The Choice

I saw a lot of discussion on social media about the Supreme Court of the United States and their decision to legalize gay marriage throughout the country. While I do have an opinion, my goal is not to choose a side. I have many friends on both sides of the debate whom I love dearly. This is one of those issues that is not a hot button topic for me. I am good with whatever choice you make, and I will still love you regardless of your decision.

And that's the part of this discussion that people seem to be missing. Love. Pure, simple, unconditional love. 

I once saw a sign in a gift shop that spoke volumes to me. It proclaimed, "You 'Like' someone because. You 'Love' someone although." As I stopped to ponder that, the meaning became clear. You 'Like' people because they're smart or pretty or funny. The people you 'Like' are generally those you choose to hang out with because you have similar interests and get along well with. You 'Love' someone although they have flaws and do things you don't necessarily care for. Unconditional 'Love' says, "I may not always like or believe in what you do, but I will always care about you regardless."

Whether you believe being gay is good or bad, whether you believe it's a natural inclination or a choice, it's hard for me to understand not loving someone else. Real love places no conditions on the recipient. It is given freely without strings.

No matter what you believe, it is God (whoever or whatever you believe "God" to be) who will ultimately sort these things out. Why make your life more difficult fighting over beliefs?

The choice is not about whether to accept someone who is gay. It is not about judging their lifestyles or their choices. Ultimately, the choice is about whether you can love unconditionally. As for me, I choose love.

~CSE