Miscellaneous picture sent with no explanation. Happy Halloween?
To Bailey:
Hey B,
I talked a little bit about this in my video I'm uploading, but I'll give you a little more elaboration. We are currently teaching an investigator who is married to a member and is converted from another faith. His family is actively involved in their church and are firm believers of their faith. With their son/brother/grandson's decision to be baptized into the Church, they've decided to send a lot of anti Mormon literature at him, verbally put down the Church to his and his wife's face and practically disown him from the family because of his decision. This is not an uncommon occurrence in the South with converts of the LDS Church, with doctrinal and cultural reasons that aren't necessary to talk about now. Looking for information to send to them to follow their conscience and keep with their decision, I found the Church's information regarding religious freedom. Oh my goodness, what a slap to the face. The Church's stance presented in some videos and General Conference talks really reminded me of YOU! The balance between standing up for what you believe and respecting the right for others to believe differently shines forth in your continual example. Take our relationship for example, I'm a Mormon missionary, an official representative of an organization that believes marriage is ordained of God to be between a man and woman. You are a true gay right activist with a clear voice in the community and with actions to support your words. You of course don't, like the investigator's family, put me down for what I believe. You don't even just allow me to believe that way, putting me in a box and ignoring me. You are standing up for me to do what I believe. You are supporting my religious freedom by running a blog, by talking about me with people at school, by still loving me and looking out for me even with beliefs that differ. I am so thankful not just to have a strong, educated, vocal sister with believes of her own right that she can support and backup. I have a sister is loving and caring and understanding to the needs of others, in particular those that differ. Thank you so much for all that you do in having your own beliefs and all you do to stand up for other's rights. I know it's taken a lot of work to educate Mason and me, but I'm so thankful you said something to correct me or to open my eyes to others. You really are amazing and I'm so glad I have been able to have you in my life. Keep doing all the amazing work you do for all those people around the world! You are a light and an example to many who need one, especially me.
Love you, B
Elder Hamblin
