lessons learned

PROP 8 PASSED!!!
Here's the article announcing the passing of prop 8 in the LA times. They actually do a decent job reporting on prop 8 even though they call the measure divisive.


I promise this will be my last political post. I actually do not like politics. I don't like reading about them in the paper, on other blogs, and seeing it dominate TV. Prop 8 I felt was above politics.. Anyway, my point is that I'll get off my soapbox and return to posting pics of the kids and funny stories about dave. :) After this last post.

I have been thinking a lot about politics over these last few weeks and about other things and wanted to share some thoughts. hopefully I won't bore you too much. Also, you should know that as of now I don't know the outcome of prop 8. It is 10pm and only 25% of the precincts are reporting. So, these lessons are regardless of the outcome.

1. I am grateful for good politicians. Being involved in the election process has opened my eyes to the amount of time, money and whole hearted effort that it takes to run a campaign. Also, I have thought a lot about the sacrifice it is to "put yourself out there" and run for office. We know that there is some nasty stuff that can circulate about people running for office and their families. There were days when I was nervous about having a bumper sticker on my car for fear that someone would slash my tires or follow me home or yell at me or any number of crazy things. My bumper sticker said "yes on 8" and I thought how much more of a target individuals are (compared to propositions). I really appreciate the good people who run for office and sacrifice their time and talents and probably some personal comfort to do so.


2. I love good people. Working with other members of the church and members of the community to pass prop 8 has been very satisfying. I have learned from the examples of many great individuals. I have made some new friends because of our common interest in prop 8. I have been inspired by the dedication and hard work that I have observed.

3. Be a better Mother. Since one of the major issues involved with prop 8 is the education and protection of children I have thought a lot about MY ROLE as mother and how I need to do better as an educator and protector of my children. It is so important that the time they are with me I am teaching them what is correct and true, otherwise I'm a hypocrite for working so hard to make sure the schools are teaching good things. I think generally I am a good mom, but I know that I can do better. Sort of the same thing, but a little bit different is this thought...regardless of if prop 8 passes or fails, the world really is a tough place and the kids are not learning everything they should at school in terms of morals and standards by which they should live. It is my responsibility to teach them what is right and what is true so that when they face difficult issues (such as homosexuality) in school, they will know what the truth is. There is a lot of confusion about what is right and what is wrong and I want to make sure my kids know the difference because I have taught them to choose the right.

4. The power of one. I really do think that the work of one person can make a difference. Standing on street corners, smiling and waving at people going by while holding a prop 8 sign, I felt that my time was well spent if even one person decided to vote yes after seeing someone so cute as me on the corner :) ha ha. In my phone calls I know of a few people who were probably going to vote no on 8 and I was able to help them understand that voting yes would be better. I hung some street signs that actually stayed out on the street and lots of people got to see them....etc. etc. Now, understand I'm not trying to brag. I'm just saying that the very small things that I did make a difference. The leader of prop 8 for our region has a quote that is the footer on all her emails. It says "you need to be the change you wish to see in the world." I believe in that more now than I did when I first started getting emails from her 2 months ago. Each of us can be a powerful influence for good. We can uplift everyone we come in contact with each day. We can take an active role in the community. We can be great mothers. We can be a good friend. There is a lot we can do and I know we each make a difference.

5. It is important to follow the prophet. It is like a positive control loop. The more we follow the prophet the more we know it is important to follow the prophet and the more we want to follow the prophet and we get stronger as we follow the prophet. The more you do it, the more you know it is right! When we first heard that there would be a marriage amendment on the ballot I thought, "there's no way that is going to pass in CA. sure it passed in 2000 by 61% but it has gotten WAAAYYY worse and there's no way it'll pass again." Then we were told that we should sacrifice of our time and means to help pass prop 8. I thought it sounded like a good cause and I picked up a packet and worked on it for a month or two. Then over the last couple of weeks I really kicked it into gear and decided to follow the instruction more perfectly. The first presidency letter to all members of the church in CA said, "We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage." (emphasis added). I decided to kick it into gear and really do ALL I could to support prop 8. The more I did, the more I felt the importance of what I was doing. When I was lukewarm, even though I was going forward I didn't have the fire of confirmation that I was doing the right thing.

I realize from this experience that there are other things that I need to do better in following the prophet. The simple act of doing your best brings blessings in addition to specific blessings that come from being obedient to each commandment.

6. Whose side am I on? There were a lot of very well known and outspoken donors to the no on 8 campaign including Ellen (duh), Brad Pitt, Steven Spielberg, Steve Young (very disappointing to say the least). One night there was a fund raising event in holly wood where the ticket price was $1000. That night $4 million was raised for NO on 8. I has gotten me to think that in a way, I have supported no on 8 because I do watch movies and tv and help pour money into Hollywood. It has been something I have been thinking about -- how much money should I put into popular media and entertainment? Or should I put NONE in at all?

7. Marriage is important. And not just the definition of marriage. My marriage too! I need to do all I can to strengthen marriage in CA and also in my own home.