Marriage: an [eternally] committed relationship between a man and a woman

There seems to be a lot of talk about marriage lately. I believe that everyone should be able to say their fair share, make a statement, declare their beliefs. I do not however agree with bashing, insulting or ridiculing to make a point. Since facebook seems to cater to that kind of unkindness and chatter I figured if I had something to say I could say it here. Blogs have always appeared to me to be more civilized. I also feel like there is this pressure on facebook to either agree or disagree with what is said.

At any rate, for a number of reasons I've decided to express my thoughts here instead. First of all there are two postings I have come across that i really liked and I feel do a great job of expressing a lot of how I feel. Rather than try to re-word everything they said, I will post them:

BAM!

Requested statement from the CHurch of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints.

(I don't think It's any Secret that I am a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)

AND BAM!

A Blog Post by a Member of the LDS Faith who is "Gay" - put in quotes not because I don't think It's real but because it's a hard word that some people find offensive and define very differently at times

He has some good things to say.

Actually, I have another one. I occasionally read this blog because I think he's hilarious and has some really good things to say. This Particular blog is the one that made me start reading it. For things I feel pertain to my personal beliefs about homosexuality see number 2, 4, 6, 7, & 8. But seriously, just read the whole darned thing. So good. His view on agency and the value he puts on marriage, family and the plan of salvation are all things that I share. please try to apply his awesomeness at explaining them in mind as I try to get these thoughts out of my head.

Ok! so now my lame, but sincere attempt to inoffensively address how I feel and where I'm coming from on this particular issue, even though I feel like that is impossible to do because people will be offended if they want to be offended. If you haven't learned that you should. You will be a happier person.
Know that all of this makes sense inside my head and I have no idea how it's going to turn out on paper...or computer screen or whatever. And that this post is mostly to put my thoughts down on paper and is mostly for me than anyone else, but i hope you enjoy the read.

I have quite a few homosexual friends that will remain nameless for the sake of remaining nameless. I love them. They love me. I would not want to live my life with them erased because I love them! and they know I love them. The also know what I believe and how I feel about homosexuality in general. I pompously believe that each one of these friendships exists because we are freaking awesome. I have had discussions with each of them about our differing opinions and views and its has not only not put a wedge between us, but I feel it has made our friendships stronger - similar to what blog boy number one posted about, we do not have to agree with one another on every little aspect of our lives in order to deeply care for one another.

Moving on, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I believe strongly that Marriage is by the definition of the word between one man and one woman. That's what it is and if you want to be married than that desire also involves a member of the opposite sex. A definition of the word. It has been is now and will always be defined that way. Marriage: one man and one woman.

Ok PAUSE. Before you freak out about what I just said Let me lay down some other concept, that yes, are very intertwined with marriage, but are not marriage themselves: Love, Commitment, Loyalty, and most of all AGENCY. I am all for all those things! Woo! There is so much value in commitment, love and loyalty. Done. Do it. All of those things make all people better and might I add I think two people homosexual or heterosexual willing to make those commitments, keep those loyalties and love each other should both be privy to the same tax breaks and every other benefits and RIGHTS currently given to two married people (again marriage being between a man and woman). but they can't be granted those right via marriage because that is actually not what they want. because that involves someone of the opposite sex. In my opinion in order for equal rights to happen we need a new word. If you are a man and a woman you are married, if you are a homosexual couple, you are something else. What? I don't know. Think of a word, get it coined and work that through the justice system. I am all for equal rights. But some things - like women and men are different but equal. Every homosexual in this country has the opportunity and choice to be married. That just involves putting the inclinations and desires you have aside because Marriage is between a man and a woman. The. End.

It's a definition of a word not a value of a person.

Ok so I'm done now. If you still hate everything I have to say, feel free to keep feeling that way. I'm not in charge of how you feel. Or anything else for that matter.

Also, please do not assume I have mentioned or implied anything that has to do with children in either of these situations. That is a completely different issue to me and I have not said anything about it here.

And if it really bothers you just scratch this post and read this.