A Life-Changing Moment
I still recall the exact moment when my phone lit up with a push notification. I was sitting in the Capitol annex in Kentucky when an alert informed me that the Obama administration would no longer defend a long-standing law defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Although the movement to redefine marriage had been gaining momentum for some time, this announcement in early 2011 carried a powerful symbolic weight—it signaled that a federal acknowledgment of same-sex marriage was becoming increasingly plausible.
At that very moment, I felt that a society unwilling to acknowledge the true nature of marriage was distancing itself from history, reason, and a divine vision of family. It was a stark reminder that when society departs from core truths, it undermines its own foundation for a thriving community.
2011: Stepping Into the Battle
That year marked the beginning of my professional journey as I embarked on my first significant role after seminary. I traveled throughout Kentucky, engaging with pastors, meeting legislators, mobilizing church communities, and crafting opinion pieces defending traditional causes. Although I nearly found myself leading a congregation in northern Kentucky, I felt called to champion a broader cause that was under relentless cultural attack.
“A society that refuses to recognize the truth of marriage is a society at odds with history, common sense, and a higher calling for the family.”
I was deeply influenced by noted thinkers and emerging voices whose work vindicated the view that marriage is defined as a lifelong, complementary union between a man and a woman. For me, this understanding was not only rooted in Scripture but also in an undeniable natural order that transcends political trends and legal decisions.
2012: Persisting in the Struggle
The following year, I joined a respected policy institute where I collaborated with colleagues in the religion and society division. The battle over marriage was intensifying, and each day involved writing editorials, organizing coalition meetings, and preparing responses to the cultural challenges that targeted the traditional concept of marriage.
Even as several state votes moved toward recognizing same-sex marriage and public opinion shifted, there was a distinct sense that natural truths remained valid regardless of popular sentiment. Alongside a like-minded colleague, I co-authored an article making the case that the enduring principles of nature persist even when countered by cultural trends. It was a challenging time—criticisms were harsh, opponents were relentless, and there were even personal attacks against those of us who stood for what we believed.
2013–2015: Awaiting the Inevitable Shift
In 2013, a landmark Supreme Court ruling effectively dismantled the old legal framework for marriage by striking down the Defense of Marriage Act. The legal definition of marriage had long been under stress, and many of us anticipated that the next step would be a nationwide reevaluation of the institution. Although it was an outcome no one invited, the momentum was undeniable.
When the Supreme Court extended nationwide recognition of same-sex marriage in 2015, it felt as though a judicial body had overstepped its bounds, imposing a redefined concept of marriage on every state. This decision marked a turning point—one that reshaped the legal landscape and forced us to reckon with a new reality.
2015–2025: Reflecting on the Legacy of Change
Now, as we mark a decade since that transformative ruling, it is important to pause and consider the lessons learned. Though the aftermath has been marked by various challenges, this period has also offered valuable insights for those of us who have long defended traditional values. I began this journey as a young adult and have now reached forty, and the experience has been as much about personal growth as it has been about cultural change.
Here are five important lessons drawn from those years:
-
The Importance of Camaraderie:
No one can stand alone against formidable cultural forces. In the wake of major legal decisions, fellow advocates came together to offer support and encouragement. The bonds forged in those trying times have endured, reinforcing the conviction that shared values are a powerful source of strength.
-
The Constancy of Truth:
Certain realities remain unchanged. The fundamental truth of marriage—as a union between one man and one woman—has never been altered by shifting public opinion, votes, or court rulings. In every classroom and discussion, I emphasize that nature’s blueprint for marriage remains inviolate.
-
The Intrinsic Worth of Bearing Witness to the Truth:
Even if outcomes seem unfavorable, the act of standing for what is true, beautiful, and good holds its own value. When one believes in an immutable truth, dedication to its defense is a reward in itself, regardless of cultural tides.
-
Embracing a Long-Term Perspective:
Momentary setbacks do not define the broader moral journey. It is easy to feel discouraged when immediate progress seems absent, yet history has a way of vindicating steadfast principles. Patience and long-term commitment remain essential in the pursuit of a higher moral order.
-
Championing Positivity Over Opposition:
Our strategy was often framed as a reaction against a negative trend rather than a proactive vision for the future. In reflection, it is more effective to build positive alternatives that affirm the value of traditional family structures. Defending the rights and well-being of children, for example, offers a compelling counterpoint to debates that merely focus on abstract ideas.
2025 and Beyond: Questioning the New Norm
Although the cultural and political landscape seems settled with regard to marriage today, history teaches us that no social arrangement is immune to change. The prevailing optimism about the permanence of current policies may be premature, especially as early indicators suggest a growing unease among some Americans about the broader consequences of redefining marriage.
Increasing public attention is being paid to the issues of family decline and falling birth rates—a matter that touches the very core of a society’s future. It is conceivable that a collective reassessment of family values may eventually prompt a return to a more traditional understanding of marriage. In that eventuality, it remains important to continue advocating for what many believe is not only natural but also just.
Today: Advocating for a Return to Traditional Marriage
The current debates over marriage are not simply about abstract principles but also about the tangible well-being of children. Amid a media landscape filled with images that celebrate non-traditional families, it is hard to ignore the deep-seated instinct that children benefit from the balanced presence of both a mother and a father.
When same-sex couples form families through means that still rely on biological contributions from both sexes, it highlights a fundamental discrepancy. By design, the ideal family structure is one where children receive the full spectrum of parental love that comes uniquely from a mother and a father. Any deviation from this pattern, many argue, represents not just a legal change but a moral injustice against the natural order.
This perspective has also fueled a growing movement centered on children’s rights. Instead of engaging solely in ideological debates, the focus is shifting toward how family structures impact the real lives of young people. In emphasizing the rights of children to experience a full complement of parental care, advocates hope to drive broader cultural and legal reforms.
Ultimately, when society deviates from enduring truths, it risks unravelling its moral fabric. History shows that a community’s strength is rooted in its commitment to timeless principles. Despite the challenges posed by current cultural trends, those who stand by their core convictions believe that truth will ultimately prevail.
In the words of a famous thinker, there is a profound dignity in fighting a cause that appears unwinnable—even if it never seems so. In the long view, being aligned with what is fundamentally right assures that victory belongs not to fleeting trends, but to the enduring light of truth.
Rockin’ the faith, one verse at a time!
Growing up, the Bible’s stories deeply impacted me. Now, with over 15 years of preaching experience, I blend timeless teachings with modern technology, making them relevant for today’s world.
Bible Hub Verse is my platform to share historical insights and thought-provoking articles, exploring both familiar and uncommon Christian topics. My passion is building a welcoming online space for everyone to learn, grow in their faith, and discover the Bible’s enduring message.
Join the journey!
God bless you.
By