So, one of my very best friends from the mission texted me last night. We stopped talking a couple years ago right around the time I came out and he was getting married. I thought it was because I came out, he thought it was because he was getting married. Anyway, it has been a very long time since I have heard anything from him...
So our conversation from last night, again the first of anything I have heard in a year or two. And I quote from the the very first message, and yes he goes directly to the following.
Him: Are you still gay?
Me: Yep
Me: How's life for you?
Him: Great. I tried calling you a while ago, but you ignored me.
Me: Really?
Him: Yup. So what are you up to?
Me: Just working, living the life, you?
Him: Having a baby next month. So are you still active?
Me: Congrats on the baby, that's awesome. I'm no longer a member.
Him: Why?
Me: It was either that or get ex'ed.
Him: Well I am really really sorry to hear that.
Me: I feel that I am on the path I am meant to follow so do not feel too sorry =)
Him: Don't talk like that. You know the truth deep down inside. Satan is very very strong, but can have no power over us if we have true faith in Jesus Christ.
Me: Well, I follow my heart and continue to pray for guidance. Only God and I know the path for me, so I hope you can trust that just as I trust the path you have chosen.
Him: The path to follow is the prophet. Come on man, you know better. I'm sure that you truly feel that way and that's fine, but that's part of how the world works. We have to listen to God's prophets and obey no matter how hard it is. It's weird I just started texting you? Do you look at that as God telling you something? I know my prayers are always answered by other people.
Me: Dude, the same way God confirmed that there are prophets on the earth is the same way God directs me today. If the feelings and answers I have received are false, than the church must be also. Only I can receive personal revelation for me. Prophets give general commandments. God gives specific. I appreciate you concern, but what I need is love.
Him: Dude, you knew the church was true. How can you do this? I heard your testimony, so you were either lying then or lying now.
Me: Nephi must have lied when he killed Laban, because the prophets said no killing. If you cannot grasp personal revelation, you are missing a great piece of God's plan, but let's not argue. If you want to be my friend for who I am, awesome. If not, that is your choice and I will hold on to the good times we had.
Him: No you didn't want to be my friend after I invited you to my wedding so don't start that. I just feel way way bad for you! You know it's true, you just cannot let go of your worldly temptations. I am feel very very very sorry for you! I hope you repent and come back !
Me: I have always wanted to be your friend. I am super sorry you felt otherwise. I will always love you like a brother.
Him: Well, I really hope you come back! I'll pray for you!
Me: Well, we can all use prayers, so thanks man!
Arghhhhh!
How do we follow the Savior? By loving those around us.
Yeah, that's messed up, especially the part where he implies that God is working through him - so arrogant!
ReplyDeleteI think you handled that very well. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteWhy must it still be stated that being gay/lesbian is a wordly temptation? So naive of the people to deny themselves of infinite proportions of innate goodness. I applaud you Chris for your knowledge and composure in keeping strong to what the 'Highest Power' has to offer you and to hurdle over the many obstacles that cross through our paths. Love ya dude.
ReplyDeleteThis is part of why I almost exclusively no longer have Mo friends.
ReplyDeleteYour mission buddy is still a child, emotionally and psychologically. His comments indicate hasty and superficial judgment, lack of understanding and empathy, and a black & white view of life and the world.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, most people like that end up in one of two ways. They stick with that approach throughout their life and become more obviously unreasonable to everyone around them, or circumstances create an unavoidable crisis which forces them to learn that that old way of thinking is superficial, incomplete, wrong, and potentially harmful. One hopes it will be the latter for your friend so that eventually he'll start to acquire a little wisdom to counterbalance his cockiness.