The media has exploded with news on the opposing members who stood in General Conference shouting out "Opposed" when asked to sustain the leaders of the church. I admit I was furious. My heart pulsed with anger. How could someone be so disrespectful and cause a scene at such a time? I read a lot of articles, with a lot of hate. Many people saying things like, "It's about time someone stood up." It's true. I can count on my hand how many times it's happened publicly. But it didn't justify the time and place. It infuriated me! I couldn't stop thinking about it and reading into it. It eventually brought me to really awful and negative anti-Mormon comments. Yes, my spirit was full of darkness.
My initial thought besides punching them with my imaginary fist, was why can't they take their beliefs and their bitterness and do it? Ultimately leaving us alone? Is that so hard? Fine! If you don't agree with us or hate us, then leave us be! But that thought got me thinking. They will never leave us alone. They will always be around. Why? Because Satan will never leave us alone. He wants people to try to destroy the truth. It only attests to the truth of the gospel, and
I read a beautiful article he had similar thoughts as me. Instead he actually attended the meeting and was very near someone who opposed. He says, "However, the dissenting votes had an unexpected result for me. For years I have grown used to the routine of the sustaining vote. I raise my hand in faith-but perhaps without the level of thought such an act is owed. Today I found myself raising my hand just a little higher. More than ever before, I wanted my sustaining vote counted.The honor and opportunity to sustain our leaders is one I don't want to take for granted again. Today's vote allowed me to think deeper about my commitment and faith. I wasn't expecting it, but today's opposing voters strengthened my sustaining vote. And I don't think I'm alone. I can't remember a time when the congregation sang the intermediate hymn with more gusto. Tears came to my eyes when loudly and with resolve 20,000 in the Conference Center were joined by members around the world in singing the words, "We Thank The Oh God, For A Prophet.!""
I could have not said it better myself. Or more beautifully. My heart is as peace. I have a new found respect for our leaders and how wonderfully they handled the situation. Rather than lashing out in hate towards others who are confused and have questions I need to do what they did. Love them, reach out to them and to not take it personally, to continue on unmoved. And especially stand up for what I believe, and sustain the prophets with more intent.
