Before Roland and I moved from our first house, he
introduced me to the reality show “Chopped” a one hour show that gives four
chefs the opportunity to create appetizers, entrees, and desserts using four
specific ingredients – most I haven’t been familiar with or think of as too bizarre
to belong with either the rest of the
ingredients or in the particular round.
I would think that there is more than
eight hours of footage for each episode of “Chopped” – thus it is not just the
chefs competing who get “chopped” but the editing as well. It sickens me to know that all this wasted
footage exists – that so much tape ends up on the floor. The expense that goes into these reality series
(Wife Swap is another example) and all the waste. I could really use the money that is spent on
wasted film. So many Americans could –
especially in this economy that seemingly continues to spiral downhill. Where are the priorities of this nation?
Recently there was a documentary on
NBC called: “Mormons in America: NBC's Rock Center with Brian Williams" and actually I feel a certain amount of
emotion which I stated in my last post.
I think Rock Center handled “Mormons in
America” well. Some accused of focusing
too much on the small percentage that “don’t really represent the entire church”
well guess what? It’s that small
percentage that the world will be looking at. And I think it’s wonderful that
it has been presented to the world (or nation anyway) that there might be a
better understanding.
Abby Huntsman does not represent the
entire Church. Who does? Some criticized that the creators of the
program should have gone to the authorities or at least devout members to for a
more accurate understanding. But we are
a very diverse people – even among ourselves.
The gospel values are true regardless of its members. But the members are not perfect. We are not all cut out of the same mold – and
the world needs to know that there are struggles that many members face that
don’t always correspond with what the gospel principles teach.
I think the documentary was handled very
nicely. And I think Abby did a great job
letting people understand her position but still being respectful of the
Church. She probably has a better hold on what a non member might feel. There are many who have left the church who
experience that “ah-hah” moment after they’ve been away for it – not that they
disagree or become uncomfortable – but all the sudden understand the meaning of
“a peculiar people” and understand the non-members view – whereas those who are
so close to the surface don’t have that same understanding. They don’t see the forest for the trees. Corey explained it a little bit in this post
There are many members (or former
members) who have had their feelings hurt for whatever reason. Treated like outcasts. Overaggressive concern isn’t handled
correctly either on the part of the leaders or the interpretation of the member
(I think more of the first; as an example Abby’s bishop told her that she
wouldn’t receive the same blessings – and although it may have been said out of
concern – it hadn’t been communicated in a proper manner) I like the way Clive Durham said it in this post
Bishop, stake president, and other
leadership positions are held by people.
Imperfect people. Some, who unfortunately abuse their power, some, who
should have never been put in that position to begin with. Some who would rather not be there and wonder
why the position was accepted in the first place.
Julienne (sp?) and Al Jackson do NOT
represent all members. A large majority,
perhaps. But certainly NOT all
members. Mitch Mayne is told he can keep
his position in the Church so long as he remains celibate. Celibate?
Really? In a Church that pushes
marriage and family? (And there are many who actually do push)
That was Corey’s plan - to remain celibate
– though he wasn’t fulfilled. He would
have been able to keep his membership – but still not feel whole – not complete. He did NOT go in search for a partner. Truth is, when they initially met, he tried
to avoid it.
Their first encounter together was working on the same production in Las Vegas. The two of them started out with a casual dinner, but after a while Corey's feelings deepened towards his partner. He started to have feelings that he had been told all of his life were wrong to have.
Corey returned home from Las Vegas the
first Christmas after they had met.
Relieved in some ways not to be tempted by something he had been trying
to avoid all of his life. Yet torn
because he really did have emotions for this guy. And what a wonderful guy he is. I really really do like Corey’s partner.
Eventually it turned into something
very beautiful. Both celibate. Both wanting to wait. Both yearning for God to be a part of their “marriage”
and I have no doubts that He is. Corey
had to give up his membership. But he
did not give up on the gospel. He still attends
Sunday meetings (minus the priesthood which he was never comfortable with in
the first place) and though it’s often hard for him not to be able to
participate to the fullest – Corey is happier than he has ever been in his
entire life.
Corey is very knowledgeable in the gospel. He is very well rounded individual. He doesn’t represent the entire Church – even
when he was a member. But he does make
an impact. A GREAT impact. He has a very strong and beautiful
testimony. He is one of many pioneers on
a path that is slowly being smoothed over and more widely traveled – and yet
too many who are on that path feel alone and unwanted and aren’t always handled
with care. Corey, fortunately, has had
amazing support. Yet it seems to be a rarity with far too many.
We have a friend who is strongly
opinionated and probably more of a feminist than Joanna Brookes. She is married to one who has been on the
high council as well as other prominent positions. Both strong in the gospel. Each representing what sometimes appear as
conflicting ideas. And I love them
both. And I respect them both. And I am personally grateful for the
diverseness.
No comments:
Post a Comment