Maurine Proctor's article on the abuse heaped on Prop 8 supporters in California called, The Peril of Raising the Title of Liberty, drew many letters. In some, people recounted their own difficult stories.
Threw Coins
These pictures were taken minutes before a car sped by and someone threw a handful of coins at this cherub, my grandson, giving him a huge goose egg on his head. We were so grateful it wasn't anything larger, or more dangerous, and yet WE're the HATERS. It's been challenging and yet rewarding as ward, stake and community members UNITED in a common goal, and an opportunity to support President Monson as our Prophet, by more then lip service.
We ended sacrament meeting Sunday by standing and all singing, or trying to sing, "Who's on the Lord's Side, Who?"
Thank you for a great way to receive true, timely and useful news. We love Meridian.
Sue Williams
A Prop 8 Halloween
Enjoyed your piece on 8 this morning - great analogy. Thought I'd forward my 'experience' from last week.
On quite possibly the most frightening Halloween of my life to date...
last night there were chants approaching our home, I could hear them coming from the end of our cul-de-sac, to our door, filling our front porch and steps - shouts of "No on 8, 8 is Hate, gays are great, Mormons Hate, No on 8," etc. ad nauseum.
When I opened the door they stopped (well the majority of them stopped, but some in the back kept chanting the mantra) The ones up front asked, "Is Lauren (our 13 year old daughter) here?" When I said no, they all asked, "well, where is she?" I responded she was at a party. They asked, "where?" I am familiar with these kids so I somewhat cheerfully replied, "over in another neighborhood with some friends from school." "Well, we came to give her a message..." then the chanting started long and loud.
"No on 8, 8 is Hate, gays are great, Mormons Hate, No on 8" I raised my hand and good naturedly said, "come on guys, on Halloween?!! This isn't the time for political statements. Would you please respect my home and stop" - but they got all the louder and more excited after my request for them to stop.
You should know that this is a group of probably 15-20, 12-13 year old middle schoolers. I know these children, I know their parents - many of them went to elementary school together.
Ironic that after they shouted those ("tolerant & non-divisive") things, they still had the boldness and audacity to raid and empty our candy bowl, chanting as they grabbed for their haul. I wanted to say something about that act of hypocrisy, wondering if they stopped to think that my hateful candy might be poisoned - but I realized they are just too young, and probably thought they were being funny tormenting the Mormon girl. They could have no idea or comprehesion about what they were saying, just parroting back what they've heard or been taught is cool and catchy - I've learned over the years that most of popular public opinion is swayed by 'branding' - those rhymes of 8/hate/great could just roll right out of your mouth, like singing a catchy jingle from a tv ad... all caught up in the crowd... literally brought to my doorstep...
In the middle of the night as I relived this experience, I thought of one short phrase from Lehi's dream, describing the people in the building, "old and young" I guess that until now I never realized that young meant this 'young'
And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.
Barbara Bell
Cancel Subscription
Regarding California Newspapers that urged a note vote on Prop 8.
Would not LDS want to consider canceling their subscriptions to those papers?
That type of economic boycott would send a powerful message to them at a time when they are already hurting for subscribers.
"In a Nov.2 editorial endorsement urging citizens to vote no on Prop 8, the Los Angeles Times was disingenuous, likening the legitimate concerns about the religious freedom implications of same-sex marriage and its affect on the curriculum at school to a magician's trick, something to misdirect the voters to the real issues at hand. "
Bryce Hall - Carlsbad CA
Singing Favorite Hymns to Get Through
In tears I don't know how to thank you enough for your article "The Perils of Raising the Title of Liberty . At dawn this morning as I stood with my "Prop 8 = parental involvement, I felt like to was holding a 'title of liberty'. In my mind I sang some of the favorite hymns to help get me through the morning. Standing shoulder to shoulder with those who have the same value system, and beliefs was powerful.
It has been a difficult fight, and we needed to read that article today, or maybe even yesterday, when being on the phone was so difficult. Thank you so much! I am passing it along to those who have shouldered this cause with me.
Sister Julie Ann Larson
Proud of Daughter
I'm proud of my 17-yr-old daughter, who has grown up with a group of non-LDS friends, some of whom are gay. I knew this whole issue could be a minefield for her as this lifestyle has been a piece of her life for many years. She related to me an incident that occurred as her and her friends went out on Halloween night. The 'no on 8' signs in people's yards prompted a conversation and the opinions expressed by the group agreed with a no vote. Then my daughter said to the group, "I'm not old enough to vote, but if I could, I'd vote Yes." That took so much courage! She's the one I've thought about, along with all the other children after her, as I've knocked on doors, made phone calls and stood on street corners and highway overpasses to get the word out. God bless America !
Leslie Urbina
San Jose, CA
Not Surprised
Excellent article. I had heard about this from a friend who just moved here from California , also of our faith, so I wasn't completely surprised the hate shown towards supporters of Prop 8. I wonder how many people are oblivious to it because of the lack of coverage as you stated. I hope those LDS in California can continue to stand firm in their support of marriage between a man and a women. Times are tough and are going to get tougher for us. It is only a matter of time before the crud, spread by Satan, is smeared among all the states. We must stand strong and immoveable in what is true and right. Shame on those LDS who oppose Prop 8.
Teresa Lane
Chesapeake, VA
Fought Long and Hard
Thank you so much for printing “The Perils of Raising the Title of Liberty ” in Meridian . Members of the church in California have fought long and hard. They have heeded the call of a prophet of God. The question on our minds on election day is if we did enough. Will the Lord accept our sacrifice and make up the difference? I have faith that he will.
It has indeed been a hard fight. Going door to door, making phone calls, delivering signs, standing on street corners, and talking to people we consider friends about this issue has indeed brought us all out of our comfort zone but I know that my family has been blessed as a result. My children have no doubt where the Lord and his people stand when it comes to the family.
I am grateful that the abuse my family and I suffered as we heeded the prophet's call was not extreme. We had some nasty things said to us, some signs ripped up, eggs thrown at our business where signs were displayed, etc but nothing really serious. But it all does wear on you after a while. Even the finest grit of sandpaper can make your skin chafe if it rubs on you long enough.
I want to thank all of those outside California that have helped in the fight. Win or lose, this fight is not over and most certainly will be coming to you soon. The forces of evil mean to destroy the family and will not be satisfied until they have succeeded.
Jason Orton
Stratford, CA
Devotion
Thanks for the great coverage and support of our fellow California Saints!
Our oldest son and wife and 2 children live in Thousand Oaks and I have been overwhelmed,
grateful and awestruck with their devotion to this amendment.
This article filled my heart with light. Several months ago, I sent them a little plastic Moroni with the Title of Liberty and told them the quest of all the proponents of Prop 8 reminded me of Moroni wielding the Title of LIberty.
I totally enjoy Meridian Magazine and your earnest efforts to keep waving the Title of LIberty yourselves.
Today, as they have arisen at 5 to place and protect more signs and banners, I sent my son and his family these excerpts from Elder Holland's talk "For Times of Trouble"
Have faith. “Has the day of miracles ceased?
“Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?
“Behold I say unto you, Nay; for … it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men.” ( Moro. 7:35–37 .)
Elisha, with a power known only to the prophets, had counseled the king of Israel on how and where and when to defend against the warring Syrians. The king of Syria , of course, wished to rid his armies of this prophetic problem. So, and I quote:
“Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
“… (They) compassed the city both with horses and chariots.” ( 2 Kgs. 6:14–15 .)
If Elisha is looking for a good time to be depressed, this is it. His only ally is a boy who in modern times might be the president of the local teachers quorum. It is one prophet and one lad against the world. And the boy is petrified. He sees the enemy everywhere—difficulty and despair and problems and burdens everywhere. He cannot leave, and all he can see is an evil and merciless city like Chicago . With faltering faith the boy cries, “Alas, my master! how shall we do?” ( 2 Kgs. 6:15 .)
And Elisha's reply?
“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
“And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” ( 2 Kgs. 6:16–17 .)
In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you must remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham's seed.
I close with this promise from heaven. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
“And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.”
“… I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left … and mine angels (shall be) round about you, to bear you up.
“… The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” ( D&C 78:17–18 ; D&C 84:88 ; D&C 78:18 .)
Oh yes, “we'll find the place which God for us prepared.” And on the way, “we'll make the air with music ring, Shout praises to our God and King; Above the rest these words we'll tell—All is well! all is well!” ( Hymns no. 13.) In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Thanks again
Jan Mulvay Strong
Sighing
Your article was wonderful. I live in California and I found myself sighing. Sighing for two reasons; today election day, and secondly, because there will more to come. I guess now is the time to rest up and gather more "oil" for the coming rounds.
Thanks for your support,
Deborah James.
Tough but Rewarding
In many ways fighting for Prop. 8 has been rewarding. I have had friends of many faiths and many cultures standing together with me on this proposition and yet I have had many close friends that apparently may never have any thing more to do with me due to my position on this propostion. It has pitted some members of our own faith against each other.
Last night was tough for many of us. We are getting so much flung at our faces standing up for this proposition... Then after we finished our turns standing on the street corner, waving our signs, getting the usual thumbs up or horn honking or getting the "birdie" and many boohs, we found out that two of our friends on another street corner maybe 2 miles away had been struck down in a car accident while holding their signs crossing the street. We have paid a price for this. It is a price that I would gladly pay again and again when you consider the ramifications of the non-passage of this proposition.
Through all of this I had an experience at the end of the evening that I wanted to share with any who are dealing with this as my family and I are.
Boy was I soaked! It was cold sitting in the fast food restaurant watching my daughter play on the gym equipment while my jeans dripped and my soggy shoes squeeked. She had already waited a while in the driving rain and cold while I passed out signs to my sons and extended family. I sat there contemplating the hard work our precinct had put out for Prop. 8 this past while, wondering how people could really make a correct decision when the media so blatantly professed their ideals and then inaccurately recorded occurences in the past few weeks. I guess the rain and the harsh words of friends and neighbors were tugging at my mind that I could only produce a little smile when a mother of two young boys walked by me to eat their food and play on the gym. The two boys simultaneously spoke up asking their mother why all those people were standing out on the street corners, in the dark, with the rain falling on them holding those signs. The mother replied,"Oh those poor people!" to which the younger boy asked, "Are they poor mom? Do they need some money? Should we give them some?" The mother smiled, responding, "No! They aren't poor because they need money. I just said they were poor, because I feel sorry they are out there in such terrible weather fighting for something they believe in. In fact, your mommy and daddy are voting for that proposition because you can see it is so very important to them that they would do all this." The kids both responded "Mhmm". I sat there a little stunned at what I just heard. I wanted to go up and just hug her, but I was so wet and thought it may even scare her! I thanked Heavenly Father for that little vote of thanks. Later as I repeated it to my family and sister's family who also spent their Family Home Evening holding Prop. 8 signs on the street corner, my sister told me how important that was to hear those words. I realized that this was not just a little blessing for me, it was a little blessing for all of those who have been working and I needed to share this with others.
The scripture came to my mind from D&C 64:33 "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing , for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."
Celeste Whedon
