Dear Bishop and Stake President…

For those Voting Opposed In LDS General, Stake & Ward Conferences

Policies, major decisions, and other things that affect the lives of the Saints, are MANDATED to be presented for a vote at conferences. Today, this law is not being followed. As a result, I have decided to vote in disapproval (opposed) to the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles. They are solely responsible, both for the church policies and for the mismanagement of not putting crucial matters up for a vote.

If you are disposed to vote disapproval, I recommend an email communication be sent to your local leaders informing them of your vote. This should be sent around the time of the conference in question. Personally, I think it’s best to vote with our HAND during the conference and then to send the email. However, sending the letter without attending the session, is a perfectly fine and honorable choice.

I also recommend that you sign the Common Consent Register—A Record of Those Who Disapprove.

Email Examples

Following are examples of e-mail communications that can be sent to your local leaders. Feel free to use for ideas, templates or outright copying.

Simple

Dear Bishop_____ & President_______,

At General Conference today, I voted opposed when the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles were presented. I’m not necessarily opposed to these men serving in their respective callings. However, they have introduced polices of which I firmly disapprove.

I would be happy to discuss details of my concerns with you.

Please register my disapproving vote through whatever channel the church uses with respect to the law of common consent.

The church does much good. I believe it can be much better. Jesus has commanded the church leaders to ask for my opinion 4 times a year. I have prayed, searched and pondered . . . a lot!! For many reasons, I believe and feel that it’s important to my Savior that I give a true and honest opinion when asked.

Thank you for your unselfish service to the Lord and the members in our area. I know that you spend countless hours in your calling.

All My Best to You and Your Family,

Detailed

Dear Bishop_____ & President_______,

In the recent past, a new policy was announced regarding children of married same-sex couples. I disapprove of excluding these children from the blessings of the gospel. Inside my heart, here’s how I’m feeling. The policy damages families, traditional and non. Families have been driven out of the church, both traditional and non. Our gay children have been hurt. There are now reports that the message this policy sends is so hurtful that suicides have resulted. Jesus said that we will be judged on how we treat “the least of these.” Punishing “the least of these” is wrong. We are denying baby blessings, baptism, the Holy Ghost, the priesthood, and the temple to the “the least of these.” That doesn’t square with the teachings and example of the Savior. I don’t believe this is what Jesus would want done in His church.

I would be happy to discuss details of my concerns with you further, if you’d like.

Please register my disapproving vote through whatever channel the church uses with respect to the law of common consent.

Our church does much good. I believe it can be much better. Jesus has commanded the church leaders to ask for my opinion 4 times a year. I have prayed, searched and pondered . . . a lot!! For many reasons, I believe and feel that it’s important to my Savior that I give a true and honest opinion when asked.

Thank you for your unselfish service to the Lord and the members in our area. I know that you spend countless hours in your calling.

All My Best to You and Your Family,

Here’s The Letter I Sent

I didn’t go into detail of the policies I disapprove of, as we have already discussed them at length:

Hi _____ & ______,

Just wanted to let you know that I voted in disapproval during conference this weekend.

I am not actually opposed to the first presidency or the apostles. Since they are not putting up major policies for common consent, my opposition to those polices is expressed when sustaining those who control the process.

My two issues are common consent and the exclusion policy for children of gay couples.

I loved many of the messages at this conference. It’s the best that I can recall. President Monson may be frail, but what a powerful communication he delivered!

I haven’t made a tally, but it seemed like concern over people leaving the church was a common thread. I would prefer that this wasn’t happening. But, it gave me super validation for the path that I’m on.

The work I’m doing can be and frequently is misunderstood. Sharp criticism from both active members and those who have left the church. My entire objective is to help both those in and out.

To those in and are questioning or about to leave? We explore options of finding ways to stay. The problem here is that most people that I talk to have already made the decision to leave. Somehow, we need to find a forum where members can discuss before they’ve already reached their conclusions.

To those who have left? Well, here’s the problem. We are creating an army or enemies. Enemies who know and exploit our many, and uneccessary, weaknesses. Those who have left should be our friends, not our enemies. They seek validation, connection, and healing. These are good people.

Today, there are 12.5 million inactive and former members. Our 5 million active members are vastly outnumbered. 70% of Mormons are either resigned or inactive. And…we keep creating more disaffected, disappointed and disillusioned people for the other side. Not to mention the anger that often accompanies faith transitions.

Yet, I have now witnessed these good, formerly active members respond to love, friendship and understanding. A few weeks ago, a Relief Society president and High Priest group secretary came to the Talkeria. They were looking for suggestions on how they could reach out to those who are questioning or have left. Wow! Also in attendance were 4 resigned or about to resign members. One of the “about to resigns” had been his ward’s HP group leader as recently as last March. Hidden history, doctrine, and current policies pushed him, his wife and his 4 children out. What an amazing discussion we had!!! Our “enemies” helping local leaders of the church in which they no longer believe.

Things have got to change. Our leaders in SLC know it. They are working on it. They’re in a really tough spot. Things actually boil down to what is being done in the trenches. I’m digging trenches as fast as I can.

Thanks for all that both of you are doing in service of the Savior and especially for my friends.

All My Best, Sam

Other Resources

The Only True Hope for the Only True Church

Jesus Pleads His Case for Common Consent

Do We Love Jesus Enough to…

A Resister for Disapproval (Opposition)

LDS Website on Common Consent

Final Note

I know this takes great courage. Every step of the way can be scary. Raising your hand alone, all by yourself? I know it’s scary. I’ve now done it at each conference level this year. Big fat butterflies every time.

Sending an email to the stake president…yeah that can be real scary. But, how scared do you think the gay children are who are still hiding in the pews?

Putting your name on a public register of disapproval…scary? You bet. It scared me, too, when I hit the submit button two days ago.

There are many in our midst who are at risk and cannot speak up. We are standing up, voting out, putting our name on the line for those who cannot fight for themselves.

“May we maintain the courage to defy the consensus. May we ever chose the harder right.” And that’s just what we are doing here. Standing up for the marginalized, for the “least of these,” IS a noble and just cause.

Godspeed. Godspeed. Godspeed.

A Register for Disapproval (Opposition)

Dear Fellow Citizens (Ephesians 2:19)

Many members of the “household of God” do not approve of various policies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many of these Saints are voting their disapproval with their feet. They are simply leaving. It’s estimated that 80,000 members resigned last year alone. Many, many others have simply stopped attending.

The Savior has divinely ordained another option for voting…with the hand. Jesus voiced this option in D&C 128:13 “All things MUST be done by Common Consent in the church.” Actually, it isn’t an ‘option’ it is God’s LAW of church governance. This doctrine if further explained here on the official LDS website.

Common Consent Tools–Especially the Register

For those interested in expressing disapproval with an official vote, following are some helpful tools.

Common Consent Register. Here is the opportunity to publicly record your disapproval. This is not affiliated with the church. Frankly, I believe the church should be doing something like this. If you plan to vote opposed or would like to, please click the link above and register your name. Our numbers might be small. But, in reality they are huge. If all who left the church last year had registered opposition on their way out, there would likely be 100,000 names recorded!!!

When you sign the Register, you are not required to explain exactly what your objection is. However, if you would like to elaborate, feel free to use the comment section.

E-mail notification. Your Stake President and Bishop should be notified of your vote of disapproval. Feel free to use the linked examples for ideas, modification, or outright copying.

Risks & Leadership Interview . (To be published soon.) Jesus put in place the Law of Common Consent. Theoretically, there should be no negative consequences from obeying this law. Unfortunately, there ARE risks in expressing disapproval. It’s likely that a local church leader will invite you to explain your vote in opposition. This should be a good thing. The document provided will shed light on both of these issues.

Articles on common consent:

Finally, Where are the Good Men?

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ― Edmund Burke

Where are the good men & women who will stand up for the marginalized in our midst? I know you are here.

Where are the good men & women who will speak up for “the least of these?” That should be all of us, right?

Where are the good men & women who will face down what they know to be wrong? I am confident that you exist.

Where are the good men & women who will advocate that the church obey Christ’s law of common consent? Well, here’s one! I hope there are thousands more.

Do We Love Jesus Enough To…..

voting-opposed Do we love Jesus enough to…. stand up for what we believe is right?

Do we love Jesus enough to….stand up for the marginalized in our very midst?

Do we love Jesus enough to….stand up for those in our midst who are in danger?

Do we love Jesus enough to….be honest when Jesus asks for our opinion?

Do we love the church enough to….stand up and protect it as Jesus has designated?

Do we love the church enough to….participate in its governance as Jesus has designated?

Do we love the apostles enough to….be honest when they ask for our opinion?

Finally, do we love Jesus enough to….to follow Him?

General Conference

On Saturday October 1^st, a very special event will occur. At the general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Law of Common Consent will be put into practice. This is a sacred opportunity for all members of the church to express their “approval” or “disapproval.” (D&C 124:144)

This divine system of governance in the kingdom of God was declared by the Savior Himself. In Doctrine & Covenants 28:13, “For ALL things MUST be done in order, and by common consent in the church.”

Can a person hold an office in the church without the consent of the people?

Nope. “No man can preside in this Church in any capacity without the consent of the people. The Lord has placed upon us the responsibility of sustaining by vote those who are called to various positions of responsibility. No man, should the people decide to the contrary, could preside over any body of Latter-day Saints in this Church.” –LDS Website

Who should nominate the officers of the church?

“It is not the right of the people to nominate, to choose, for that is the right of the priesthood.” –LDS Website

Does Common Consent apply to more than just church officers?

Oh yes, so much more!!! “This same principle operates for policies, major decisions, acceptance of new scripture, and other things that affect the lives of the Saints. (see D&C 26:2) –LDS Website

And, there is the sticking point. Today, no policies, no major decisions, not anything that affects the lives of the Saints are being presented nor accepted by common consent. If we are opposed to any of the above, the only real option seems to be voting opposed to the general leadership. Someday that will change. Eventually, the membership will no longer tolerate disobedience of this plain and precious law of God.

If You Support Everything The Church Is Doing…

Please, carefully consider your vote. A vote to sustain the prophets and apostles is a great way to vote. I commend & support your action.

If You Generally Support Everything, But Have Concerns…

Please, carefully consider your vote. Whether you abstain or vote in approval, good for you. Your opinion is important to the governance of Christ’s church.

If You Have Major Issues with Policies “That affect the Lives of the Saints”

Please, carefully consider your vote. The unanimous votes that are recorded at General, Stake and Ward Conferences are sending a clear signal to SLC and to the general membership that “all is well in Zion.” However, many feel that all is NOT well in Zion. That includes me.

Jesus’ system of church governance addresses practical concerns. Common Consent helps prevent errors, correct errors, provide accountability and put a check on “Unrighteous Dominion.” (D&C 121:39)

Besides practicality there is another side of Common Consent. To me, this law is one of the most beautiful in our entire canon. Most commandments are like: “Do this…Do that…Don’t do this…Don’t do that!” Oh…but this law is more like: “Sam, you are of great worth. I value your opinion. I value your critical thinking. I have commanded the apostles, whom I have put in place, to ask for your input. When they do, please be honest. I’m trusting and relying on you, Sam.” When I consider how the Lord Jesus has set up the governance of His church, a tear of joy graces my eye. He loves, respects and values each of us and our opinions.

If You are Opposed, I Encourage you to Vote Your Opinion

First, I know that many are constrained by fear. Fear of family, friends, or business repercussions. Those are legitimate considerations. It’s an unfortunate element of today’s LDS culture that prevents full participation in the Law of Common Consent. Your silence is understandable and certainly an honorable path.

Now, to the group in which I find myself: Those who oppose and are willing to fully engage in the divine process of church voting.

Please, carefully consider casting a vote. This is general conference (GC) and is the easiest of all the conferences. The voting session occurs Saturday afternoon. Here’s how you can effectively vote.

Attend GC in Salt Lake City.
Watch GC in your stake center or local chapel, if conference is broadcast there.
Watch or listen to GC in your home.
MOST IMPORTANT: After the Saturday voting session, send an email to your bishop and Stake President.

Questions and Concerns

Do I have to spend time composing an e-mail? Not necessarily. Click here for examples. Take ideas from it. Modify it. Or flat out copy it.

How will anyone know that there are actually members opposing? Great question. A Common Consent Register has now been created. In this document you can record your name as having voted OPPOSED or planning to vote OPPOSED. For many it is a scary experience…putting their name in full view of the public. Certainly, it is a worthwhile cause to stand up for what we believe and to speak out for those who can’t speak for themselves.

What are the risks? There shouldn’t be any risks to obeying a commandment from Jesus Christ in the church of Jesus Christ. But, the risk is real. I’ll address that in a blog post coming in the next few days.

Will I be asked to meet with a church leader? It’s likely that the stake president or bishop will want to discuss with you. That should be a very good thing. It gives you the opportunity to explain your position. In an ideal church, your opinion would be forwarded up the chain. If a significant number of members engage in common consent, vote tallies will be taken seriously. In the ‘risks’ posting, I’ll give some ideas for the interview with church leaders.

My Hope & Prayer

I love my church. The church of my child and adulthood. The church of my forefathers, my parents, my children, my grandchildren. It’s a good church. It’s the church of Jesus Christ.

I pray that good men and women all over the world will raise their hands and express their sincere and true opinions. Jesus is counting on us.

I wish you Godspeed in this vital voting opportunity.

Whizzing in the Wind

***Warning—Do not read if you are queasy about bodily fluid descriptions***

catamaran

Last week, I took my son-in-law and two young grandkids sailing. The weather was picture perfect. The sky was overcast, making for an uncommonly pleasant temperature. Low humidity. No rain. Manageable wind speed…that wouldn’t frighten the little ones…or the big ones.

My son-in-law, Marshall, is determined to master the fine art of sailing. Most of the day he was at the helm. Did a great job. As the captain, he managed everything. The jib, the tiller, the mainsail, the commands….and even the capsizing. That’s right, he tipped us over. Of course, we blamed it on….Benson, our intrepid three year old passenger. As we joked that it was all his fault, he quickly and proudly claimed the credit. Tipping a catamaran over can be traumatic to kids with no sailing experience. But, Benson was totally unfazed. Bright-eyed and smiling wide, he played in the swells as Dad and Granddad worked to upright the boat.

At one point, we were about an hour away from the beach. My little three year old grandson said to his dad, “I need to go potty.” Dad calmly replied in almost a whisper, “Let’s use the stealth method.” My six kids were all girls. So, I wasn’t sure what the stealth method was. I assumed it meant to go into the bushes. Well, in the middle of Galveston Bay, there are no bushes. Holding onto the windward shroud, little Benson stood up and started fumbling awkwardly with his clothes.

OK! Now it was time for the experienced sailor to jump to the rescue. From sad and comical experience, I know what happens when any fluid is flung into the wind. Moving air is merciless. It flings the fluid right back onto you and anyone else behind you. Marshall and I were both downwind.

Before any unfortunate accident could occur, I moved the little one to the back of the trampoline on the leeward side. Now, Benson could water the seawater without the captain and his coach being splattered.

Pissing Into the Wind

Yesterday, I met a good friend for lunch. He’s a member of my ward (Congregation). I really like this guy. Have a great deal of respect for him. He was my very first bishop when I moved to Houston 40 years ago.

We got talking about the state of my faith and my current activities. He was very complimentary about the Talkeria. He feels it is a great example of following Christ’s commandments to reach out in a spirit of love and charity. Coming from him, it meant the world to me.

But, he also had a caution. He said this, “Sam, what you are doing, by voting opposed, is just PISSING INTO THE WIND.” I’m not sure exactly what he meant. But, I’m a sailor. To me, “pissing into the wind,” brings a certain image to mind. Not a pleasant image. An image of bad stuff coming back at you.

Excommunication?

It turns out that this vision of “pissing into the wind” was pretty apt yesterday. Two people, whom I love and know well, predicted that I’m going to be excommunicated. I’d heard comments like this before, but not from anyone close. It hit a little hard.

Now, I don’t think that I’m doing anything to warrant expulsion. I love Jesus. I love my church. I have great respect for its leaders. It saddens me that so many of my friends and family are leaving or have already left.

So, I may be “pissing into the wind.” Unfortunate things might come back and bite me. Never-the-less, my determination and commitment is to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. If I were be excommunicated for seeking to obey the Savior’s commandments and to keep my temple covenants…so be it. After all, Jesus, Himself, was executed for his determination to follow the commandments of His father.

Pissing Into the Wind—The Next Steps

Saturday, October 1^st, all members of the Church of Jesus Christ will have a sacred opportunity to serve the Lord and His church. Once again, He will publicly exhibit His trust in the general church membership. He has commanded the apostles to ask for our opinion….to ask for our approval or disapproval. In preparation for that pivotal event, here are four steps I plan to take in the next few days.

Post on my blog a call to seriously consider what each of us is going to do when this holy vote is called for.
Compose an e-mail which will explain to my Stake President and Bishop why I voted the way I did.
Post that e-mail here, so others can access, modify, and use, if they so desire.
Compose a petition of sorts. Not actually a petition, but, more like a register. If a person chooses to vote in disapproval, they could record it here. It’s likely that only one name will be recorded on the register…mine. And…that’s just peachy with me.

Why Abinadi Had to Die….Common Consent?

abinadi A couple of nights ago, my wife, daughter and I were reading our evening scriptures. One verse stuck out like a sore thumb. Actually, a welcome…..thumbs up!

Abinadi is a Book of Mormon prophet of serious renown. Around 148 B.C., somewhere in the Americas, he called a king and the church leaders to repent of their evil doings. Rather than reform, this supreme secular and religious coterie responded with fire. Real fire. Abinadi was sentenced to a dreadful death. This heaven sent messenger was burned at the stake.

Here are the final words of this powerful Book of Mormon story:

“He fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God.” –Mosiah 17:20

He Would Not Deny the Commandments of God

That sentence stopped me in my tracks. Here’s a man who was willing to suffer one of the most torturous deaths imaginable. I can’t conceive of the appalling pain.

He forfeited his life because of his unwillingness to “deny the commandments of God.” What commandments was he not willing to deny? The king and priests simply wanted Abinadi to take back the words that he had spoken. He refused. God had sent him to speak a message. Abinadi obeyed. He would not turn back. For doing what was right, he was consumed in the firelight.

Common Consent

Liken the scriptures unto ourselves. Another very special and practical Book of Mormon teaching. Of course, we, the rank-n-file members, are not prophets like Abinadi. But, perhaps there is an example here that we should attempt to follow.

Jesus has asked us, every one of His fellowcitizens, to regularly offer up our honest opinions to His religious leaders. It’s called the Law of Common Consent and occurs at least four times every year. Jesus, himself, designated Common Consent as a vital function for governing His church.

Listen to the succinct words of Christ’s plain and simple commandment:

“For ALL things MUST be done in order, and by Common Consent in the church.” –D&C 28:13

Following Abinadi’s lead, let us not deny the commandments of God. Certainly, not this one. There is too much at stake. In memory of our God, our religion and our freedom, may we stand up and embrace vs. deny this command of Jesus.

Christ’s Law of Common Consent requires that all “policies, major decisions, acceptance of new scripture, and other things that affect the lives of the Saints” be ratified by common consent. This is not happening. There is a desperate need for the Law of God to be fully restored in His restored church.

Abinadi had to die for not denying. If the church stops denying it can once again live up to it’s “Living” name.

A Time to be Silent and a Time to Speak

Two short weeks from now, on October 1, during the afternoon session of general conference, our next Abinadi moment will be presented. I encourage us all to give careful consideration to voting our honest opinions. Jesus, the founder of our church, highly values our views. May we value our own vote as much.

Jesus PLEADS His Case for Common Consent

Five short months ago, I decided to start living, in earnest, the Law of Common Consent. Since then, I have discussed this commandment with many members. I have been shocked at how few are familiar with it. Many have never even heard of it. It’s never taught or discussed in church. Yet, it’s one of the most plainly stated laws of the restored gospel.

So, I’m going to write a few posts on common consent. In this one, I’ll simply quote Jesus Christ. This is His church. Certainly, the words that come directly from Him should take precedence over those flowing from the mouths of men.

Mormonism is my religion. We consider Jesus Christ to be the Son of God. We also view Him as the God of the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon and of the Doctrine and Covenants. Here’s what Jesus has to say about the governance of His religious organization.

Old Testament

“Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee.” —Jesus Christ, speaking to the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 8:7)

Commentary: It’s hard to get more clear than this. Hearken means to listen carefully, to listen with respectful attention. And in this case, to follow the will of the people, even though it may not be what Jesus would have chosen. As It turns out, God had already selected Israel’s first king.

Book of Mormon

“Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law–to do your business by the voice of the people. –Jesus Christ , through His prophet Mosiah (Mosiah 29:26)

Commentary: God knows that wisdom resides in the majority. He plainly stated exactly that, here. Error and the danger of unrighteous dominion lie in the minority.

Doctrine & Covenants

“And a commandment I give unto you, that you should fill all these offices and approve of those names which I have mentioned, or else disapprove of them at my general conference.” –Jesus Christ, speaking to Joseph Smith (D&C 124:144)

Commentary: The Lord had just revealed who he wanted called to various positions in the church. Even though these names had come directly from Jesus, He still wanted them presented for approval or disapproval. God values & trusts the opinion of the general membership of the church.

“And all things SHALL be done by common consent in the church.” –Jesus Christ. (D&C 26:2)

Commentary: Revelation given to Joseph Smith in July 1830. Only 3 months after the official organization of the church, the Law of Common Consent was affirmed. This principle of governance was established well before the apostolic leadership was added. They are both vital components in the administration of the restored church.

“For all things MUST be done in order, and by common consent in the church.” –Jesus Christ (D&C 28:13)

Commentary: Here, Jesus reaffirms this essential principle of how His church is to be governed. This time, He leaves NO wiggle room. His words have changed from the polite “SHALL be done” to the imperative “MUST be done.” In His words, this is to be the “order” of the His church.

“It is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” –Jesus Christ, through Joseph Smith (D&C 121:39)

Commentary: Of course, God knows the nature of men. The great danger to those entrusted with authority is the temptation of “unrighteous dominion.” Even mere mortals recognize this principle. We proclaim it in these terms, “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Jesus has organized His church to provide accountability to His leadership. Thus, helping to avoid unrighteous dominion and the corruption of power. That accountability is to the general membership in the form of common consent.

Going Forward

Oh, what a glorious thing! Our Savior, Lord and King has established His church in these latter-days. He is pleading with His flock to follow him. Pleading that his flock stand up, as adult fellowcitizens, and actively participate in the governance of His sacred organization. The very first revealed principle for administering the kingdom is the Law of Common Consent.

It’s time for the membership to respond to the pleas of Jesus. It’s time that we plead Jesus’ case of common consent before the leaders of the church.

I have pled with my upraised hand in sincere and loving opposition. Opposition to the continued disregard for the Law of God—the commandment of Common Consent.

Burned at the Stake…Who’s Next?

Burned

On Feb 17, 1600, Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake. This scientist and philosopher was accused of heresy by the Catholic Inquisition in Rome. He refused to recant his belief that the earth was not the center of the universe. His teaching that our planet rotates around the sun was in direct contradiction to the Vatican.

The Survey Says…

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a survey entitled, “Is Sam Young Racist?” Every question represented beliefs that I actually espoused for 62 years of my life. The survey results: 69% believe I’m racist. 31% say I’m not.

BTW, I no longer believe anything on that list.

Questioning Strangers

Over the past 2 weeks, I have privately posed my survey questions to several people who are not familiar with Mormon beliefs. I asked them to answer as if these were MY beliefs. Without exception, every single person had a similar reaction to the following question:

Am I racist if, I BELIEVE that a person with brown skin will turn white when they become “righteous?”

They either laughed at the absurdity or scrunched their face in disgust. Then they said something like this, “I’ll pray for your soul.”

Who’s Next?

For most of my life, I believed the “Indians” would turn white if they joined the Mormon Church and lived righteously. I can remember a prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, making the observation that a child in the Indian Placement program had become “several shades lighter than her parents.” And, that “these young members of the Church are changing to whiteness and delightsomeness.”

Well…..I don’t believe that anymore. At best, it’s metaphor. The skin color of native Americans is gorgeous. Just the way God created it to be.

To say this in public, might be heresy in my church. A church that I love. If I suffer the same fate as Bruno, my white skin is be about to turn several shades darker.

A Transgender Human Being Makes Her Appearance

Good Samaritan2

Sometimes I struggle with the current path I’ve chosen. I’ve taken shots from both inside and outside of the church. Sometimes I feel like quitting. Giving up my hopeless crappy quest.

Then a strike of lightning! Thundering directly into my heart. Raining tears from my eyes.

I have many gay friends and family. But, that I know of, I have never met a transgender person. After reading the Church’s apology “You’re not Broken–I’m Sorry,” she sought me out and sent this touching message.

“Thank you so much for the heartfelt apology. I’m very moved. You’ve hit on a heavy part of my heart. I was so confused for so long. I believed in the gospel so deeply, and it caused my self hate and shame to go even deeper. I pushed so hard against the bloom within me. I’m so thankful there are members like you, sharing and standing up for right. I hope your words will mend hearts and save lives.
Thank you.”

A transgender woman. Lifting my heart. Encouraging my path. Giving me hope.

All I feel right now is this: I love Jesus Christ. I love His teachings. I love His example.

Did Jesus really say that I can only go to HIS heaven if I love the least-of-these? I want to go to HIS heaven.

Nude Sailing

Childhood Sailing

As a boy, my dad taught me to sail. I loved it. We sailed often. When I married and started raising a family, our first recreational purchase was a 16′ catamaran. My children will recall many, many exciting memories of sailing through the surf in the Gulf of Mexico. With crashing waves and strong wind, catamaran sailing is more thrilling & exhilarating than the most extreme roller coaster. I still have a 19′ Nacra sitting in the garage.

At the not so advanced age of 63, my days at sea are no longer frequent. But…..with whispers of nude sailing, my windy, watery sport may be winging its way to new life.

Hearing Restored With Nudity

A few days ago, I was outfitted with hearing aids for the first time. My doctor is an attractive woman, somewhere in her thirties. She applied the miniature devices to my ears. A round disc shaped object was hung from my neck. I was seated in front of another and larger disc. Wires were strung from both these devices, connecting them to a computer. Testing, programming and fine tuning began. The doctor: “Sally sells sea shells on the sea shore. How did that sound?” And so it went.

Between adjustments and repeated tests, we small talked. Until….she said something about sailing. Rarely, do you run into a fellow sailor. Once she knew of our mutual hobby, the fitting stopped and she began regaling me of her maritime adventures. They had begun at age 9 on the Chesapeake Bay. She recounted her sailing history; the lessons, the boats, the storms, the fun, the excitement. Right up to this past weekend.

Then this: “Last week I was in a NUDE sailing competition with my daughter.” I had been listening with great interest. Now my attention was riveted. NUDE SAILING? What the heck! She said it so casually that it wasn’t appropriate to drop my jaw. But, mentally, my jaw dropped completely open. NUDE SAILING? A BARE NAKED COMPETITION?

Suddenly, visions were dancing in my head. Not of sugar plums, something else instead. Naked on a small sailboat? With others all about? How do you do that? What does it look like? Pulling the rudder, trimming the sails, holding the sheets. Bending and twisting in the waves and the wind. Sunscreen? Tan lines? Coed? What?? NUDE SAILING??? And, a competition, to boot?

But, wait, maybe the new devices weren’t working well. Maybe I just misheard. Could it have been crude, or prude, or lewd? Wait a minute. Now, I’m just thinking of things that might be connected with NUDE.

Not missing a beat, she kept talking. Then, my thoughts went back 30 years. My dad, my 3 brothers and I rented a large sailboat in the Caribbean. For 7 days we sailed from one island to the next. The little French isle of St. Bart’s held an eye-popping surprise. We anchored in a small uninhabited cove. Beautiful water, beach, vegetation. Another boat pulled into the same protected harbor. Maybe 50 yards away.

Before long, everybody on our boat had detected something intriguing about their boat. We were clad in swimsuits. They were clad in none. Necked they were. I didn’t want to stare, with my dad and brothers there. But….I wanted to stare….just like my dad and brothers, who were there. So, we all stole furtive glances until sunset.

Finally, my curiosity couldn’t be contained. Timidly, I queried, “The hearing aids might need more adjustment. I’m sure this can’t be right, but did you say NUDE sailing?”

Her response was a mischievous giggle. Uh…oh….what now? I’m just getting hearing aids, right? I hope?

Chuckling, she replied, “I did say nude sailing. But, that’s N…O…O…D. It stands for National Offshore One-Design.” We got a good laugh out of the misunderstanding. Now, we both knew that my hearing was crystal clear.

New, but Not NUDE, Couple in the Hood

A few years ago, my wife and I sponsored a get-together for National Night Out. We distributed flyers, set out chairs & tables, ice cream & treats. Two men walked up our driveway and politely introduced themselves. They had recently moved into the neighborhood and hadn’t met many neighbors, yet. They were a delightful COUPLE. That’s right. They were a gay couple. The first one that I’d ever met. And….they had 2 adopted children. Within a few short months they had moved away.

This encounter got me thinking about the Mormon church’s stance on gay people. Would accommodations ever be made to allow room for them in our religion? My wife and I discussed it. I don’t know why I spent time considering the issue. I just did. Finally, I came to the conclusion that somehow changes would have to be made. Somehow gay couples would have to be included. Because….there are children involved! Jesus made a point to point out that he loves all children. Without the parents, these children would likely remain unreachable. Children are treasured much more by the Savior than any policy.

Little did I know that the church would soon move in the polar opposite direction.

The New, and NUDE, November Policy

November 2015 held a shocking surprise. A church wide policy was announced. Gay couples, who have the audacity to engage in legal and lawful marriage, would be declared apostate. Children of gay parents were to be stripped of their right to baby blessings, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and temple attendance.

A friend of mine is married to the love of her life. Two women with five children between them. Their darling family of 7 were active believing members. In faith, this couple had managed to cope with the church’s stance on being gay. How much faith does THAT require? I can only imagine the difficulty. Never-the-less, their righteous desire was to see their children raised in the church.

November changed all that. The edict from Salt Lake City crushed their faith. This precious family of 7 no longer attends. A few days ago, the bishop contacted my friend to schedule their disciplinary council. Insult added to injury.

This new policy has been dressed up as a pronouncement of love & protection for the little ones with gay parents. But, when all the rhetoric is stripped away, it’s a just a NAKED program of rejection, exclusion and stigma.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus gently counseled that the pathway to heaven was traveled by reaching out to the “least of these.” Two thousand years later, we have resorted to casting them out.

Tocubit Is Invisible's Cubit

Month: September 2016