The Fight for Freedom

The following post is probably not appropriate for children . . . 

There was a time when I felt the fire of freedom burning in my heart. I was young, I had dreams of a bright future full of hope, endless possibilities, and security for me and my family. It seemed like anything was possible. It felt like anything could be accomplished here in the beautiful country of America . . . because we were free. Dreams, oh I had dreams . . . because dreaming was still allowed. What is my dream now?

It is simple . . . I dream of freedom.

My family is free, because we have the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that trumps all other troubles of the world. We are free -- free from the world, if we allow ourselves to be. But with that Heavenly freedom we enjoy, we also have responsibility. We need to protect our freedom. We need to protect our freedom to practice our religion. We need to help protect all of our God-given freedoms.

Right now, the divine freedom we enjoy as American citizens is under attack.

The Constitution is on the chopping block . . . just as prophets have said it would be. Our rights as American citizens are being taken from us, and it seems we are helpless to do anything about it. We are seemingly forced into accepting all kinds of immoral ideas, and behaviors -- and if we don't accept it, embrace it, love it, we are found intolerant and hateful. There is so much going on right now, so much darkness trying to drown out the light -- that it could do just that, if you let it seep in too deep.

These times are indeed concerning. I am an avid news-follwer (on-line, we don't have TV). I check a wide range of news websites, so I can get as close to the full scope of what is going on, as is possible. (If only news channels would report NEWS, and not opinion!) I like to know what is going on in the world. I think it is important to know what is going on, but you also have to not over-do it, and let it trouble your heart too much, as to destroy your happiness. But being informed, yes, it is a very good thing.

We also listen to the radio while in the car. Charles and I just happened on a program here in Idaho that was playing a rally of people supporting gun rights. It was crazy to listen to the people, the American people, preaching and rallying against their government. There were cheers, and loud hollering, in support of the rights of the people. Citizens, and Civic leaders, saying this is NOT OK for the government to take away our rights and freedom. Citizens willing to fight back, if necessary. My heart fluttered as the people cheered. I felt the winds of change stirring.

I hate guns probably more than most people -- just ask anyone who knows me. They scare me, they really do. I have never in my life even held a gun -- but my kids have. Their father has taken them to a shooting range, to show them how to properly use them, and how to respect them. Daniel has learned how to shoot in Boy Scouts. (Oh man, don't get me started on what is going on with "diversity/acceptance" in Scouting right now. I will let you know what my opinion on the topic is as soon as the Church offers a statement. My opinion is: Whatever our church leaders declare. Yes. I am a follower. I follow the prophet. With eyes wide open.)

And though I personally hate guns, I absolutely -- with all my heart and guts -- support the right for people to bear arms. Absolutely. It is critical for the survival of our free nation. If our citizens are not armed, we are all sitting ducks. No, the government won't be there when you need protection. No, the police cannot arrive exactly when you need them. You have got to be able to defend yourself!

Just imagine if our Mormon pioneer ancestors did not have guns . . . our religion would have been quickly wiped out by the American government. Yes, the government tried to destroy my beloved faith.  They tried to exterminate the Mormons -- for their religion. Yes, in America. But they fought back! One (and likely many) of my ancestors used guns to fight off the mob that was coming to destroy the Mormons. They had to fight, to protect their lives, their liberty, their faith, their families, their freedom. Good thing they had the right to bear arms, and protect themselves. I am so grateful to those who were willing to sacrifice their lives to allow the gospel to move forward and be preserved.

Taking away our freedoms will not protect us. It will destroy us. As Lincoln said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." We are sorely divided now. The country is a battleground of contrasting opinions. Progress is halted. People are angry. People are singing the songs of angry men.

Back to guns . . . if you take away guns/rights away from the "good" people, we all know that the "bad" people will still have them. Look to history. Guess what happened during prohibition? When alcohol was made illegal, the underground world of crime ran rampant, and alcohol consumption and horrific crimes went through the roof. The fact is people will find a way to get what they want . . . they will always find a way. Background checks, limitations, mental health checks, etc., will not stop any of it. Those who desire to do evil will steal, lie, cheat, whatever it takes to follow through with deviant plans. Taking away rights from good people will not make anyone more safe . . . despite what certain highly-protected by bodyguards with firearms leaders may declare.

Teachers are being educated and trained to use guns at school. The thought of having guns in the classroom makes my guts churn. It seems to me that it would only increase the chances for something awful happening. If I were a teacher, I would shudder at the thought of packing a gun at school. But these are real discussions going on. Our kids are being shown a video in school about gun safety, using a graphic example of two boys playing with a gun, to show what can happen. My kids don't want to go to school on that day.

Reading, Writing, and Rifles??

These are different times we live in.

Will we live to see such times, as have been prophesied for so many years? Will we see the deterioration of this country? Will we experience things that this extremely soft and selfish generation cannot even fathom? Will the "signs of the times" happen in our time?

I don't know.

But I do know America is changing. And I don't like the changes that are taking place.

I feel small, helpless, not able to do anything to make a difference -- other than voice my opinion.

But if there is a time when we are asked to (or forced to) "fight" . . . I pray that I can know what to do. I pray for the strength of those who have gone before me, who have crossed the deep oceans, pulled handcarts with blistered hands, those who have fought to protect their lives, family, religion, and freedom. I pray for their strength to be with me, if we are ever called to endure trials as difficult . . . they may not be too far off.

I pray for courage. I feel in my gut, there will be battles to be fought . . . and freedom to defend.

The voices are getting louder.

I hear the people sing, singing the songs of angry men.

May God be with us.