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Email a FriendPosted by M on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 9:50 AM (EDT):
Praying for you!
Say A Little Prayer
a point of personal privilege
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Just me on Wednesday, February 08, 2012 9:25 AM
My home state of Maryland is one of several where same-sex marriage is being debated in the legislature.
Call it “no good deed goes unpunished,” but a column I wrote arguing that the debate over marriage is another front in the battle over religious liberty garnered the attention of the Maryland Catholic Conference.
I’ll be one of those testifying in defense of marriage before committees of the Maryland House of Delegates this Friday.
“Committees,” plural, because the process is being manipulated.
A similar measure was defeated in the judiciary committee last year, so this year the bill is being brought before a double committee in an effort to get it voted out for a floor vote.
The legislators are not very kind to marriage defenders, and I will admit I am anxious. (Though, since I’m not the head of any group, I’m not all that likely to draw fire.)
Say a little prayer, therefore, will you—for me and for all the witnesses?
May we be calm and our words gentle, but may they travel like arrows to the hearts of our delegates.
It would be nice if Maryland, founded as a refuge of liberty for Catholics, would refrain from turning the law into a cudgel to beat us all down.
Comments
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Posted by Kallie on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 1:41 PM (EDT):
I used to live in Maryland (People’s Republic of Montgomery County). It’s a tough battle there - the legislature keeps pulling out all stops to prevent the issue from going to the people in a popular vote. I have seen legislative tricks being used for almost a decade. It’s incredibly condescending and the hostility to defenders of marriage is incredible. :( Good luck to you today.
Posted by Elisab on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 3:29 PM (EDT):
This came to mind.
Luke 12
Warnings and Encouragements
1Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
4“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two penniesa? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
8“I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. 9But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. 10And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
Posted by Lisa on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 5:12 PM (EDT):
Amen!! you will be great… I will be praying for you. THANK YOU SO MUCH for going to testify and be present!!! SO MANY MDers are praying for you!! I was at the Rally for Marriage and there were so many, I believe over 2,000 people. Hopefully we will win this battle!! Thank you again, you’re in our prayers. Keep us posted how it all goes.
Posted by Lisa Alsobrooks on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 5:22 PM (EDT):
I will pray for you! I am so thankful that you will be there. God has given you great gifts and I believe He will work great things through you!
Posted by Rebecca Teti on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 6:26 PM (EDT):
Thank you very much, but aw, shucks. I’m very small fry in comparison with the important witnesses, it’s sort of a fluke that I’ve been invited, and it’s not as if I have some new argument that will magically cause consensus to emerge.
I ask for prayers because I’m anxious about the way marriage supporters are treated, and I’m too long at home to be used to this kind of thing any longer. It’s the leaders of the various pro-marriage groups that deserve the praise and respect. I’m basically just showing up.
Posted by Terri on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 5:26 PM (EDT):
Praying for you! The Lord is with you, ALWAYS, but especially when you are witnessing for Him. May you feel his presence with you, tomorrow.
(Be gone, Satan! Do not bother us or this courageous woman!The Lord shall ALWAYS overcome!) My validation word is hell54. =( Yuck!
Posted by Mary on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 5:34 PM (EDT):
Rebecca,
In my pre-mommy days I worked at the Maryland Catholic Conference - it’s a great group of people working hard to uphold the Church’s position in the public square. Kudos and blessings as you prepare for your testimony! You and all those testifying to uphold marriage will be in my prayers on Friday. I know you will do an awesome job!
Just 2 minor corrections: In the linked article, a domestic partnership law is mentioned in MD. MD has a few smaller DP laws, and DPs in Maryland have many - but not all - of the same benefits of marriage (just don’t want to open up testimony to unnecessary criticism from the other side). Also, the bill in the House last year failed on the floor of the House - it just squeaked out of the Judiciary committee, where it was expected to sail through easily. You are absolutely correct about the attempt to manipulate the process be assigning it to 2 committees!
Posted by Amy on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 7:26 PM (EDT):
Wow! You have the opportunity to be truly involved in this process and directly affect such monumentous decisions. Seriously, I am almost envious. I am ready to walk into battle, just haven’t been given the opportunity yet. I will fast and pray for you, the other witnesses, and for your legislators. God bless you! And thank you for being willing to fight the good fight.
Posted by Rose Kalappurakal on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 8:41 PM (EDT):
We in India are unable to understand this idiotic and most unnatural ideology of some minds in the western world. What a pity the people want to legislate every perversion as legal. Rebecca, we shall be praying. He said ” Dont be afraid , I am with you always”
Posted by Ellen on Thursday, Feb 9, 2012 9:19 AM (EDT):
Your article was cogent, persuasive and I must say, alarming. These are dangerous times, and I thank you for stepping out in faith and courage. I understand your fear about being “too long at home” to face the bullies, but try not to worry about it. You’re a mama bear, after all; there’s no one tougher.
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