To Sen. Haugen:

I almost didn’t write this letter, thinking how can one person make a difference? But we both know one person can make a difference. You made a difference on Jan. 23, 2012.

Ms. Haugen, you profess to be a woman of faith. With such a profound decision before you, you must have prayed for the Lord to guide you before releasing your statement in support of gay marriage. If there is anything you do in the name of all that is right and good, I implore you to reconsider your decision.

I am a Christian. It is not some title I give myself in the hope that others will think I am a good person because of it. It is an honor if others call me this because of how I behave, not by what I say but by what I do. As Christians we are not here to win any popularity contests. In fact, the Bible tells us we will be hated by many. Jesus himself was hated, I’m sure you know the story. Are you afraid to take a stand for what is right? Is this why you held out so long on your vote? Fear is natural, Ms. Haugen. It’s what you do with it that defines you. Your fear has made you a coward before the Lord.

We live in a fallen world where nothing is sacred anymore. Washington wants to make a mockery of marriage! How can you condone this? The term “marriage equality” is an oxymoron. This is not about acceptance and tolerance; this is about preserving the sanctity of marriage which God created for one man and one woman. Being a Christian woman, you know this is true. How can you then stand for something different? Where is your virtue?

You were absolutely correct in your statement when you said our job as Christians is to love one another. If one of my own son or daughters were gay, you better believe I would love him/her no less than the day they entered this world. But you also said you have “very strong Christian beliefs,” yet the decision you have made goes against everything the Bible teaches us. You are discriminating against Christians, the very people you claim to embody! You are a contradiction of yourself!

Matthew 6:24 tells us: No one can serve two masters.

Whom do you serve, Senator?

1 John 2:15 – 2:16 tells us: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

2 Timothy 4:3 tells us: For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.

Does this not speak to you?

You also correctly stated that we are not here to judge others. Amen. That is reserved for the Lord, as he will judge each and every one of us. Our life choices will not be forgotten. What will you say to Him?

Ms. Haugen, if it has been awhile since you have opened your bible, that’s okay. We all stray. But when you are alone tonight ask yourself, “Have I done the right thing?”

Better yet, pray.

God Bless you, in Jesus’ name!

HEATHER DEHAY

Coupeville