Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Passing of Prop 8

I don't think the fight to protect our families is over by any means, but we feel so relieved that a major battle was won. Neither Kim nor I have a history of being very active politically, and judging by the experience, neither one of us has much of a future in it. It has not been what either of us would call "fun". But we have been grateful to find that when something is right, even though it is not always comfortable or popular, a greater energy pushes you to stretch past what you may want to do.

To those who may be on the fence on this issue, you may criticize and question us all you want. But please know that I would rather that my 6 year old daughter, and my 3 year old and 20 month old sons not get called the things my wife and I have been called over the last few weeks. This is why we lent our support. My hope for their future is that they will never call someone a derogatory term because of their sexual orientation. They will also be taught to love others even if we disagree with their choices. (Important to note here is that illegal behavior, anger, hatred, derogatory speech and violence has been almost exclusively on the part of those who have opposed prop 8. Are you still wondering what a prophet foresees when he says calamities await us if we allow the disintegration of the family? My fear is that this was just a sneak peak into the future.) But my wife and I will always stand up and listen to vile and hateful accusations, and be cursed at, if it means our children don't have to be. As parents of children who are much more important than the perverse and flagitious themes of the day, we feel our duty is to them first. Maybe I am on a soap box and I know I get a bit passionate about things sometimes, but I am driven by the idea that all it takes for evil to prevail, is for good men and women to stand idly by. I would rather err on the other side.

There have been strong emotions on both sides of this battle, and it has required the participation of countless volunteers. For the first time in my adult life, I feel proud to be a Californ..............Oh wait, never mind that one has been used before. Anyway, in all seriousness, I feel like my fellow Californians stepped up and voted morally on a moral issue. Whoohoo! We are one household of many who are a extremely grateful for the answer to our prayers. Thank you to so many of you who prayed, fasted, voted, went viral, blogged, waved signs, got out of your comfort zones, knocked on doors, put up signs, donated, and put up with forwarded emails. We heard that people in every single state but Vermont donated to the Yes on 8 side. From our little family, Thank you.

10 comments:

Joyful Noise said...

Our feelings EXACTLY!!!! Very well said!!!!

What a fight we have fought. It was tough in Placer County, we cannot imagine how hard it was in So CA. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!

Debbie Nowland (Becky Johnson's mother)

brittdave said...

Well Said. Thanks for your efforts.

The blogging Bakers said...

Ben that was so well said. You have just said everything Robert and I have felt over the past months. You and Kim have done a lot for the cause. Thank you. You guys are great. This just reaffirms to me that California is a great place to live.

Harris Family said...

I have been waiting for a post. You guys are awesome. I loved checking everyones blogs to get updates on the prop fight. I could feel the energy, love and faith in each post. You guys were apart of an incredible team.

Wendy said...

Well put. Thank you for fighting for such a worthy cause and I am proud of all the Californians (and others) who fought to pass prop 8.

Salt H2O said...

With as close as the vote was, every effort counted. Every phone call, every vote. I think those that actively supported prop8 and did something can feel a tinge of pride knowing that they made a difference.

Even if it is only temporary.

~home bodies~ said...

we are glad it is over up here too, even if it didn't pass in any of the bay area precincts... it was an amazing experience- a lot of work, but a lot of fun, and it felt good to stand up for the right and to defend our family. thanks for taking care of so cal.

The Ellis Fam said...

hey guys, thanks for keeping us in the loop here in utah too. i'm glad that it did turn out for the best. we loved geting all your up dates but mark and i didn't really think that it affected us over here too much just cause utah is one of the last to change. but after it was passed we had marching on temple square here. that was really weird. no more thinking that utah means no worries, it's only a matter of time.

Lynn said...

Amen Brother. Your efforts make a guy like me proud to know a guy (and his family) like you.

Well done my friend... well done !

Ben and Kimberly McEvoy said...

let me make sure and reiterate what has been said by many others. we too feel very supported by the efforts and donations of the rest of the country. it really means so much. I think of Elijah when he told young Elisha, "those that be with us, are greater than those that be with them". To all of our out of state supporters, thank you.