Last Stand to Save Marriage in America

It's almost unimaginable that a single, coherent, and reasonably mature individual in the country, could possibly be unaware that MARRIAGE has made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, and from this point going forward, what can no longer be ignored by anyone is this: marriage in America is changing and if you've got something to say about it, and you've been holding out for whatever reason, now would be the time to say it... 


or forever hold your peace!

Well, not really, but now is a very critical time in the scheme of things, if up to this point you've tended to be one, who in order to avoid conflict on your Facebook wall, or wherever, rarely post anything other than pictures of cats kids, YouTube videos, or nice memes of some sort (I know, the cat remark was below the belt) --  to perhaps consider coming "out of the closet" for traditional marriage by being so bold as to posting something, anything, that says that you are, and do indeed...



And if you're really feeling crazy... like out of control CRAZY, why you could even go so far as to say something as bold as... like... you believe that every child has a natural birthright to both a mother and a father

Okay, one more... You could use the word... are you ready? Entitled! Don't you just love that word? I love that word! I love it because it's the most truest use of the word EVER! Children are inherently entitled to be raised by both a mother and a father. It is the truest truth in all the world.

What you should know?

Next week, March 26 and 27, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two separate cases challenging the constitutionality of existing laws: the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and  California's Proposition 8

What do we want to have happen? 

Court should uphold both laws and honor citizens authority to make constitutional changes at state level -- respecting the votes of over 7 million Californians. 

YES, even though you don't live in California -- what happens as a result of both of these cases will more than likely affect YOU!

Did you know the Church still affirms their support for Prop 8? 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined other faith-based religious organizations in filing an amicus brief in support of Proposition 8 recommending that the U.S. Supreme Court uphold it. 

I was so happy about that, so I blogged about it, -- so you know you're in good company when you continue to stand with the Church on traditional marriage. 

See post here: Prop 8: Many Surprised to See LDS Church Stand and Re-Affirm Position

There have been over 50 amicus briefs filed in support of Prop 8 and Doma, compiled by over 50 scholars with extensive research on the topic of marriage and family. Regardless of what mainstream media would have you believe, 41 states still maintain that marriage is defined as only between a man and a woman. Research strongly supports that biological married moms and dads matter to children and contribute greatly to their emotional health and well being.

Marriage Matters and We Need to Know Why:

It almost seems surreal to find ourselves needing to explain what marriage is and why it's important to preserve, but that's exactly where we are, so let's not be shy in defending what we know is right. Which means, those who care about marriage, have had to dig deep into the science and history of marriage, in order to analyze and articulate WHAT IS MARRIAGE? 

At its core, those of us engaged, know exactly what marriage is and as you look at it from the scholars' perspective, as "What is Marriage? Man and Woman: a Defense" by authors' Girgis, Anderson and George, who do so brilliantly, it's really a beautiful revelation to see unfolded in this manner, and a great exercise to undertake. 

In case you missed it, I introduced the book, "What is Marriage?" last week and again, highly recommend becoming familiar with it, or at the very least the general information in the post, and the included links. The authors of the book have been very generous with the content, in hopes of getting the information out to the public. They are, first and foremost, great advocates of preserving traditional marriage and booksellers last.

I know many are inclined to feel that they've either heard and/or are familiar with the main talking points of the current debate over marriage, and some perhaps even believe that the conversation is over -- enough having been said by everyone. However, I'm here to challenge that and assure you that such thinking is incorrect and encourage you to followup and investigate "What is Marriage?". I promise that the way the authors have articulated the information about what marriage is, will help you to better help others understand the importance of preserving marriage and give you a better appreciation for the institution that God has ordained.

See post here: Let's Talk About What is Marriage? And Why That's Important?

Sidebar: If I'm starting to sound like an infomercial, well, so be it...  this is that important. And yes, I know, the title of this post is a tad dramatic as well. You don't need to mention it in your comment. ; )

Okay, so what's happening?

An exciting event happening in Washington D.C. Tuesday, March 26th is the March for Marriage. I wish with all my heart that I could be there! I have such a yearning to stand up for marriage and be counted among others who feel the same as I do, but isn't it exciting just to know this is happening? 

On March 26th the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Perry case, which will determine if Proposition 8 – the citizens initiative approved by the people of California in 2008 to protect marriage – is constitutional or not. More importantly, the question of same-sex “marriage” and the right of Americans to protect marriage will be decided. We believe it is imperative that political leaders, the media, and the culture see that we care about protecting marriage enough to stand up and march for it.
But WAIT!

I did just find out about a marriage rally for those of you who live in Utah, and really hope that for those who live anywhere in the vicinity, you will make an effort to get this information out and try to attend. 


In the state of Utah we have chosen to hold a "Celebration of Marriage" at the Utah State Capitol. This will be an exciting community event, with Alan and Suzanne Osmond as the MC's, musical performances by Nathan Osmond and various Utah community groups, and speakers from several different religious faiths, members of the Utah State Legislature, and from the community. 

DATE: Tuesday March 26, 2013
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Utah State Capitol Rotunda
COST: This community event is free and open to the public--bring your family!
Chairperson: Mary Summerhays (801) 787-2697

Final thoughts:

I made a comment on my WBMW Facebook page today, in reply to one of my wonderful community members, where I shared a little wish that I've decided to re-share here with you, as we were discussing the need to continue standing for what is right: 


I keep dreaming that something will wake-up the people and they will start standing up and speaking loudly what is in their hearts, without fear of what others think of them. In the next week, before Prop 8 and DOMA go before the U.S. Supreme Court, America has just such an opportunity to be heard. Let us pray that more gather courage...

tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs

P.S. For those who may have forgotten, or may not know because you are new followers of this blog, but how I sign-off using the acronym"tDMg"... it stands for: to DO MORE good. I just wanted to make sure that you know that in every post I write, it is with that intention that I do so.

WBMW Latest Post: Principle Vs. Moral Conviction: Determining Factor for Flip-Floppers Like Senator Portman

photo credit: marriagemarch.org

Note: Please don't bother leaving negative comments, as I will not approve any that are not fully supportive of traditional marriage on this particular post. Thanks.

Comments

  1. This is so great. I am still trying to get my courage up to say something on my facebook. I have family and friends that are in strong support of same sex marriage for various reasons, and I'm trying to think about how I want to say what I need to say without being preachy or rude.

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    1. You can do it! I know you can. Each of us can do it in the way that is right for us. It doesn't need to be crazy or loud. It can be gentle and meaningful. I think if it comes from the heart, your family and friends will know that it's sincere and not meant to offend.

      I know that this post is passionate and perhaps I should have said these things in the post, but I'm confident that each one of us will be guided personally in how we should go about it in a way that is right for us and those we come in contact with. But I also know, we need to do it because it's that important.

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    2. I did it. People know how I feel. But I just told them that it's not intolerance, this is about The Supream Court telling us that what we in California voted for, is unconstitutional. If they do that, then think about what will happen when you vote for something. We, the people of California, voted for Prop. 8 and they want to rule that unconstitutional. They are taking away our rights! And you can quote me too!

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  2. Eloquent words. I feel that civilization itself is on the line.

    But changing the very definition of marriage is going too far. This nihilistic madness has got to stop. I am grateful that I can stand with you in support of reason, common sense, valued tradition, and to do what's best for children.

    I am appalled at craven politicians reversing themselves after years of supporting traditional marriage. These turncoats are not heroes; they are traitors. They are changing their position to make it easier for them to get elected. These are exactly the kind of people that don't deserve to hold public office.

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    1. And I am proud to stand with you as well.

      I suppose it is to be expected that such a suggestion would be made in a secular society, as unimaginable as it is. However we must speak up in defense and try to reason with society in hopes that they will understand the danger that we face if this continues.

      I too, want those in office who are persons of integrity. I feel that if they desire to change, it should be when they are not currently in office. If they desire to change a position, do when they are campaigning again.

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  3. I definitely stand with you on this, Kathryn! And I am shocked and awed that there is a need to stand up for something so basic to family solidarity. What kind of a nation would not support and defend its most basic institution? I hope that the supreme court of this land will defend the rights of all, by supporting the logical and sacred institution of marriage and continuing to define it as only between a man and a woman! Melody Weyerman

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    1. Who would have ever thought in a million years? But here we are! So, let's get to work and do what we were apparently sent to do. I'm thinking that we must have done something similar in place before we came here. But we can't hope that the courts will do the right thing. We need to put a reason out there and that is going to require a lot of information being made available by educating many people about what marriage is and why it's important. Thanks for standing!

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  4. Kathryn, I admire your energy. May God bless you and all of us to strengthen our homes and families that we may continue to choose the right. It is not just a scary time; it's devastating to see how many Latter-day Saints and other Christians really do not have a testimony of God's law and of his scriptures. There are some things that just cannot be compromised. Marriage is one of those.

    I also feel strongly about this issue. Everyone who knows me knows that I stand for traditional, God-ordained marriage. Yet the subject is so charged, and people hold so dogmatically to their own views. It's ridiculous to be judged as a "hater" when your intents and motivation all springs out of love: love for God, for His words, and for our brothers and sisters.

    So I try to follow the Spirit concerning when to speak and when not to. I think more than anything, we all need to be praying, and even asking for more faith and hope. Sometimes, I feel like Mormon did, that I'm acting in faith without much hope or faith. I think it's because we have so many dissensions from within. But then I see all the good and faithful people inside and outside of the church, and I realize that the world is still a great place full of wonderful people.

    If you don't mind, I'd like to share a link to a blogpost I wrote last year concerning traditional marriage. Thanks. And thanks again for your unwavering devotion.

    http://burst.to/1Ub

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  5. Kathryn,

    Thank you so much for this post. I know I can always count on you to write doctrinally sound, faithful messages. I think the thing that upsets me most about all this is that I have had same-sex couples refer to my eternal marriage as "outdated," and that my husband and I are "breeders." It takes on a whole new level of pain when you've tried unsuccessfully for over two years to get pregnant and someone throws that at you.

    Thanks for all you do to spread the gospel.

    Blessings,
    Kathryn (McGinnis) :)

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    1. Kathryn,

      This may sound like the oddest reply, but when I think of your "eternal marriage" as "outdated" I think YES it is and that's AWESOME! The more outdated the better actually! In fact, I want mine so outdated that it's considered an antique or aged, petrified, seasoned, ancient, preserved, protected, kept, maintained, unaltered, why.... look where we are... ETERNAL! That's exactly what we want!

      And because it's an eternal marriage it qualifies for all of Heavenly Father's greatest blessings: EVERYTHING!

      Meaning, and you know, that all the sorrow and heartache of waiting for the blessings you so desire will be yours in His time.

      Much love,
      Kathryn

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  6. I loved this! I need to write something up for UFI tomorrow and I am going to quote you.

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    1. Excellent. I'll link over to your post when it's up!

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  7. My Mom and I worked so hard for Prop. 8. It was the first time I ever felt proud to stand up for what's right, and it wasn't just the church standards either, it was because of things that happened in my life. I have an Uncle who was gay. We loved him even when he got AIDS and we found out about his orientation. And he knew that we loved him. But I saw that pain and agony that he went through with AIDS and I don't want that for others. He has since passed away. But also, I'm a Mother and I've read and felt the spirit of "The Family, A Proclamation to the World" and I knew that a truly and divinely inspired document that Heavenly Father wanted us to know. Follow The Prophet!!!!!!

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  8. I understand your point of view. I believe in the separation of church and state but I also believe in myself and have to disagree with love.

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  9. That's fine Robbie, I'll still love you as a friend.

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