this battle for us. It is shown over and over in the scriptures. So my attendance showing my support for this issue hopefully will lend itself to helping this to pass, along with my time and energy to get the message out. I think the feelings I had must be a sample of how others have felt when they tried to teach correct principles and were scoffed at and scorned. Noah, Lehi, Nephi, Abinadi, Joseph Smith - the Savior - all were pelted by this type of hate from their enemies. I'm nothing compared to these great prophets, so I best buck up and stand immovable and steadfast for what is right. I need to bold - never hateful - but bold in what I know to be true.
It's really hard. I don't like it. So what? I hope to learn from this and grow and not be afraid to show where I stand. I want to be found on the Lord's side, not cowering in fear of men. Boy, I've got a long way to go!
8 years ago
8 comments:
I am SO proud of you Mama! The fact that you went is huge!!! Its hard sometime to separate the opinions of others and not take them personally. That was so good of you to go and be supportive. I'm proud of you!
Quite an experience Mom. You teach me so much all the time. Your ponderings are always right on. You are always looking to learn and better yourself in every experience. Good job, Mama.
Sister Campbell,
I've always seen you and your family lined up with those great prophets. Your a great example to everyone you meet. I don't envy the state of California this election, but am gratefull for those of you who stand up for truth and wave your own title of liberty for all to see. Good luck next week.
Tiffany
You go girl! Thank you for your strong example of sticking up for what is right! I tend sit in the background in these types of situations...always voting for what I feel is right, but not standing up in a crowd and making "what is right" known. Your experience gives me a bit more courage to stand up next time!:-)
I couldn't help but think that it's not a coincidence that the YM/YW theme for this year is "to be steadfast and immovable." How fitting for our times!!
Jerel and I had a small experience similar to yours recently where we experienced hatred for supporting marriage between one man and one woman. AZ is trying to pass the same thing and it's the second time it's on the ballot. Last time we did not win, so I am worried again. Wow. Good job for going.
Mr. Richmond was one of my favorite high school teachers. I had government with him and Mr. Redding, team teaching. I loved that class. They told us one of them were deomocrat and one republican and we would be surprised at which.(Because Redding always wore Berkenstaks to school and Richmond always wore a tie.) I would have liked to have been there, but it sounds like I would have been really disappointed in Mr. Richmond. Of course, I was a lot more liberal when I was a high school student, he would probably be really disappointed in how conservative I turned out to be. You and your family were a great example to my family. I am so grateful for all of the leaders of the bakersfield youth back then. Luckily for me you had more of an affect on me than Mr. Richmond.
You have always been one of the finest examples of those who say "I will, send me" and then you "GO AND DO"; even when it is uncomfortable, painful and unpleasant you stand tall and firm. I recently viewed 'Iron Jawed Angels', a film about the women who campaigned for women's right to vote--by your example I'd say they are still active today! Thank you for your much needed example of what we all should be doing.
I am glad you went Sister C. When you get right down to it, it really doesn't matter if prop passes or is defeated. What matters most is when we face our Father in heaven and he asks us what we did and how we conducted ourselves. He already knows what’s going to happen the turn out is really moot. It's all just a test just like Abraham. Are willing to sacrifice all or not. Do we pound the pulpit or do we walk the walk. Do we keep our covenants or not. I say you do. But that is just my unbiased opinion. I don't know where your family is going after this life, but I hope my familiy goes to the same place.
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