I went out with members of my ward tonight to a busy intersection in Folsom. In our support of Prop 8, we held up signs and waved/smiled at on-coming traffic. It was interesting to see the results. Being a pretty conservative town, the vast majority honked their approval and support. Of course, we had the few who were very angry and let us know through colorful speech and sign language.
I'm standing there next to Sister Boyce in my ward, when a young guy (probably in his early 20's) approaches us and asks: "Excuse me, but what is Prop 8? Please tell me, what is Prop 8?" I had two thoughts in my mind... either this guy has been living on the moon, or that was a rhetorical question. It proved to be the latter. Then he said: "Who or what defines marriage? The Government or religion? Does the Bible define marriage? Why are we even voting on this issue? The Bible is dead and out-dated. Why are you guys out here promoting divisions, segregation and hatred?"
The guy was shaking, and for a second, I thought that either he was so mad that he wanted to deck me, or he was really nervous. I quickly thought... I need to just bear him a simple testimony of why I believe what I do. I told him: "You know, you are right, religion defines marriage -- the Bible definitely speaks of marriage between a man and a woman, but I don't believe that it's teachings are out-of-date. What is more, fundamental to my belief, is the idea that God has a plan for every one of His children. I believe that we are sent to earth to gain a body and, in order to create that body, we need a man and a woman. Having such a belief does not means I promote segregation or division. I am out here to express my beliefs, and you have the right to do the very same thing."
All of us standing there agreed with the guy that we shouldn't even have to be voting on this issue, but we also assured him that when legislation comes up that tries to attack what we believe, we are going to stand up! He ended up shaking our hands and thanking us for talking with him. As he walked away, I said to Sister Boyce, "I should have told him that I wasn't married, but that I'd like to be." She laughed and said: "You should have asked him, 'Do you want to marry me?'" :)
I'm so thankful for Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation that can bring clarity and happiness to all his children, regardless of their status in life. Tonight was a reminder about the importance of missionary work, especially during such tumultuous times. It has been wonderful to see so many people overcome fear and share their testimonies in so many different ways, here at home and all over California. I you haven't seen this clip yet, you should watch it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-zWFH-PGeM
Whether or not Proposition 8 passes in California on Tuesday, we all must make a choice. "Who's on the Lord's side, who? Now is the time to show."
