I don't mind the Ums. In fact I wouldn't have noticed them if you hadn't mentioned them. Also your voice sounds deeper and more awesome on video as opposed to in person. :)
As to your not standing up, I was wondering was it because you were scared of speaking up, or were you constrained by the Holy Ghost?
It's all well and good to stand up for ourselves when we hear these horrible untruths, but sometimes it simply isn't the time or the place to make a stand. And, if it turns out that this was one of those times and you were simply following the promptings of the Holy Ghost, then you shouldn't feel bad about not saying anything.
Regardless, I know how you felt. There were many times at Institute where they teacher, a great man in many other aspects, would rail against homosexuality, and I would simply seethe on the inside, not knowing what to say.
I enjoyed your video blog very much. You are very handsome and have a wonderful speaking voice. Have you considered a career in either tv or radio?
I look forward to many more of your video blogs.
And, in relation to your post, I know we all hear things then wish later, or even right then, that we had said something. But, deciding to say something the very next time is what will matter and count, for you and for others. Good on you.
Liked this. Unfortunately I have more opportunities to stand up against hate taught in church/seminary than I would like. (Suppose it comes with the territory--SE Idaho). Thanks for the reminder. :)
Well done. I often wonder what would be the appropriate thing to say. It's one thing to speak up and quite another to speak up and say something that would have a positive impact on everyone else. I don't necesarily have the right answer, just wondering.
So many times I sat in church in similar situations and didn't speak up. In all honesty, I don't know that I would even now that I'm whole. Not because I am afraid of their reaction or ashamed of myself, but out of respect. After all I would be in their turf. I believe there are other times and places to speak up. I love the church and It's members. I know they mean well. I know their heart (most everyone) is in feeling a sense of duty to obey God and do what they've been taught to be right. My heart fills with compasion for them, because I know the greatest of all commandments is "love". So many times we have been like the farisees, blinded by the letter of the law. So blinded that if Christ came in this time, we'd probably crucify him again. Love is a higher law. Also, I strongly believe in the scripture that says: "By their fruits ye shall know them". I pray that I am the best person I can be, the best neighbor, employee, brother, son, friend, that my actions will speak louder than anything I might have said to defend myself. I learned this in my mission. More people embraced the gospel through my service and unconditional love for them, than through my preaching. We can also stand up by voting and being involved in defending our freedoms. You stand up by posting here. I'm curious to hear what you've thought about this subject since your post.
Ok, so I know this is way late, but I wanted to say that it isn't to late to say something. Even if in the moment you weren't able to say something, a letter, signed or anonymous would hopefully still serve a purpose. At least in the future the teacher would know that there are people listening and his words do have an impact.
I don't mind the Ums. In fact I wouldn't have noticed them if you hadn't mentioned them. Also your voice sounds deeper and more awesome on video as opposed to in person. :)
ReplyDeleteI like the video blog. It has great potential!
ReplyDeleteAs to your not standing up, I was wondering was it because you were scared of speaking up, or were you constrained by the Holy Ghost?
It's all well and good to stand up for ourselves when we hear these horrible untruths, but sometimes it simply isn't the time or the place to make a stand. And, if it turns out that this was one of those times and you were simply following the promptings of the Holy Ghost, then you shouldn't feel bad about not saying anything.
Regardless, I know how you felt. There were many times at Institute where they teacher, a great man in many other aspects, would rail against homosexuality, and I would simply seethe on the inside, not knowing what to say.
I enjoyed your video blog very much. You are very handsome and have a wonderful speaking voice. Have you considered a career in either tv or radio?
ReplyDeleteI look forward to many more of your video blogs.
And, in relation to your post, I know we all hear things then wish later, or even right then, that we had said something. But, deciding to say something the very next time is what will matter and count, for you and for others. Good on you.
Happy New Year!
Liked this. Unfortunately I have more opportunities to stand up against hate taught in church/seminary than I would like. (Suppose it comes with the territory--SE Idaho). Thanks for the reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteNice job on the video blog Mark! Great reminder to speak up as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm straight, but happen to have a lot of same sex attracted male Mormon friends. I read your blog to understand their feelings.
ReplyDeleteWell done. I often wonder what would be the appropriate thing to say. It's one thing to speak up and quite another to speak up and say something that would have a positive impact on everyone else. I don't necesarily have the right answer, just wondering.
ReplyDeleteSLP did you really just hit on Mark through a blog comment? Take it from me, if you are interested insults and abuse are the way to his heart. :)
ReplyDeleteNo, I did not hit on Mark. Just telling it like I see it. :)
ReplyDeletehaha, please.
ReplyDeleteMark, always stand up. Our culture has some serious problems that need to be addressed, and we can't let people think in these old fashioned ways.
ReplyDeletewonderful. just wanted to take the opportunity to say that gay or straight, you are sooo incredibly attractive
ReplyDeleteSo many times I sat in church in similar situations and didn't speak up. In all honesty, I don't know that I would even now that I'm whole. Not because I am afraid of their reaction or ashamed of myself, but out of respect. After all I would be in their turf. I believe there are other times and places to speak up. I love the church and It's members. I know they mean well. I know their heart (most everyone) is in feeling a sense of duty to obey God and do what they've been taught to be right. My heart fills with compasion for them, because I know the greatest of all commandments is "love". So many times we have been like the farisees, blinded by the letter of the law. So blinded that if Christ came in this time, we'd probably crucify him again. Love is a higher law. Also, I strongly believe in the scripture that says: "By their fruits ye shall know them". I pray that I am the best person I can be, the best neighbor, employee, brother, son, friend, that my actions will speak louder than anything I might have said to defend myself. I learned this in my mission. More people embraced the gospel through my service and unconditional love for them, than through my preaching. We can also stand up by voting and being involved in defending our freedoms. You stand up by posting here. I'm curious to hear what you've thought about this subject since your post.
ReplyDeleteOk, so I know this is way late, but I wanted to say that it isn't to late to say something. Even if in the moment you weren't able to say something, a letter, signed or anonymous would hopefully still serve a purpose. At least in the future the teacher would know that there are people listening and his words do have an impact.
ReplyDeleteI had only 7 in the first minute and a half of mine that you pointed out lol.
ReplyDelete