First I want to confront a political issue that has currently sprouted the country at odds: same-sex marriage. I will be honest and say that I do not see why a same-sex couple cannot get married. Are they people like the rest of us? Yes. Do they love each other? Yes. The only issue is if this is a religious issue or a political one.
People in our country who are basing their opinion on religion (like relatives of mine) seem to miss that this country is not ruled by the church and if it was we would all have the same religion, but that does not mean the church does not have a choice in honoring a same-sex marriage. Actually more than likely a same-sex couple will get married/joined together in a courthouse. Now I do not believe the churches have the authority to govern what goes on in the courthouse. I know long ago it may have, but our country has evolved and there are certain freedoms that do separate church and state. I wish people would understand that instead of saying "Stop getting all emotional over it." Let me cue you in to a few things....
The divorce rate is up higher than ever to at least 52% according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which did a survey on marriages verses divorce. Since same-sex is not legal, where do you think these divorce spawn from? That is right, unions involving a man and a woman. Now if a man and a woman understood the privilege of this union do you not think they would fight for that right as those fighting for the same-sex marriage? To be honest, since the dispute exists I almost think that a same-sex marriage would last longer if not forever compared to the marriage between a man and a woman.
Today getting married seems like a sport and does not mean anything. In fact, in my experience it has only proven to be a piece of paper. I have a friend whose husband cheated on her, but now she has been with one man for multiple years and they are not married. I have another friend who has been dedicated to her boyfriend for at least 7-8 years. Then there are those who do not plan to get married, but that does not stop them from committing to someone. At a 52% divorce rate maybe it is good that our country is re-evaluating marriage since some of the most dedicated couples are not even married. I do wonder how the government classifies marriage, a piece of paper or a religious commitment.
Now I do believe marriage is just a piece of paper, just like divorce. I went through both and no one cares that you had to break a promise, politically speaking. All they care about is "Sign here and here then initial here." The paper work reminded me how churches like their members to be confirmed or make profession of faith so there is a documented count of members. Sounds a bit political...like marriage, right?
I want to express that I am also traditionally religious in that if I am going to make a promise to commit to someone for the rest of my life through the sanctity of marriage, then that is what I am going to do. I will work forever to prove to that person that I am worthy of their love and that they are worthy of mine. Even if I do not get married, same rule follows because that is some I personally believe in.
So to the newly engaged couple I am so happy for these two. Why? Every peanut butter needs its jam, every football team needs a quarterback, and everyone needs someone else to complement them in every possible way. I may not have had any positive examples of a relationship in my life until these two came along. Marriage, it is putting the other person ahead of yourself to reach a common goal. Love, well what can I say....it is putting on your pants one leg at a time. :P
Have a great day!!
