I am so glad the 2012 presidential election is over. Perhaps not quite as relieved as I was when the 2008 election ended. At that time proposition 8 was on the ballot in California and I think I can safely say it was the most stressful time of my life. That being the case, I am grateful I experienced it as it forced me to acknowledge how things are a'changing in the world.
For one, I really do believe that the time of (relative) popularity for Mormons is past. I think Mormons have always been ridiculed a bit, don't get me wrong. When I first moved to California in high school, for instance, I definitely got jokes about "how many moms did I have?" etc. etc. However, when Mormons / Mormonism is discussed in the media, whatever the stance of an article's author, there is a lot of venom in the comments. There is also very real hurt in some of them (from former Mormons). I find it so painful to read them and I know it is useless to engage. These attitudes are becoming more common and I think that trend will continue.
And so Fall 2008 was when it occurred to me that I could no longer expect to be understood or, in some cases, respected, by my community and that I probably could never expect it again. I felt so isolated and discouraged by this idea. Like everyone else, I like to be understood, valued, and respected, and when I'm with individuals in person I am almost always accorded respect. But even at a friend's barbecue this last weekend I met with a polygamist joke in poor taste. The person could not have known I was a Mormon, I know it wasn't mean spirited at all, and yet...
When I think of the word persecution I think of stoning, mobs, tar & feathers; but I suppose the more modern, civilized society uses snarky and snide comments to achieve a similar end. I truly don't struggle with paying tithes, abstaining from alcohol, dressing modestly, etc. but I'll admit it is
often hard to read cruel and demeaning comments on the Internet so full of contempt and willful misunderstanding.
Which brings me to the second truth I learned in Fall 2008. Not only do I need to get used to this reality, but it's an opportunity and an expectation from God that I submit and try to forgive these attitudes (while recognizing that I can't change them).
Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life. (Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith 6:7)
I can attest that the above is true within the small range of experience I have had. It was horribly painful for me to participate in the campaigning of proposition 8 for so many reasons. However, the intensity of that sacrifice did increase my faith.
I hope that I can have the strength to face the hard times ahead with courage and grace. To be kind and forgiving of others even while I am mocked and the things I hold sacred ridiculed. I am grateful for the MANY loyal friends I have who are not of my faith. Who, whatever their private opinions of my faith, treat me with respect and dignity. I have so many friends with that quality of character and I hope I never take them for granted! If you're reading this blog--know that I appreciate you!
