We could all love a little bit more.

Well hello.

The news today has been quite crazy. Gay Marriage is now legal across the entire country. I'm happy! Thrilled actually.

Here is why.

Okay, so I have a sister. Hey Lin. She is gay! Crazy huh. She is married to such a beautiful human being. She has three perfectly perfect children who I want to steal because I am so obsessed with them. Jo and Lindi have got to be the most amazing mothers. There is love in their home. They are strong women. They are hilarious. They are driven. They spoilllllll their kids, and give them everything they could ever need or want in a home and family. They are madly in love. And let me tell ya somethin. They are so happy. But they truly have fought for their happiness, which I feel we all do at points in our lives.

Their stories have touched my heart like nothing else has.

But thats not what I am writing this for. I would just like it if we could all open our minds just a bit, love everyone for who they are, wish happiness upon everyone, and try to see things from a perspective that might not be our "go to."

Think of you for a second being in a position of lacking rights.

Think of receiving hatred, and inequality.

Think of a tile guy being in the middle of a project in your household, finding out your sexuality that isn't the "norm," and then picking up and leaving the job half finished. And while walking out the door, stating "Do not ever contact me again. I don't work for people like you."

Think if you went through 10 different doctors to try and find someone who agreed to help you have a child.

Think if your family was told you are ruining society.

Think of you being married and having children. Think of if your spouse were to die, knowing that your kids that your spouse birthed wouldn't legally be yours because you aren't technically married.

It's an awful thought to imagine right?

These are real situations.

But not anymore. :)

I am not trying to convince anyone at all to change their beliefs. Or change their vote on a ballot. What I am proposing, is that we think before we judge others. That we think before we make such harsh statements against someone who may be just a little "different." --No matter their situation.

Love is the most powerful feeling and action in the universe. We all came from love. We came from a father in Heaven with unconditional, perfect love for each one of His children. His entire plan is full of love.  I think we can all agree on that can't we?

We have come to this earth, with the goal of returning home. That depends on how we emulate Christ's example here in this life. I know this. And I am trying my dang hardest to love as he loves.

But I think sometimes we think we know it all!! Honestly, all I really know in my heart, is that God is in charge. He knows us perfectly. He knows our struggles, our grief, our pain, our doubt, and he is the judge. He is the one each of us should be turning to daily, asking "Are we good?" I heard from someone that I really respect, that we should ask two questions each day.

One to God "Are you and I good?" 

And another, "Are we good with ourself?"

If you can answer those questions each day with full confidence in yourself and how you are living, great. I don't feel it is our place to step in on someone else's very personal and sacred relationship with God.

We all may have different views, beliefs, standards, goals, motives, whatever the case. And I respect those who stay true to what they believe. But lets make sure we do it with complete respect for one another.

We do not all have to agree with something that may contradict what we hold dear to our hearts. But we all have the expectation from God to love others unconditionally. And love- is completely withholding judgement. It is loving someone for who they are. As we see others as sons and daughters of God, we begin to think of them in a whole new light. I know thats true. Man, I think we need to start thinking of ourselves as God would as well! We would be a lot happier of a people.

I know without a doubt, that God loves me. Regardless of any situation, action, choice, thought, deed, or word that comes out of my mouth. Positive or Negative. I know that God also loves my sister and her beautiful family. Regardless of any action, choice, thought, deed, or word.  We will be judged the same.

I have so much love and respect for so many people today and their personal journeys to finding happiness. I also have so much trust in the Lord. The things I have learned in my life regarding spirituality, I know are true. No one can take away the witness I have had of Christ being our Savior. I believe the Book of Mormon and Bible to be the word of God. I am set on the decision to get married in the temple, in His holy house.

I know a few things. But I am no where near the knowledge that I know I will gain through the eternities. If anyone has questioned, doubted, or fought with themselves over an issue, its this girl right here. But I finally came to the most peaceful conclusion, that it'll alllll work out. We all know who is in charge right? ... Lets let Him take charge then.

I do not claim my words as doctrine, nor do I expect anyone else to agree with what I have mentioned. BUT. I hope someones eyes opened just a bit. We have such a tiny tiny tiny perspective here in this earth life. Lets continue to live our lives as Christ would live. Obedient. Loving. Kind. Serving. And trusting in the good Lord who knows all.

Congratulations to so many people today, who just became a little bit happier. You are loved.

The day it all became real. Such an amazing experience I was able to be a part of.

Link to Elder Christofferson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Couldn't have been more perfectly said.