Like many members of my church, Tyler & I have been volunteering with the YES on Proposition 8 campaign. It's a big deal out here in California. You can read more about it here if you haven't heard about the marriage issues in my state.The other day while making phone calls, I talked with a nice man. After saying my thing about why I was calling, explaining a little bit about Prop 8, and asking the man how he'd vote on this issue, he responded, "Well, I really just don't know! What do you believe?" I was taken a little bit off-guard because as a volunteer, we're really only supposed to be getting information from voters--we're not trying to change people's minds, get into arguments, or pretending to be experts on the issue. I said, "Well, obviously I'm on the YES campaign to get this passed, so I'd vote YES, but what do you think?" He replied with, "Well, WHY should I vote Yes too?" The man sounded sincere, and I wanted to be politically correct and articulate, but I wasn't. It was my first time to really be questioned, and I tried to carefully select my words so as to not offend him if he were gay or didn't agree with me. As I stumbled over my last words and finished speaking, there was an awkward silence and he said, "Well, thanks for calling." CLICK. Oops. So I guess I can assume he wasn't impressed with my ramblings.
I have thought about that conversation a lot these last few days and wondered why I felt the need to be so politically correct when expressing my views. Tyler and I found this article by my church, and it explains our views perfectly. I couldn't agree more with it. It is quite long, but in my opinion, very worth the time. It's in a Q&A type format, so it was an easy read. The article is very well articulated... unlike my experience on the phone.
So... to the NorCal man on the phone I talked with the other day: I hope you enjoy reading this article about why marriage is so important to me. Hopefully it can answer your questions better than I did.
8 comments:
I couldn't agree more...I've been debating putting something like this on my blog. We've had our own share of drama in terms of this issue and it makes me nervous to get out and talk to people about it! It's so important, though, and I'm so glad to hear how it's going for you guys.
Great article Natalie. Good for the two of you. Keep it up because hey said whatever happens in California will happen in time to the whole country. Be strong and share what you know. I'm sure there are people that need to hear from you.
I totally am there with you. Living in Oregon I am in the minority by far (although even this liberal state passed an ammendment during the last election that marriage was between a man and woman, so it can/does happen)! I meet the nicest and have met the kindest people who are actually gay or lesbian. It's a difficult line to toe wanting to be honest and true to your ideals but also believing that all people are of value and trying to be respectful. You go girl!
I am proud of you Natalie -- your experience reminds me of when I was serving as a missionary. It's hard to know what the man was thinking -- maybe you really influenced his vote. It's a good reminder to all of us to stand up for what we believe even if it can be awkward. I tell the Mom's at my sons school all the time that we go to church or that we can't do soccer on Sunday because we try not to play sports on Sunday. Sometimes it is awkward -- but I think that the mothers that I have talked to about my church beliefs like their sons to play with my sons because they know that our family goes to church. They ask me whymy sons wear CTR ring -- and other questions. I try to stand up for what we believe. Now you are a good example of standing up for what you believe because now that you have posted this on your blog you will probably inspire more people to do the same. Way to go! Love ya sister!
Way to go Nats! I've been hearing about how heated the debate is getting over there... and I mean just with the Mormons! I'm glad you are such a strong woman and are able to stick up for what you believe in even when your Mom brains stops (happens to me several times a day). The good things is, you're a Mom, so now you don't have to be politically correct. Who has the time for that these days? ;)
That is seriously so awesome that you were volunteering and taking a stand! Way to go! I think it's getting more and more important to stand up for what we believe in - especially with the family.
Very impressive girl!
You go girl. I think it's great you volunteered and I'm sure your response was fine but I bet the next time someone asks you, you'll be that much more confident. I've always felt awkward calling people out of the blue about political issues because they can be so emotionally charged but when it's a cause you believe in...that's all you can do. Keep up the good work!
I'm hosting a calling party tonight and we're scared! I hope to prepare the women in my ward with this story. Thank you!
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