The other day I was watching One Night with the King,for those who don't know it is a movie about the story of Esther.
In the movie there is a scene where Mordecai reminds Esther if she remained silent, then God would find another way to deliver his people, but she would surely be destroyed. That scene got my attention, I wanted to know if it was just "hollywood drama" or the real thing so I went to Esther 4 and there it was in verse 14!
Most of us are familiar with the famous "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this" but it was the part of the verse before that, which caught my attention.
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement (relief) and deliverance arise...from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this"
Over the past week, I've had an overwhelming feeling to voice my thoughts and feelings on Proposition 8. I knew then that I could not hold my peace any longer. For who knoweth whether I come to the "kingdom" for such a time as this?
As I was contemplating what to type, I was reading through the Hymn book, an unusual past time I admit, but an uplifting one. I was struck by the words to the Hymn "As Zion's Youth in Latter Days"
As Zion's youth in latter days, we stand with valiant heart,
with promise shining in our eyes, resolved to do our part.
Upon a noble past we build; the future fills our view,
we face the challenge of our day, and pledge we will be true.
The truth's and values we embrace Are mocked on every hand.
Yet as we listen and obey,
we know we can withstand the evil that would weaken us,
The sin that would destroy.
With faith, we hold the iron rod and find in this our joy.
Thru tests and trial we'll have our fears,
But we will not despair.
We're here to serve a righteous cause;
Truth gives us strength to dare.
We'll love and learn and overcome; we'll sing a joyful song.
As Zion's youth in latter days, Triumphant, pure and strong.
This hymn so eloquently relays why we must STAND with VALIANT HEART, resolved to DO OUR PART. It is a fact "the truths and values we embrace ARE mocked on every hand". Yet, as we LISTEN to the prophet and OBEY his counsel to make ourselves heard, we know we can withstand...for TRUTH gives US strength to DARE.
Here's a bit of TRUTH from True to the Faith:
In the world today, many people dismiss and even mock marriage and the family. Amid such confusing and destructive voices, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles provide the consistent voice of truth. They "solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children" (see "The Family: A Proclamation to the World")
Marriage always has and always should be recognized as being between a man and a woman only. Voicing an opinion on this does not mean YOU or I are intolerant of alternative lifestyles. Having a fundamental difference of opinion does not automatically equal hatred.
Let me get really personal for a moment if I may (since it's my blog, I guess I can get as personal as I choose!)
In my scriptures I keep a quote from a priesthood blessing I received, I do this so I will never forget the responsibility which has been given to me...it says, Sister Sorensen, I bless you that you will have the courage to provide clarity in times of confusion and not cower from confrontation..."
Now is the time for each of us to follow this sage advise. We are the ones here now for such a time as this, to provide clarity on where we personally stand, so that others will have the courage to join us!
May I close with just four encouragements:
First, STAND UP for marriage!
Second, STAND UP for Families!
Next, STAND UP for what you believe!
LASTLY, Don't just quietly go to the polls on Nov 4 and vote YES on Proposition 8 and think that's the end of your duty! Shout where you STAND from the mountain tops all the way to the ballot box, let the world know you believe "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."
If you still need a bit of courage, re-read all three verses of As Zion's Youth...and remember YOU can face the challenge of our day, and pledge YOU will be true!
