Sunday, September 7, 2008

It Was Quite a Day!

I love politics, especially in an exciting presidential year. I love listening to speeches and debates. I find myself on pins and needles waiting for the daily poll numbers and trying my hand at political analysis. I have very definite opinions about the way things should be and am usually not afraid to tell people how I feel, but I realized recently that my social world is full of like minded people, and that I have never really had to get out of my comfort zone, politically speaking. A few years ago, 61% of the voters in California passed an initiative stating that only marriage between a man and a woman is recognized in California. A few months ago, that decision was overturned by a the State Supreme Court, so now we have a new proposition, Proposition 8, that will hopefully be passed, adding an amendment to the state constitution, preserving traditional families. We have been instructed by the First Presidency to do all that we can do to help, including donating our time and resources to the campaign. We were given a folder a few weeks ago with the names of people in our voting precincts and the streets that they live on. We have been asked to walk door to door polling these people. That folder sat on my entry way table for two weeks. I would walk by it a just get sick at the thought of the task at hand. I prayed for strength and was always comforted that all would be well, that this was something that is VERY important to the Lord and to the Prophet, and that I should just buck up and do it. So I did. Yesterday was our walk. I am happy to report that I was a brave girl and even did the talking a few times! We were able to contact a lot of the people on our list and only had 2 definite NOs and 1 Undecided, and MANY people who were definitely in favor of the amendment. There were a lot of people who were willing to put up a yard sign for us, and a few who wouldn't "because it is just to controversial, but thank you for doing this for us." It really pointed out to me that there really is (I hope) a silent majority, and that we all really need to get involved to spread the word. It was a real test for me, but I did it and know that I will be blessed for it. So...Please pray for our state, and pay close attention to your own state politics.

On a lighter note, we had a great ward activity last night. We all had so much fun. My ward is my favorite thing about California. We had a Chili cookoff and guess what??? WE WON!!! Ben and I had a lot of fun doctoring up our recipe, adding this and that and it turned out delicious! What was our secret ingredient? LOVE! (and chocolate! shhhh!)

16 comments:

SKH said...

Good for you! Maybe one day you will find yourself on the ticket for president...."It all started when I went door to door for prop 8..." HA HA! As far as chocolate chili; send me the recipe! I have heard of adding licorice flavoring/spice....

Amberly said...

I am so proud of you - that would take all of my courage. I am grateful to know that there is a strong effort defending the right in California. Way to go! I'm glad you enjoyed your DVDs however privately was necessary. Those were good times, glad I got to share them with you.

Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts said...

Emily, you always seem to blog things I'm thinking of myself. Living in "liberal" land Seattle, we were even nervous about putting a "veterans for McCain" sticker on our car. But we're speaking up in classes when we should. It doesn't get easier - I still get that sick feeling in my stomach. But it's the right thing to do.
Wish more people knew to put chocolate in their chili - the world might be a better place. Although then we'd all be eating chili, and that could get ugly!

Alicia said...

I knew there was something special in your chili! (Very yummy, by the way.) We got one of those Prop 8 folders yesterday, and your post has given me courage to go out and talk to our neighbors without being (too) scared. Thanks!

Em said...

LOVE IT! So excited for you! Have you received your lawn sign yet??? We are still waiting for that and our folder. Can't wait!

Miss yoU!

kthom said...

Might I say that I am not surprised at either accomplishment you had this weekend. Nicely done. I am also one who loves a good election :) and discussions that ensue. Your door to door efforts are fantastic, come on citizens of CA. It's so frustrating when you all pass something and that da*n supreme court just does what IT pleases. UGH! And way to go on the Chili. Seriously...there's chocolate in it?lglrft

kthom said...

Sorry about that, I'm so tired that I typed in the letters to the word verification thingy in the wrong box....oops...enjoy

Reil family said...

Once again I have to say that you are really brave and you are such a good cook so getting a prize is not surprise at all. Good job!!!!

Bryn and Blaine said...

Emily you are an inspiration. Good for you. Just a little tast of what it might be like when you go on a couple mission in a few years. Hehe. You need to put your chili recipe online so we can all win a prize at our cookoffs.

The Yancey Family said...

I have never even heard of putting chocolate in Chili, what a great idea! Send me your recipe!

I am so proud of you for standing up for what is right. I have a really hard time speaking up about controversial things, but I am slowing learning that it is the RIGHT thing to do and it doesn't matter if some people don't agree with you! Thanks for the great example!

Tony and Traci said...

Way to go on the political walk. I don't think I would have the courage to do it. I have a hard time talking to strangers (my mother tauht me well eh??). I too would like the recipe for the chili. :) It sounds delicious! my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Molly said...

Way to go! Your story is quite inspirational and you are right, you will be blessed for your efforts. Congrats on your chili--simply outstanding. :)

Brigitte said...

Good job Emily! I don't know it I would have done that... I hope that I would have - but I dunno. I bet you are right about the majority of people being conservative and the liberal minority being so loud. I bet that's the case with a lot of things.

And I'm so interested in this chocolate chili... sounds yummy! I would love that recipe! :)

libbie said...

Chocolate and Chilli . .. . my two favorite things . . . . this is a great day for me indeed. glad I finnaly decided to check your blog. Now I am going to need that recipe too, because you know how much I love my chili.

I am so freakin proud of you. That took a lot of guts to do that whole Prop 8 number. I think I could do it, but only if all the people agreed with me and didn't want to argue, cause then I might have cried. I have been doing a lot of that lately!

Emily Oman said...

You're so amazing! That takes guts doing the whol prop 8 thing, even though you know it's right it shouldn't be hard but stuff like that just it...good job!
Chocolate and chili? I might have to try it to be convinced...but you did win a prize however so it must be amazing! :)

Jackson Family said...

So I wasn't quite sure where to leave this comment, and since the post is some what church related I thought this would be a good spot. So last night I get home and someone had written wash me on the hood of our car. I about broke down in tears. It's hard when no one knows the hardships in your life. If it hadn't been for your talk I would have probably flipped out. Thanks for being such a wonderful example to me!