I'm sorry it's been so long since I've posted. Life has been beyond intense for the last few months, but things are finally calming down. At least for us, they are, and we couldn't be happier.
I thought I'd address one of the current issues in the news regarding women in the LDS church- Kate Kelly's recent excommunication. I'm not gonna lie, I have not been following this story because I have a vested interest in the situation. I've been following the story because there has been no way to avoid it. My social media feeds are FILLED this morning with everyone's opinion on the matter. My friends are very split on this one. Some are passionately for, others passionately against. Some are mourning the loss of such a progressive and active voice for women while others are rejoicing in the relief from her antics.
Here are my two cents on the matter- it is a tragic story. It is tragic on every side. It is tragic to watch someone lose their rights and privileges in the church. It is tragic to watch the world weigh in on the state of her salvation. It is tragic to watch the members of the church torn in two over this. It is tragic to watch testimonies falter and friendships break over this decision. No matter what side you take on her organization, her story is a tragedy.
Personally, I have asked many of the same questions as Kate Kelly. I chose to address these questions in a different manner, but I cannot judge her for having questions. And in this day and age, I cannot judge her for taking her questions to the world wide web. She is seeking answers she cannot find on her own. She is seeking support and love that she cannot find alone. She is seeking to help others in similar situations. She is seeking to let others know that they are not alone in their struggles. However misguided you may believe her actions are, she is acting out of love for women. I cannot judge her for that because I'm doing the same thing. I love women, she loves women. Regardless of my stance on the Ordain Women movement, we have something very important in common- LOVE.
My purpose in writing today is to let individuals on both sides of the issue know that they are loved. There is so much hate being flung around right now. I want to you to know that you are loved. I know you have questions because we all have questions. Even Christ asked questions. Questions do not make you imperfect. As you seek your answers, remember that you are loved. There will be challenges as you seek your answers. Some of those challenges will be members of this church that you love so dearly. Some of those challenges will be judgments and harsh words from people you thought were your friends.
Despite these challenges, despite these judgements and harsh words, you are loved. There are people in this church who love you and accept you, questions and all. There is a Father in Heaven that loves you and accepts you, questions and all. There is a Savior that loves you and accepts you, questions and all. He will answer your questions. Ask you seek your answers, remember to doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. Whatever your questions are, they will be answered in time, whether by the voice of the Lord or one of His servants.
One last note, to those that believe that Kate Kelly's excommunication will somehow smother the Ordain Women's movement, you're wrong. Kate Kelly does not have to be a member of the church to influence women in the church. She does not have to be a member to seek change. Her voice has not been taken away because her membership has been. Excommunication is a private matter regarding ones actions breaking covenants made with the Lord. It's not our place to say whether or not she deserved to be excommunicated. That is between the individual, his/her leaders, and the Lord. That judgement is not ours to give.
All we have to give is love. There are so many in this world that need our love. So please, hold your judgement. Hold your harsh words. Replace that resentment with love and kindness. In the eternal scheme of things, we're all on the same side. This is me, sending a virtual hug to all those feeling unloved today. I want you here. I want you in this church. I want you to ask questions and find answers. I want you to know that YOU ARE LOVED!
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