This is not a typical post. Those who know me, know that even with close friends and family members I do not readily share my opinion on certain subjects because I have no desire to offend. However, I could not be silent on this issue.

I was reading my scriptures tonight in the first part of 3 Nephi, where in chapter 2 verse 1, just a few years after the people had experienced the signs announcing the birth of the Savior, they began "to be hard in their hearts and blind in their minds". The following verse says that "thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing".

I've often wondered how a people could witness those things, and then turn so quickly from the truth. These people are not unique. The list is long of those throughout the history of the world who have, in spite of personal experiences where they saw angels, witnessed miracles, and walked in the footsteps of the Savior, became "hard in their hearts and blind in their minds".

Satan has no need of coming up with new and innovative ways of deceiving. Getting us to believe that the leaders of the Church are not inspired or that we follow blindly the counsel given seems to work just fine. Openly supporting things that have been undeniably opposed by the leaders of the church, even speaking out against them, somehow thinking that we are more inspired than they, is an example of the adversary leading us away and convincing us that the doctrine of Christ is a foolish and vain thing.

An illustration of this taking place right now is Proposition 8 that is on the ballot in California. Some adamantly oppose this, contrary to the teachings of the church, believing that they are more tolerant. A friend read me an interesting article by Orson Scott Card where he discusses this very thing. "Tolerance", he said, "implies disagreement -- it means that even though we don't agree with or approve of each others beliefs or actions, we can still live together amicably. When we agree, we aren't being tolerant, we're being uniform."

Yesterday, Steve Young's wife came out against Proposition 8 stating that "We believe all families matter and we do not believe in discrimination, therefore our family will vote against Proposition 8." indicating that some how, those of us who are supporting this measure do not believe in families and believe in discrimination. This is simply not true.

The Proclamation to the World on the family, as read by President Hinckley on September 23rd, 1995, clearly states that "marriage between a man and a women is essential to His eternal plan" and concluded by "calling upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family". Proposition 8 is one such measure.

Lest anyone think that I am one who follows blindly, I am not. I have a sound and sure testimony of those who lead this church. I have been in the presence of those prophets who have served during my lifetime and I cannot deny that each has been called of God and that they are His mouthpiece. In addition, I know that following the counsel given by them will lead me closer to my Heavenly Father and eventually back home to Him.

This does not ensure an easy road. I know that. However, this ensures that I will always know to what source I look when the road is rough.