Thursday, January 22, 2009

I am Me!!!


A friend of mine e-mailed me a video done by ABC News about the LDS church. If you haven't seen it then it is here. Also, it has come to my attention comments have been made by different people in the general population as well as more popular people such as one of my personal favorite actors, Mr. Tom Hanks.


After watching it I have something to say. My name is Tammy. I am a full tithe paying member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I claim my privilege as a flag waving American...yes I pay my taxes as well...to worship how I may, believe how I may and form opinions on my own. if I choose to use the power granted me by this countries forefathers to use freedom of speech sobeit. If I choose to vote for the passing of a proposition that means something down to my very core then I shall. And if I want to teach my children that when you believe in something so fully that you can feel it from the tips of your toes way on up to your nose then you must stand for it come what may. If I choose to believe marriage is between a man and a woman only then it is my right to think so. If you choose to assume that the Church of Jesus christ of Latter-Day Saints threw its money into the ring to help pass a proposition you don't believe in then go right ahead...however never forget what happens to those who "assume" things. It all comes out correct in the end and you will find that the church members donated to the passing of proposition 8...not the church itself. To call me and others like me Un-American is probably the dumbest think I have heard in my life. I must have confused what America I live in. In the America I live in not everyone agrees. In the America I live in we have the freedom to our own opinion and not just yours. In the America I live in the man I did not vote for president was just sworn in...therefore I honor him and will pray for his strength in the doing of his job. In the America I live in I don't throw a tantrum because others do not agree with me, I simply smile and realize we are all individuals.


I, for one, have decided it is now time for my head to be held up and know that I am a member of not only my church, but my beautiful country. I am an American. If anyone has criticism for my beliefs and wants to ask questions feel free to ask. I am not here to belittle anyone for not believing as I do. I don't mind having a calm and rational discussion about what I believe and learning what others believe. So, what do you say? Can we do it? Can we unite as Americans, as people of all faiths and backgrounds? Or would you rather keep slinging mud and insults. I for one would rather live in a tolerant society who agrees to disagree. As for Mr. Hanks...I'd love to hear from you and understand why you call my faith un-American. Don't worry, I don't bite.

4 comments:

Tammy said...

I appreciate this post. I find it refreshing. I hope all people can stand up for what they believe. I find it frustrating when people shout tolerance and equality until you try to stand firm in your own beliefs that are contradictory to theirs. Like in CA, you were only "right" or tolerant if you voted in favor of gay marriage. If you didn't you were a bigot or Un-American or some other expletive. I am rambling, sorry. I just completely agree with what you said.

What you said here makes me glad we share the same name!

Andrea said...

Hey, I just stopped by from Mormon Mommy Blogs. I haven't seen the ABC video, but I totally agree with everything you said here. Nice job.

Jan said...

I got that emailed to me too. I loved it. I think it is time to stand up. But haven't we already?

Poor Forest Grump.

Freyja Colborn said...

I just have to say amen to what you said . I couldn't have said it any better myself.