I have to admit, that the letter from my confrontations post has helped me to overcome the stress my thank-you card ended up causing me. It has been somewhat of a closure for me, but there are still some things that have been bothering me about the whole ordeal.
Obviously, it was very upsetting being alleged of having an ulterior motive for the card just because I shave my head and live in a tent. But, there was more said in this particular allegation. What possible “ulterior motives” could I have had as an active LDS single anyway? Dating? Courting? Eternal marriage? Exaltation?
And what’s wrong with that?
The doctrines of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that exaltation cannot occur without eternal marriage. Period. The scriptures are very clear on this matter (as they are on all matters), after the resurrection, no one will be given or received in marriage. Those who are righteous enough to receive a celestial glory, but who die having never been married will be consigned to an eternity as angels. They will have no increase. (see D&C 131:1-4 and D&C 132:15-17.)
Isn’t it, then, the fundamental goal of every member of the Church of Jesus Christ to achieve exaltation, and, therefore, the motive of each member to seek eternal marriage? Absolutely. So, why would any member of the Church be concerned or fearful of this possible motive?
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is love and forgiveness. The Doctrines of His church teach celestial law and worthiness for exaltation. I live by all these principles and take personal offense when somebody suggests that I am not worthy. It is an insult to me when parents assume that I am not righteous enough to seek friendship with their daughter, as the situation concerning the thank-you card suggests.
I have always known that if I ever got married, it would be against the will of my wife’s parents. Which, in itself is peculiar considering that most mothers love me. In fact, the mother who launched those heinous allegations against me was the first mother I know of who apparently did not, and even then I am sure it is because we never met. However, perhaps this can be perceived as a sign the time is nearing that I will be getting married. Hmmm.
Anyway, in todays society, parents are often under the foolish tradition that the longer a woman waits before marriage, the better. Indeed, the woman I sent that thank-you card to was definitely of marrying age. And, like I said in the card, I envy the man she will choose to be her husband. Yet, when her parents may have suspected possible romantic motives for the card, they retaliated negatively, and sought to discredit my intentions, as though they expected me to desire their Mia Maid for a wife.
As a matter of fact, the Beehive, Mia Maid, and Laural programs exist for the express purpose of preparing our young women for eternal marriage. What else is there? Without eternal marriage, none of us will achieve exaltation. Everything else we do on Earth that does not pertain to exaltation is an unrighteous distraction. It can even be said that to actively work against marriage and exaltation is, by the very definition of the word, satanic.
Knowing that, what difference would the age of the woman make as long as she is old enough to bear children, and worthy enough for a temple marriage? If she was taught the gospel and doctrines of the Church and understands the importance of honoring her parents, or those who taught her, by making righteous decisions, no one should have a problem with her choices. I’m not saying that all Beehive, Mia Maid, or Laural should be married off, but, if she is well educated in righteousness and prepared, her decision should be respected and sustained.
Which leads me to the big question: Would I marry a Mia Maid? The answer is yes, in heartbeat, so long as the above conditions were met. In my opinion, if it is a travesty for young people to put-off marriage for academics, it follows that to put-off marriage for anything else would be just as much a travesty.
In fact, I would love to have dated, courted, or married the woman I wrote that thank-you card to. She was a wonderful woman, at that time, and displayed every quality I wish I could have in a bride. Not to mention her stunning Emma Watson lookalike beauty. Wow.
Does that confirm the concern of an ulterior motive in relation to the thank-you card? No. The purpose of that card was to recognize her kindness and thank her for it. I hoped she would find it encouraging, and continue being an example to the Daughters of Zion. I guarantee if it had been my intention to lure her into a temple marriage for all eternity, I’d have applied my charm. 😉
If I were to go back in time and alter the situation, I’d pursue her romantically, instead of sending her a thank-you card. I’d have courted her. At least then her parents would have been justified in their allegation against me, and neither they nor the bishop would be guilty of false witness against me. It would have giving reason and purpose to the persecution I have suffered over this unfortunate ordeal.
Hmmm, makes me wish I had the guts to assert some double jeopardy variant.
