Rainbows, Unicorns, and Something Just As Rare... A Controversial Topic..

I know this blog is usually just pretty pictures, funny stories, cool ideas, and thoughts about motherhood and such, but today we're going to take a break from all that.
Now, I'm not usually one to give my opinion on controversial subjects.  Partly it's because I acknowledge that I usually don't have enough of the facts about the subject, I fear that my ideas are half-formed or biased, not to mention that I am hopelessly naive. Plus I'm also aware that there are always exceptions to the rule and I don't like it when people speak in generalities... but mostly it's because I'm a very non-confrontational person and I don't like bringing up anything that could spark an argument with someone who has a different view.

That said, I'm going to bring up a controversial subject... homosexuality.

To be completely honest, this subject simply makes me uneasy, especially considering my faith and upbringing, not to mention various negative experiences I have had in relation to it. I still don't have a complete understanding, nor a strong opinion on this --mostly because I haven't been forced to think about it, and so I just avoid it (I know, I need to pull my head out of the sand), and because I am afraid that my own preconceived ideas and prejudices would probably get in the way of having a very open-minded and respectful discussion.  (Have I mentioned how tactless I can be sometimes?  It's a fault).
However, I was recently introduced to something which not only made me really think, but helped me understand some things, and begin to reconcile some of my erroneous notions (like for example that it's  a choice people make). After reading this together, my husband and I both feel that it has made us better people in some ways, and given us a better understanding of some things.

From a parental standpoint, I find this inspiring in quite a few ways as wise parents and other family members demonstrated love and acceptance while holding true to their beliefs; and from a marital standpoint I am inspired by the sheer faith and dedication, as well as the level of deep connectedness, commitment, understanding, and intimacy that is demonstrated by those involved.

That said, I am sharing this not as an end-all explanation or full description of this issue, it's merely one guy's experience, just another piece to the puzzle, and perhaps it may help someone else out there be a little more open-minded, and a little more charitable towards their fellow human beings.

So without further ado, here's a link to the story of a man who is a member in good standing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who is happily married to an amazing woman, has three daughters, and is gay.

I am so impressed by the strength of character and dedication to one's faith that this guy has. He doesn't let the world define who he is --by their definition of the word, nor does he try to cover up or deny who he really is.
The thing that strikes me the most is how he is able to make the distinction between physical feelings and desires, and spiritual conviction and eternal truths that he has come to know.
Isn't that the dilemma that all of us mortal beings struggle with daily?  The battle of the body vs. the spirit?  Don't we all have parts of ourselves that we must conquer or subdue?
I admire this guy's strength to choose and act according to his own conscience regardless of what others think or do themselves, and am inspired by the happy outcome.

One disclaimer that I'd like to throw out there: I admit that in my little world, the story in the link I have shared may seem ideal, but I realize that ideals are often the exception. I am by no means saying that this is the path I think every gay person should attempt to pursue.  The guy in the story equates himself to a unicorn --something rare and mythical, which is probably an apt description. You can put a sparkly horn on a horse, but it still won't be a unicorn.  I could see how trying to force such a situation could cause a lot of confusion, pain, and heartache.  So let's not use this knowledge to judge or set a standard for others who make different choices in their lives.  Let's instead share the message of love and acceptance that it has inspired.

(P.S. I also found this Q/A session with some of our church leaders to be really helpful.)