Well, people are writing with fear and panic underlying their comments and articles in the face of the States sanctioning same-sex marriages.
Why? 
We are people of hope, not doomsayers or fearmongers.
Christ has already triumphed over sin and death. We are not called to focus on disaster, on evil, on sin. Christ commanded us to refrain from condemnation and judgment so we will not be judged and condemned by our Master. Our mandate is simple; allow the Light of Christ to grow ever more brightly within us, especially as the darkness deepens. Then we will be a light unto the world. He will conquer darkness through us. We are simply channels of truth, light and mercy. This is the central message of the New Testament.
Pope Francis
I think we too are the people who, on the one hand, want to listen to Jesus, but on the other hand, at times, like to find a stick to beat others with, to condemn others. And Jesus has this message for us: mercy. I think — and I say it with humility — that this is the Lord’s most powerful message: mercy.
— Homily on March 17, 2013
Ephesians 5:8
now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light
John 11:9
If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble because he sees the light of this world.
1 John 2:10
The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
Matthew 6:22
“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.
1 Thessalonians 5:5-6
for you are all sons of light and sons of day
Romans 13:12
put on the armor of light
joy of nine9 
Nicely stated Melanie!
*Virginia Lieto, Inspirational Author* *Embrace the virtues to live a happier life!* Download your FREE Virtues Guide at http://virginialieto.com Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, Google +, and Pinterest
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thank you, Virginia for you support and your own writing which radiates kindness and mercy
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Melanie, if I could like this twice I would! Since Friday this is how I have been feeling in looking at all of the division, fear and hurtful comments. In a field of changing profile pics, I want to choose a place of mercy, peace and compassion.
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yes, yes, yes- I felt the same
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There is no need to force beliefs on each other, indeed. We must promote calm and peaceful dialogue. We don’t need to hate people, but we do need to hate sin.
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If there’s trouble, we should fight it properly. We can do it. There’s a way to find out the truth and spread it properly, especially when we put our will into finding it with friendship and synergy. Indeed, the darkness is there and can lead us to doom, but deep inside us is the inherent desire to look for hope and truth and true happiness. When we clearly know that we are being foolish, we stop trying to be foolish. I pray that we people would understand the laws of God and the universe better.
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Thank you for the inspiration, Melanie. I needed to hear this.
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