Sadness

I have felt so much sadness since yesterday when I watched via the Internet, protests taking place in LA after the passing of Prop 8. I don't really want to delve into politics on my blog but I can't help but express some feelings that I had watching this go down. I was saddened by the posters that I saw. "Mormons, Go to Hell." "A California without Mormons is what we need." My sister who lives in California called and said her sister in law was stuck at the LA temple because of the police presence and protesters. They weren't letting anyone on the temple grounds, and she was in the paking lot behind the temple not sure if it was safe to leave or if she would even be able to drive out because of all the road closures and traffic. The protesters were marching through West Hollywood and their destination was the LDS Temple. I had such a waive of emotions come over me as I saw the helicopter film the enormous and beautiful temple with thousands of protesters and police with their lights on right outside the fence. What a dichotomy between the peace that the temple is and represents, against the screams and shouts and police line on the grass outside the temple. I thought of the day Aaron and I were sealed in that very temple. I thought about the poor brides that were to be sealed that this week-end mist all the chaos. I feel so sad that there is so much anger. As a member of the Church and from all I've seen from watching the coverage and talking to friends and family that live in California, the yes on prop 8 supporters were exercising their right to disagree and voted according to what they believe. That does not makes those people hate mongers, or bigoted or evil. I am grateful that tonight I can go with Aaron to our temple here, and take a moment to feel the peace that the temple can offer.