Everyone seems to be talking about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their recent stand on same-sex family policies. I wasn’t going to add to the conversation until someone took a post I wrote to malign the church.

Right here and now, I want to state clearly that I support the LDS Church, the prophets, and the decisions they make. The post I wrote, and is being used as fuel for this fight is being misrepresented, which I cannot sit back silently.

What makes me want to speak up is when people misconstrue history. The early Mormon women, living in the Salt Lake Valley, were feisty, but they were absolutely obedient to their prophet. At least that is what I have learned as I’ve studied these women.

In the world they lived in, there were few rights given to women, and Mormon women wanted rights. I have always admired them for organizing and fighting for what they wanted. They were amazing as they pushed for liberation and were the first in the country for so many things never done by women before. I believe it was the Lord who helped them accomplish all of this. And I believe the prophet was aware and completely supportive of all of their activities.

My studying also revealed how resolute these women were in defense of polygamy. Granted, I’m fully aware polygamy wasn’t for everyone. Their testimonies were tested as much as our testimonies are tested today. But these faithful women were more concerned with obeying the prophet, and pleasing their Savior, so they put their faith to the test. They fought for the right to live the law of polygamy, because they desired to obey the will of the Lord No! Matter! What!

Our day is no different. Those same people who claim love and tolerance are shouting hate and anger in every post and comment they write on social media.

I testify that the LDS Church is the Lord’s Church, and His prophet speaks for Him. This decision is surely meant to avoid future problems. It harms and restricts no one. But it maintains the firm stand the church has always vocalized about same sex unions and attitudes.

I would like to see the same spirit of Mormon women of the past in the Mormon women of today. They were fearless, vocal supporters of the prophet and apostles. We must be willing and able to speak when moved upon. We must be able to stand in the line of fire, if necessary. We need to be loving, but immoveable and fearless.

As dark days approach, we are being asked to choose sides. No longer can we serve two masters and this new directive is a game changer. Only those who remain faithful will be able to maintain their testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly” (Wentworth Letter). I choose to stand in defense of the prophet and accept this new church policy.