Courage to Stand

"The call for courage comes constantly to each of us... It has ever been so, and so shall it ever be. - Thomas S. Monson

            I love America. I love having my freedom of religion and I would like to keep it. I had a hard experience recently where I was standing for my freedom of religion. I posted to my Facebook an opinion I had on a recently passed law. I was saying that I think it's good that churches are allowed to not marry a homosexual couple if it's against their beliefs. Besides wouldn't it seem hypocritical if a priest or bishop were to marry a gay couple when he teaches against it?
           So I posted my thoughts. An hour (or maybe less) later I had a comment, then another, and another. But these were not friendly remarks. First I was a little confused because I was posting about religious freedom not discrimination. People began twisting my words and saying that I was being hateful and discriminating against gays. But really all I want is my religious freedom. It was hard to try and tell them that the law wasn't about discrimination because no matter how hard I tried they came back with something more hateful. I never said I hated gays because I don't. They are Gods children too. I never said it was okay to discriminate. I did say however that if someone were to want someone out of their business then they should ask in a kind and respectful way. People told me I was judging and that I was immature. All I did was put my opinion on a religious freedom law, because I like my religious freedom. I also was told that Christians are close minded and don't need defending in the world. When I read these comments I could only think of the darkness my friend are living in. I was horrified by the thought that people think Christians are evil and want them gone. I immediately thought of the Christians being murdered and beheaded by ISIS. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt the hate this person was emitting towards Christians. I wanted to lash out but new that would be immature. So instead I waited to see if anyone else would step in. I was glad to see my sister, sister-in-law, and mom stepped in because there was no way I could stand alone anymore (for that conversation anyway).
           I am frightened by what may come at school now that most of the people commenting were my peers. I think that this experience has been a really big testimony builder for me because I know that people in this world are in darkness and are attacking Christians. This is why being an example is extremely important. People don't listen when you say anything about Christians being discriminated against, and when they do hear they will try and bury you (I learned from experience). No matter what comes when I get to school tomorrow, I am going to keep a smile on my face because I am happy there is another day. I am happy I get to share my light with the world. Nasty words and grimacing faces will not tear me down. God has given me wings, now it's time to use them.
          
           LESSON #1: Always Defend Christianity Kindly. My mom  and Dad always says Kill with Kindness.