I cannot hide what I am

It’s something I feel strongly about, I am a Christian, and I believe most of what I try to do is stand on biblical truths as I live my life. Children deserve to be raised in a family of a man and a woman, because both bring something different to a child’s upbringing. Nora Brooks – Vote for Marriage NC, Chatham County coordinator

In my short 33 years I’ve found the awesome responsibility of marrying a couple into God’s everlasting love to be the most humbling and rewarding experiences in my life (including the picture below). The outcome of today’s vote will not stop me from that duty. A duty that calls me to fight.

I fight AGAINST Amendment One for these people.

I’m a child of a non-traditional heterosexual union. And if you listen to the proponents of Amendment One – I, for not having a married father and mother, am the scourge of society. That’s right, the scourge; not worthy of recognition. Not worthy of validation in North Carolina’s Constitution, where only “pure” children are afforded protection?

As Shakespeare’s Faulconbridge the Bastard affirms, “And I am I, how’er I was begot.” I have forgiven God for my given circumstances – I pray you will too.

I challenge anyone to compare their son to my Momma’s only child. For someone who shouldn’t be here, I’ve accomplished quite a bit. Perhaps I’m most proud of pumping hundreds of millions of dollars back into my hometown’s local economy? No, the best thing was buying my Mom a home. From the ghetto to a front porch with rocking chairs. I apologize for not living up to everyone else’s expectations.

I’m no different than anyone else. I’m alive and successful because of love. A love without exclusion, without discrimination. Discrimination and inequality are the greatest of sins – denying God’s creation at hand – the Kingdom of Heaven is upon us which we bring it about in our own hearts. Discrimination and inequality lead to exclusion and hatred – a path my faith will not follow.

Amendment One supporters have asked for prayers so that “God’s definition of marriage” will prevail. I’ll answer their call. My prayer to them is this, “Sorry for being me. I cannot hide what I am. Love always, Andrew.”