Thoughts.

I have found myself in deep reflection over the past few days concerning the subject of the love of my people and how the love is being viewed now in the world due to recent events. I am a member in good standing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I try my best to hold true to the doctrines which we teach, or in other words, the teachings of Jesus Christ. I find if sad and troubling that these messages have come under so much attack as of late. I offer a few conclusion that I have reached in hopes they might be of service to one of you.

I have heard many of the possible rational of why the church that i belong to would make such bold moves in an already charged situation. I am not here to discuss these ideas with you because they are nothing more than speculation, we really don't know the exact reason outside of what the church has said in a very basic document of our faith called "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" which states as an opening paragraph:

"We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 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."

I believe that, still, that God talks to his children. I believe that we still warrant the same amount of love that any other time period has received from our maker. God would not just simply let us alone in the dark to wander, He has always provided a light, a guide, a way back, and this path has always involved two main points which are the enlightenment and guidance of the Holy Ghost and Prophets which lead the church as a whole. The scriptures are full of accounts of this and if God is still that unchanging Being, this fundamental point would not change.

A lot of times as humans we are inclined to ask ourselves "how does this effect me?" I have thought lately how recent events effect me or should effect my actions. I have came to the realization that we must do as Jesus would do. That is, we must love.

Love was at the foundation of ever act Christ wrot during his perfect life, death and resurection here on earth. My thoughts are called to the story of the women taken in adultry that was brought before him by the Pharisees. As the acusations flew Chirst began to draw with his fingure in the dirt and uttered His immortal words of forgiveness and did not condem her saying "go, and sin no more" (John 8). I bring this up to show that we find perfection in all situations by follow our perfect Exemplar. Christ kept a cool head, condemned not the women and showed unmatchable love by not bend his beliefs but extending his loving hand to her. We as well find ourselves in a heated situation but I beleive that we could all benefit from drawing a little in the dirt and showing our love a little bit stronger.

I see many examples of love in the people around me. It is sad that the convictions of my faith have come off as hatefull but I contend that the only way this will be dispelled is by love. Let us not forget the open lines of the greatest sermon ever delievered:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecution for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matthew 5

I know that we will all be blessed for being those peacemakers. I know that is what Christ would have us do. I know that He loves each and every one of us, on both sides of the coin. He is the only way any of us can find joy in this life and happiness in the eternity to come. Let us be those peacemakers. I say this in the name of Jesus Chirst, my Savior. Amen

Jake