That’s the biggest question, honestly. It’ll obviously be different for each relationship dynamic, but I’ve personally found that having a little levity to my conversations is helpful. Not in a way that undermines your points, but in a way that keeps everyone engaged. Maintaining the relationships is also absolutely key. Without a good relationship, there usually isn’t any hope of getting through to them. But if you keep the desire to share your testimony at the forefront of your mind, I think little opportunities will present themselves. I hope my article didn’t come across as though I have all the answers to this, because I certainly don’t. But I think the power comes in the pursuit of it. I’m right there with you in trying to figure out how to share my beliefs with loved ones who are struggling with something or another.
Thanks for sharing this, great thoughts. Just last week a member from the stake high council gave a talk and mentioned marriage between a man and a woman, and I admit, it felt foreign because we don’t hear it often anymore - to the point that I think a lot of people don’t understand where we stand on the doctrine of the plan of salvation and eternal families. My struggle is to know how to include our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters and show them how they are included in the plan of salvation. How to show authentically to family members who may choose another path for now while still defending the doctrine. I feel I need to have a stronger understanding of it myself. I’d love to hear additional insights form you, because right now, I’m just not even sure what to say or how to act.
I love this. Great gems! I think we can offer greater nuance and understanding of the doctrine of marriage and families, because, (I supposed like each individual), some of us have had to search, ponder and pray on this from varying angles that perhaps others haven’t. But I don’t want to be a gatekeeper for who can and can’t comment on LGBT issues or the doctrine of marriage.
I hate having to miss lessons on this topic (because of Tab Choir and such) because I feel like I have something to add to them, and not take away from them.
It’s often said that “gay people KNOW the doctrine inside and out!” While that might be true, I feel like we have more reason to speak out in support of it!
Likewise it’s not easy to understand my role in all of it. My SSA has meaning and adds a lot to my life. While remaining single I still imagine being able to love men or perhaps have a committed, lifelong friend to be close to. But whatever I have is fundamentally not the same thing as a marriage. And I the weight I give the marital relationship matters.
That’s the biggest question, honestly. It’ll obviously be different for each relationship dynamic, but I’ve personally found that having a little levity to my conversations is helpful. Not in a way that undermines your points, but in a way that keeps everyone engaged. Maintaining the relationships is also absolutely key. Without a good relationship, there usually isn’t any hope of getting through to them. But if you keep the desire to share your testimony at the forefront of your mind, I think little opportunities will present themselves. I hope my article didn’t come across as though I have all the answers to this, because I certainly don’t. But I think the power comes in the pursuit of it. I’m right there with you in trying to figure out how to share my beliefs with loved ones who are struggling with something or another.
This is really helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing this, great thoughts. Just last week a member from the stake high council gave a talk and mentioned marriage between a man and a woman, and I admit, it felt foreign because we don’t hear it often anymore - to the point that I think a lot of people don’t understand where we stand on the doctrine of the plan of salvation and eternal families. My struggle is to know how to include our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters and show them how they are included in the plan of salvation. How to show authentically to family members who may choose another path for now while still defending the doctrine. I feel I need to have a stronger understanding of it myself. I’d love to hear additional insights form you, because right now, I’m just not even sure what to say or how to act.
I love this. Great gems! I think we can offer greater nuance and understanding of the doctrine of marriage and families, because, (I supposed like each individual), some of us have had to search, ponder and pray on this from varying angles that perhaps others haven’t. But I don’t want to be a gatekeeper for who can and can’t comment on LGBT issues or the doctrine of marriage.
I hate having to miss lessons on this topic (because of Tab Choir and such) because I feel like I have something to add to them, and not take away from them.
It’s often said that “gay people KNOW the doctrine inside and out!” While that might be true, I feel like we have more reason to speak out in support of it!
Likewise it’s not easy to understand my role in all of it. My SSA has meaning and adds a lot to my life. While remaining single I still imagine being able to love men or perhaps have a committed, lifelong friend to be close to. But whatever I have is fundamentally not the same thing as a marriage. And I the weight I give the marital relationship matters.