Dare to Stand Alone

As we go about living from day to day, it is almost inevitable that our faith will be challenged. We may at times find ourselves surrounded by others and yet standing in the minority or even standing alone concerning what is acceptable and what is not. Do we have the moral courage to stand firm for our beliefs, even if by so doing we must stand alone?—President Thomas S. Monson, Dare to Stand Alone, October 2011 General Conference

On Friday, June 26^th, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the right to same-sex marriage is guaranteed by the constitution. When we check our Facebook accounts or when we read in the media or even as we talk to people around us, we might feel like we are the only ones who don’t agree with their decision. We might feel very alone.

When President Thomas S. Monson was young, he served in the United States Navy. His first Sunday at boot camp, the chief petty officer told all the sailors that they were going to church that day. He told all the Catholics to meet in one area. He told all the Jews to go to another area. Then he said, “The rest of you Protestants, meet in the theaters at Camp Farragut—and don’t come back until three o’clock. Forward, march!”

President Monson said the thought flashed through his mind that he wasn’t a Catholic or a Jew or a Protestant. So he stood where he was. He felt courageous and determined, but he also felt alone—very alone.

This month, the First Presidency of the Church sent a letter to every bishop in our church declaring our continued belief in marriage between only one man and one woman. In this belief, we do not waiver. Many people hate the prophet for this. Many have lashed out against him and called him horrible things. I wonder if it is hard for President Monson and those who serve with him to hear these things—even from members of their own church.

When President Monson stood alone in front of his Chief Petty Officer in that Navy Boot Camp on that first Sunday more than 70 years ago, he thought he stood alone. But after the officer told the men to “forward march,” President Monson heard the officer then ask, “And just what do you guys call yourselves?” a handful of sailors behind President Monson replied, “Mormons!”

President Monson, you are not alone. If you turn around, you will see millions of us Mormons behind you. We believe in you, and we will stand by you—we will stand up and we will stand together.