= ...yeah I'm gonna attempt this

You've probably already seen the flag or symbol popping up all over facebook as your friends or "aquantances" seemingly systematically are changing their profile photos over to this banner of pride, support and in some cases both for gay marriage equality. It is something so many people are very passionate about and to be honest that is 100% understandable...but is also something that makes me both sad and uncomfortable (but not in the way you may think).

As I progress through this, know first and foremost that I'm attempting to state things that are on my mind and heart and not in an attempt to infuriate anyone...but knowing that I will do so know you have my sincere apologies for that, while disagreements upon this can be substantial I feel open and honest thoughts should at the least be respected.

It is with the thought of honesty that has prompted me to express this so let's delve into it. Gay marriage equality, for some it's being coined as the next great liberation needed in order to progress into the "proper"state our nation needs to be in. Liberated from what though? From the ability to be considered a holy matrimony? To be able to use the word marriage?

Now understand I hold to the belief that homosexuality is a sin, nothing more and nothing less when you boil it all down. God states, discusses and shares examples of how he intended marriage to be between a man and a woman in his Holy book. Now I could set here and state the verses, interpretations that have been said about them and try to justify my viewpoint (though no justification is needed)...but if your reading this I bet you already have your idea of whether or not homosexuality is a sin and whether or not you view the Bible as the true word of God. If you do not see it as a sin and don't view the Bible as the 100% word of God then obviously discussion between us would be difficult at best and we see this everywhere when the gay marriage topic comes up. It's not that those who cling to the Bible are better, because they are not and should willingly admit that...however just as the opinions and feelings of the supporters of gay marriage are valid, so are those who view marriage as something designed to be between a man and a woman as designed by God.

It's amazing how much venom is spit from both sides...you share your faith and you're attacked...well attack me then if it makes you feel better. 

I for one am all for human rights. Each man or woman should not have to worry about physical, emotional or spiritual damage or hurt being inflicted upon them by others for any reason. After all we are all in need of grace, therefore there shouldn't be any room for hate in our lives towards anyone. I simply happen to not be on the liberal or as some state "progressive" style of thinking. To me personally it isn't progress to go against what God designed marriage to be, it's actually digressing. However, I am a firm believer in allowing the people to vote and do as they vote to do...I just will never acknowledge what the law says is right, is in fact right (as is the case for other things as well).

Marriage to me is a sacred and holy thing from God. It is taking of hands of one repentant man and one repentant woman choosing to after God put the other above themselves and walk hand in hand throughout this world. Nothing anyone says will change that for me, as that is as God described it to be.

Will gay marriage be passed, yes more than likely. Will it directly affect me...no. Will it change my personal viewpoints on marriage...no. Will it sadden me...yes. We as a nation have already gotten used to recycling, ruining and abusing marriage that we now are going to open it up for even further desecration...and that in my opinion could affect me as I don't see God blessing a nation who chooses to further remove themselves from Him.

Ultimately though I will strive to always view homosexual actions for what they are; sin. I do not pass judgement upon them as to where they shall go when this world ends no more than I would do to someone struggling with the sin of pornography, adultery or masturbation. All are sexual and perverse in nature and all are sinful. I am called to never withhold love from anyone, but be honest with everyone. That is merely what I will continue to do. I will attempt to assist, support and love any brother or sister struggling with (insert any sin)...for the Lord knows I myself have, am and will continue to struggle with my own.

I'd like to end in a prayer but before I do let me first say thank you for even taking the time to read this. I have no clue if it at all made sense as this is one of those topics you have so much thought happening but at times you fail to express it in a way that seems to encompass it all.

Lord,

I come to you with so much on my mind and heart. We as a nation have pushed you aside on so many levels. We deserve to be abandoned but I pray you continue to attempt to guide us, show us our wrongs and get us back on the path you intended for us. Let us see love is the answer and can be accomplished without desecrating any and all which you intended to be perfect. Remove from my heart any callous feelings or spiteful desires for revenge towards those whom attack me for my thoughts and my opinions. Further Lord remove from me my opinion and leave in it's place just your desire, your truth, your way. Be with all in these troubling times Lord, don't give up on us now...but if now should be the end I pray you forgive me for all which I've done.

Amen.

darrellcreswell.wordpress.com

Thanks and God Bless,

Ty