Jeffrey R. Holland said the following in General Conference yesterday afternoon:
"True love endures. But lust? Lust changes as quickly as it can turn a pornographic page. Or glance at yet another potential object for gratification walking by, male or female. True love we are absolutely giddy about, like I am about Sister Holland. We shout it from the housetops, sometimes even in General Conference. But lust? Lust is characterized by shame and stealth and is almost pathologically clandestine. The later and the darker the hour, the better; with a double-bolted door just in case. Love makes us instinctively reach out to God and other people. Lust, on the other hand, is anything but godly and celebrates self-indulgence. Love comes with open hands and open heart. Lust comes only with an open appetite."
Although he seemed to be focusing his talk on adultery and pornography, the preceding quote struck me as very interesting. By his own criteria, it's nice to know that my relationship with Jonah is based on love and not lust. Of course, I already knew that. I'm sure there would be many members of my own faith, including Brother Holland, that might disagree with me simply because my partner is of the same sex, but it is very clear to me that love is what my relationship with Jonah is built on.
Sorry I haven't written lately. Just haven't had much to say. I have been wanting to write about politics and the new health care bill (of which I am a supporter, by the way), but I just haven't felt like getting into it.
One more thing I wanted to say. I'm facing unemployment pretty soon, which is a bit nerve wracking, although I am trying to be optimistic. I'm also trying to be careful with my money. But today an unexpected check for $83.00 came at a time when I need it, so I am thankful the Lord is watching out for me. I feel like things are going to be okay. Let's hope.
3 comments:
I like your comments on Elder Holland's talk. From my distant observation, I would most definitely say that you and Jonah have a relationship of love ever as much as Elder Holland and his wife.
I found this by searching for this precise quote from Jeffrey R. Holland, which was read in our Sunday school class yesterday. It's a powerful quote. I love it. Thank you for posting it here.
And then inevitably I saw your blog and your description of yourself. I admire that you still hold as fast to the Gospel as you can, in spite of the fact that you've been excommunicated.
I have bipolar disorder, which makes a difficult task of being a good church member the way I'd like to be, so I drew a bit of inspiration from you. If you can hold fast to the gospel (in your own way), then anyone can. Thank you. I'll continue to hold fast to the gospel in my own way too.
Thanks for not judging me, Angela. I appreciate it.
I'm glad you could find some inspiration from my blog. I have a couple of close friends who deal with bipolar disorder, and while I can't say I know what you're going through, I can sympathize with your challenges simply based on what I've seen my own friends go through themselves. I wish you the best of success and peace on your own personal journey.
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