My personal connection to the passing of Prop 8 (Dammit.)

Remember this?  I had discovered that a friend of mine from high school was probably instrumental in the passing of Prop 8 in California – or at least hoped he was instrumental and, as a Mormon, went out of his way to do what he could (like produce commercials) to assist in efforts to pass the proposition.

Yesterday I received an announcement that my friend’s son is heading out on his mission:

“L is excited to go serve the Lord in Mexico.  Thank you for your sweet influence in his life, which is more than you are probably aware.  He will enjoy sharing his testimony, especially if you could be there to hear it.  We know that distance will keep many from being able to travel, but we wanted to a least make sure you knew about his departure.  (He enters the Mission Training Center on June 17, 2009.)

We would love to see you at church if you can make it.”

I responded:

“Congratulations to L!  May he encounter situations that bring him comfort as well as situations that challenge what he believes to be true, and his Truth -- because no matter who you are or what you believe, it is those moments that make us stronger.  May he encounter love -- from and among those who are like him and those who are very different from him.

May other people teach him as much about open-mindedness and tolerance as he seeks to teach them about his ideals and his beliefs.

May he find a way to do his small part to break the barriers of intolerance and may he play a role in opening the minds of his mission brothers as much as they seek to open the minds of the communities in Mexico.

The future truly is in the hands of our children.  I hope we can teach them that windows really do allow us to see the world and walls really do confine us to our own small reality.  May L find and learn to accept all different kinds of love... and yes, the acceptance of the many different forms that love and life-commitment can take.  In Mexico, around the world, and at home.

Best, Carol