Religious Freedom

You know how I like my: Go! Fight! Win! moments . . . 

Apostle Says Religious Freedom Is Being Threatened - LDS Newsroom Shared via AddThis

I try to stay up-to-date with the news of the world, and more importantly -- the news of the Church. As I was checking the Church Newsroom (yesterday) I read Elder Oaks article about Religious Freedom being threatened . . .

I am so grateful to have a Prophet and Apostles, to light the path in these troubled, often confusing times. I am so grateful to have the word of God -- The Scriptures -- the Iron Rod to cling to, while traveling through the mists of darkness.

Elder Oaks is inspired. He knew who he was speaking to (the World) and he chose his words, accordingly. However, regardless of his great care and precise words, the attacks are beginning to fly (as I am certain he was expecting). It has been interesting to read the "News" (which, by the way, is suppose to be fact -- not opinion). As I read, I noticed how words and ideas were twisted, and exaggerated to fit individual opinion. One person who commented, negatively, said he had not even read the article!

As members of the Church, I believe we need to be educated on the issues that Elder Oaks so eloquently expressed. Though it may seem a far-stretched idea -- to not have religious freedom in America -- it would take little more than an "Equal Rights" law, that could threaten our freedom to preach such things as homosexuality as sin.

What an interesting world we live in, now. These are exciting times, to be sure. A little scary, yes, but exciting! As I have been doing a bit of family history, I have a new found respect for my ancestor's, and those who have paved the way before us. This country is built on the backs of faithful men and women of God -- who I imagine are rolling in their graves right about now. If our Founding Fathers were to visit America today, they would be ablaze with anger -- along with being utterly disappointed. American ideals were founded on religious freedoms. Now, too many Americans want to be free "from" religion. It is a sad, tragic thing.

Imagine a Father of a large family. He wants the best for his family, he loves them, and wants to provide for them. But the children do not care about their father, they are ungrateful for what he has provided. They disobey his rules, they turn away from him, they even fight against him. How does the Father feel, when he loves his children so much, yet, they disregard his love, and oppose him? If only the children would realize what a great, loving, father they have. If only they would follow his rules, and turn to him -- not away. They could be so happy! If only . . .

Heavenly Father must be saddened by the number of His children who have, and are, turning away from Him. It really must break His perfect heart. But, there are His children who have NOT turned away from Him, and who never will. They know how much He loves them, and they do obey His rules. They are even, happy! Oh, how heart-warming these children must be to their Heavenly Father! There is nothing as beautiful as an obedient, grateful, child! These obedient children are going to need to be strong in these latter-days! No fear . . . God is on their side!

My favorite stories are the ones that have a handful of heros, fighting-off overwhelming evil. Somehow, amazingly, despite victory seeming hopeless -- the heros always prevail. Our latter-day battles will be no different. Let us stand counted amongst the heros!

I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me.

A day may come when the courage of men fails,

when we forsake our friends

and break all bonds of fellowship,

but it is not this day.

An hour of wolves and shattered shields,

when the age of men comes crashing down,

but it is not this day!

This day we fight!!

By all that you hold dear on this good Earth,

I bid you stand, Men of the West!!!

-Aragron 

Let us "stand" steadfast and immovable! 

Take a moment and read through the words of Elder Oaks . . . It is worth it.