New York has just passed their Marriage Equality Act.
I'm not certain exactly what the terms are or the title is, but I do believe that it is important that we continue with the term "Marriage Equality" and not "Gay Marriage", and that we do not cease until the Federal Government enacts this into law just as we did for interracial marriages in 1967.
However, the intention of this blog and my writings is not to be political, but rather to be reflective and prayerful.
I have many friends in New York who have expressed their desire to marry.
I'm thankful, and tearful, that they have this opportunity to stand before God.
I'm sad for my friends in other states where this is not recognized, but to those I remind you ... God sees you, recognizes you, and loves you deeply, so those of us who are in committed relationships are in the same position as those of us who can marry.
Relationships and marriage requires a lot of commitment and a lot of work.
Throughout the course of a successful marriage or long-term commitment, the two people in the relationship may shift in and out of various roles.
For example, one person within the couple may need to support the other person going back to school, shifting careers, or enduring a hardship, be it physical, emotional, or financial.
In order to do this, he or she steps into a supporting role, setting aside certain goals or aspirations in order to provide a stable base from which his or her partner can launch in a new direction.
There are many gifts of learning inherent in this role—from having the opportunity to embody a nurturing stance to feeling the pleasure of seeing a loved one thrive.
When our partner expands his or her horizons, our vision also expands and we become enlightened with a view to a world that would otherwise would remain obscured from our vision.
However, there is a possibility that we may be the one stepping outside our own parameters; perhaps taking time to attend to our personal healing, spiritual pursuits, or other interests or needs.
In order to maintain balance within our relationships, it’s important that we address these issues each time one person steps into a supporting role so the other can try something new.
When we are conscious and acknowledge that one person is bearing a bit more of a burden so that the other can grow, we stand a better chance of making sure the ebb and flow in the relationship remains fair and equal.
The most important part of this process is open communication in which each of us has the opportunity to share our feelings and express our concerns as we come to understand and embrace the roles that which we know and agree to live in order for our relationship -- our Marriage -- to begin and grow.
Marriages require work.
Work means change.
Each time a dynamic shift occurs, a ceremony of acknowledgment can lend an air of distinction to the moment, and these are the times that we need to sit with our partner to celebrate or resolve.
This can be a simple dinner date or an elaborate ritual, depending upon what works best for us at the time.
The key here is intimacy and communication.
Perhaps the most important thing is expressing gratitude to the person in our supporting role and encouragement to him or her moving in a new direction along with us.
It is important that we understand that we are not alone, but also that our spouse understands fully that he or she is not alone and that we stand before God in that promise.
This is what Marriage Equality is all about, so get ready Guys & Dolls.
When the flow of emotion and communication is open, we invite a garden of growth in which each of us provides the air and opportunity for the other to embrace the absolute and truly unconditional love we offer.
We are all feeling a sense of joy and celebration, however, with this accomplishment comes a great responsibility which we must uphold.
Those of us who choose to marry must understand the laws, implications, and responsibilities of such a statement.
We need to stand tall in affirmation and faith, and commit to a lifetime together with our partners.
We need to show the world a new path; a path of celebrating every day; living life to the fullest, building familiesand raising children who see the world without bigotry, hatred or malice.
Most importantly, we have the opportunity to show the world in which we live that we have the Unconditional Love of God within us and that we are worthy and capable of sharing this with the world today as well as instituting it in our children for the future of Creation
With love, light & pride,
Rob
