What is in Your Camp?It IS indecent.

I have been writing about marriage for over two years. I believe in marriage as God designed it. I believe with all of my heart. Because of my strong convictions about the sanctity of marriage I am compelled to share my thoughts about current events with regard to marriage. I know my words will draw a line in the sand. I can’t help it. I will not remain silent.

Article Headline June 5, 2008, The Californian, my local newspaper: Court removes last hurdle to gay marriage

As I scanned this article, my soul literally grieved. I felt pain. I am certain most of us don’t realize this change in our state will affect the world. I am convinced this single decision is a pivotal moment in our world and societal history. This one single change in our law will forever change marriage as we have known it.

On June 17th gay marriage will be legal in this state. Once we allow it there is no going back. Millions of gays will marry. Many will be residents of California, many will flock here from around the country and from around the world. Residency is not required in this state for a marriage license. Have you heard about this recent development? Have you ignored it? After all gay marriage is only allowed in crazy California. It couldn’t possibly happen where you live.

I am absolutely convinced gay marriage will be legal in all fifty states within a few short years.

I am absolutely convinced that within one generation, probably before I die, we will see headlines such as: Triple Wedding; Two men and one woman legally wed.

This is a certain reality. What's to stop our insane world from allowing two men and one woman to be wed? Why stop there, three men and two women. After all, they are consenting adults.

I want you to know that Believers did not stand by silent. We fought against gay marriage four years ago here in California and won in a popular vote election. Currently we have an initiative scheduled for the ballot this November. However, the court system took control and gay marriage will, in fact, be law in less than two weeks. The election in November will be too late to stop this runaway locomotive.

My spirit grieves over this development in light of Biblical teaching. What an arrogant slap in the face of God. He created marriage for His people. He ordained it.

I need to clarify something here. God hates sin regardless if it is homosexuality, an extra marital affair, lust, telling a lie. WE ARE ALL SINNERS. Love is what we need to share with sinners but there are consequences to sin. It is likely that ALL of us will share in the consequences of this new design in marriage.

I have thought about this landmark event for days now. I can tell you I believe marriage through the church is now more important than ever. Teaching our children what commitment to one person really means is paramount at this juncture. The only hope we have for our country today is to place more emphasis on why God created marriage, what His design is and how it is the best plan.

Does God see America – or should I say, California (for now) as a nation in need of a reprimand? Remember the decision to support gay marriage was over turned by a handful of judges – not the people.

And, my second question: As believers, where do we go from here?

I am anxious to hear your thoughts. For Dineen and me, we are living in this firestorm right now (California). This change will immediately impact our lives. Thank you for reading and I appreciate your boldness to reply. God bless, Lynn

Comments

[Laurel Wreath]

Oh Lord come quickly. Well said Lynn.

[Laurel Wreath]

And, my second question: As believers, where do we go from here?

Acts 16:10..."...the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them."

I beleive God is simple in his directions on what our role is here.

[Sallye]

This is hard to respond to. I know that this is a sign of the end times birthing pains, and that it has to happen. On the other hand, I have to look at how I respond to it. I can not as a christian sit on my hands and do nothing. I have to with every breathe in me fight to the end. This is where the rubber meets the road. Will I stand up and say this is wrong and I will not stand for it, then put action behind my words, or will I like most say this is not my fight and turn my back on few who have to courage to stand up and say enough? Where will I stand?

Sallye

[Lynn]

Laurel,

Amen, Girl. Amen

Sallye,

You are absolutely right. This IS so hard. It is troubling and I think I am perplexed as everyone else. It just seemed to come out of the blue and in a few short weeks, it will be real.

Salley and Laurel, Thank you so much for your honest and wise words. Love and hugs, Lynn

[Abby]

I am a new reader, and so thankful that this site exists. Thank you for sharing your story - I have just begun to write about mine.

I feel really conflicted about the taking a stand against gay marriage. There are lots of people in my life who tell me (sometimes frequently) that they think my marriage will be a mistake, that its wrong, etc. I know that hurt (I'm sure many others here do too) and I don't like the idea of making someone else feel that way.

I would vote against gay marriage, but I would also try to "love my neighbor" and pray that they would see HIS plan for him.

[Noreen]

Hi Lynn, I didn't realize you lived in Ca.; if you remember I am a native No.Ca. girl who just recently moved to Colorado. I totally agree with you on all points, I protested 4 years ago and protested in my county, Sonoma, but watched as things kept progressing. I do believe as a church we need to love sinners but not invite their sin into our midst. There has to be a way to reach out in love and but not condone their lifesyle. Bless you Lynn. Love, Noreen

[Lynn]

Abby,

I am so glad you found us. I will be over to your place for a read. Know this... you are not alone.

Noreen,

Your comment here is brilliant. Well said. This has probably been the most difficult post I have ever written. Thank you for your perspective. Love you, Lynn

[Dineen Miller]

Lynn, it's a weird place to be right now, that's for sure. One friend of hubby's is now engaged to his partner and I know a wedding invitation will be coming to us. I'm praying now about what to do and how to be a sample of God's love and grace. Looks like I may be attending my first gay wedding soon.

[Julie]

My heart was also grieved to hear about this on the news the other day. I am disturbed with how being "gay" is the new norm. I feel like a minority now in our culture. Some people (including my husband) think I am weird, but I truly believe Jesus will return in my lifetime. If you look at the growing sin in our country, and around the world, and notice all the catastrophic events taking place....I believe the time is coming. We all need to pray.

[Chelle']

Lynn- I could add to the perspectives already commented here but it would be repetitive.

Instead, I'm choosing to comment about marriages within the church. Statistically they coincide with marriages outside the church. There are equal amounts of adultry, separation, divorce and legal involvement.

There is discontentment, unhappiness, anger, malice, lonliness, and regret...IN THE CHURCH!!!

In the church where Jesus is our foundation. Jesus is our strength, comfort, source, provision, our love. Where Jesus is our example and has set before us, for our health and wellbeing, Biblical guidelines to ensure safety growth and freedom.

And it is this that we stand on... the Biblical foundation of marriage between man and woman as we oppose the recent legalization of same sex marriage in CA.

To the outsider... our "logic" means nothing. To them, we clearly can't get our acts together maritally so who are we to say to whom and for what reasons people should marry.

I think a large part of our stand should be to strengthen our marriages within the church. To walk in the Biblical foundations we stand upon in our decisions against same sex marriage and not disregard them when we are unhappy, angry, lonely etc.

Our greatest stand may well be the example of a healthy, Godly marriage... between a woman and a man... bearing fruit like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and selfcontrol.

Thanks for this post Lynn.

[E Fordham]

I definitely see your point. However, I think from a natural point of view, we should continue to exercise our right to vote to prevent legislation from being ratified which undermine Christian values. But as you've stated, there are judges on benches who are superseding the intent of voters. Spiritually speaking, I think the major aspect of this battle will be won on our knees through prayer and crying out for our nation. In a modern society we tend to undermine the power of prayer, but the greatest miracles recorded in the bible where masses were affected, were achieved through prayer.

[Tamara]

thank you lynn for being so bold - it is necessary to speak loud and clear - yes the Lord does say to love but he doesnt accept dirt in his church - what did he do in his temple? I believe we are to respect each person regardless of their believe or lifestyle but we are not to accept sinful acts in the church - for example if a gay person wants to come that is super - it is not super to have gays kiss and touch each other in church - or if a gay couple wants to get married in our churches or be accepted as a married couple - but that goes for heterosexual couples too that live together without a marriage - I believe it is more important than ever what is being preached on the pulpit - in Christ Tamara

[Chelle']

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080613/ap_on_re_us/gay_marriage

Lynn- I just saw this article on Yahoo's homepage and thought of your post.

It seems that someone from this very conservative county in CA wanted to only marry heterosexual couples and when they were told they were unable to pick and choose the couples to marry- they said they would no longer perform ceremonies at all.

Someone's taking a stand Lynn. We need to pray for the individual/individuals involved here.

Chelle'

[Ang4him (Angela)]

Lynn,

Thank you for posting on this. I too live in California and it sickens me that a handful of judges has overturned what I just voted regarding a few years ago.

I know in my cirlce of friends here, there are many on their knees crying out to the Lord. Even just at my work. This next week, the place I work will be flying the rainbow flag in honor of Gay Pride week. We are planning to do prayer walks around the building this next week. We are praying for our company, this state, this nation and the world. We are especially praying for compassion for these individuals who are so deceived right now in regards to this lifestyle.

I also agree with some of the other posts here though. We are not only praying regarding gay marriage though, we are standing for all marriages! Marriage is being attacked and this new ruling in California is just the newest way the Enemy is trying to twist something the Lord made to be beautiful and a gift to His people.