TO CONDONE OR NOT CONDONE?

One of the most glorious truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that we are promised His Spirit to be with us. His Spirit is the ultimate gift of direction, love, correction, and the knowledge that the Savior’s hand is in our lives.

The Savior asks us to follow His commandments, the things he asks us to do through inspiration, and callings, etc.

You know what? NOWHERE are we asked to condone or not condone other people’s behaviors, feelings, identities, or beliefs. Christ has not asked us to do those things. (In fact, didn’t He say that we should NOT judge others?)

It’s common to talk about condoning as it applies to LGBTQ people (whether they’ve actually done anything wrong or not), but why is this the thing that people feel they are obligated to judge, when there is an endless list of our neighbor’s actions and beliefs we could potentially choose to condone or not condone?

If we spend our time determining everything our neighbors should (or shouldn’t) be doing, that would keep us so busy, we wouldn’t have time to breathe.

The Savior’s divine commandments make such good, simple sense - and, If properly followed, can create a much-needed unity in our world. #1- love Him and personally follow His commandments. #2- love your neighbor in a way that shines the love of the Savior on them.

The idea that we have the right to condone or not condone the lives of others didn’t come from the Savior. He is the only one who can rightly judge.

How can I HELP my neighbor?

THAT is the question. #loveoneanother

#Lgbtq #lgbt #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #ldschurch #ldsparents #ldsparenting #ldsysa #lgbtqysa #lgbtqlds #ldslgbtq #liftandloveorg

GOD WILL YET REVEAL MANY GREAT & IMPORTANT THINGS

I am so grateful for this article of our faith.

While some feel we know everything we need to know about men, women, marriage, family, our purpose, and the eternities, there are so, SO, many members who still have a ton of questions.

For LGBTQ individuals and families, these gaps in understanding are often the catalyst to a deeper dive into doctrine, scripture, and ongoing restoration. This scares loved ones who are watching, but countless people have told me they have grown much closer to the Savior because of their need for His comfort and answers they can only get directly from him.

This process can be an amazing testimony strengthener, but it’s exhausting.

If in the middle of this process, the church community dismisses their questions, declares adamantly that nothing will ever change, or fails to provide a hope-filled shelter for those who doubt, we have to understand, people will leave!

We are a people led by revelation given to prophets and apostles.

We are a people led by personal revelation given in our own language for our benefit and the benefit of our families.

We are a people who believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things, TOGETHER! - Allison

#Lgbtq #lgbt #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #ldschurch #ldsparents #ldsparenting #ldsysa #lgbtqysa #lgbtqlds #ldslgbtq #liftandloveorg

WHY ARE SO MANY FAMILIES WITH LGBTQ CHILDREN LEAVING THE CHURCH?

Most visibly "out" individuals in past decades were adult gay men. Because homosexuality was considered a choice and viewed as a threat to family and religious values, most were pushed out or left family and religious communities and existed on the wild edges of society. Too many struggled to feel worthy of God's love.

A few families bravely maintained healthy, loving connections with their LGBTQ children; fewer openly supported them.

Of the many changes over the last five decades, I believe the most important is happening inside families. Equipped with vocabulary and "out" peers, children are more comfortable coming out to parents as they begin to understand their differences often when they are still in Primary or YM/YW.

These children are so young, and innocent parents are fiercely protective of their emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. Parents have heard tragic first-hand accounts of pain experienced by LGBTQ friends or family. Many parents report sacred, personal revelations guiding them to listen to and support their children.

The parents I work with daily are desperate for a healthy and whole life for their children.

The impact of this shift cannot be understated; it is seismic!

As the family adjusts to their new reality, they attend church for the same love, support, and religious nourishment they have always received. They may now experience awkwardness or marginalization from long-time friends and leaders. They attend church meetings and seminary classes where some teachers and others say being LGBTQ is not part of God's plan, or worse, it's part of Satan's. When a family can't find a safe and supportive place, they will leave broken-hearted. Often before anyone in the ward is even aware of the LGBTQ child.

The Lift and Love Foundation exists to help LGBTQ Latter-Day Saint families stay connected to each other and to the Savior. Join us as we work to make our wards and homes safe places for all our Heavenly Parent's children, including (and maybe especially) their LGBTQ children. - Allison

#ldsparents #ldsparenting #ldsysa #lgbtqysa #lgbtqlds #ldslgbtq #liftandloveorg