God Bless America!!

I love the Independence Day for so many reasons. But they have little to do with food or fireworks or even fun!! (Although what would the 4th be without them!) I love this holiday because it reminds me that we live in one of the greatest nations in the world; built on courage, perseverance and vision. I think of the remarkable people of our shared past; George Washington, Thomas Paine, Chief Standing Bear, Martin Luther King Junior, Harriet Tubman, to name just a few. I think of all the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for this country, and of those who continue to defend. 

True, this country has had it’s share of dark days and ignorance, and we have some intense issues to discuss in these trying times. But that is not what defines us to the rest of the world, and it shouldn’t define us to ourselves. Men and women from all races, cultures and religions have called this country home and helped to make it one that stands out among other nations as a place for opportunity and liberty. I think of my ancestors, and the reasons they came to this land: We are a nation of many “citizen-immigrants”; it is what defines us as a nation. I know countless immigrants, from many countries, and the stories of why they are here and from where they came are nothing short of amazing. What some have had to live through to get to the United States of America just to have a chance at the American Dream astounding! We often take for granted the freedoms we enjoy. We forget it is freedom, capitalism, and democracy that bring thousands to our shores. The cost of liberty should never be taken for granted. God Bless America and all who live here!!! Bless all who who protect and defend this Republic and her Constitution!!!  May God grant tranquil rest to all those who have given the last full measure of devotion in that service! ‪#‎CelebratingtheUSA‬

Emptying My Closet

I am in the gay-tolerance closet and I guess it might be time for me to come out. I don’t care if you are gay—sorry, I really don’t. I have a hard enough time thinking about my own sex life let alone someone else’s.

 I sin just like the rest of you, gay or straight. I struggle enough each day to fight off the evil that creeps into my own thoughts and actions to worry too much about the demons any gay (or straight) person may or may not be battling.  But I do care about people, and that is the reason for my writing this piece.

If anyone cares enough for my opinion or wants my  input on the gay marriage issue, they usually ask me personally; in person, over a cup of coffee or lunch and I explain—and if we disagree on a topic,  we have what was once known in the old days as a good old-fashioned debate. Then we part as friends with new thoughts for contemplation. My views are far too complex to try to explain any other way. But I can give you a glimpse of  a few of my thoughts here, if you are so inclined, read on.

Like most everyone else I have gay friends and acquaintances. I don't know about yours, but mine are kind, hard working, talented individuals who have a lot to offer the world. I am glad to see some of them who were once hesitant to speak of their personal lives before contribute in an intelligent and insightful way to the conversation. But frankly, I care more about their hearts and the good things they do rather than who they choose to spend their  most intimate moments.  Many of them openly say they are Christians and know about Jesus. Many grew up in Christian families: so if they know about Jesus, I leave it up to them to make peace with Him and not worry about what I think.

 I do however care about all people’s rights, and everyone’s right to live their life as they see fit.  I do not think the issue of gay marriage is as black and white as many like to pretend. I am concerned for the rights of others too as we navigate the new Supreme Court decision. I worry about the fallout for others outside the gay community in the coming years.  Some claim this is a slippery slope we are now on in regards to religious freedoms. Many Christian leaders believe the ruling will create a restricted role for people of faith in American society.  I am inclined to believe that. There are many religious organizations currently facing legal consequences for their moral convictions. How is this ruling fair for them?

Will religious communities lose rights once guaranteed them by The Constitution? What about religious schools that forbid same sex marriage in their teachings?  I guess we shall see in the coming months and years. 

Often, Christians are judged based on a few misguided and zealous followers who at times are carried away in the heat of the moment just like their opposition. We are after all, human, with flaws.  But make no mistake. This is not a joke to me and I hold fast to certain beliefs.  Please, feel free to get married if you want, whoever you are and pay no mind to me. I am still here for you with love as I hope you are for me. Civil unions are a right now in the eyes of the government and have no impact on my personal views of the sanctity of the unique union of a man and a woman in traditional religious marriage ceremonies.  I believe that when the Lord said that man was to fall in love and cleave to his wife, that’s what he meant. But that is me, I am not attracted people of the same sex so that's an easy one for me to follow. I do not mean to disrespect you if you are gay by referring to that verse. Please understand there are other topics Jesus spoke of that are far more difficult for me to follow and that I struggle with every day. I sin, sadly for me and according to the Bible any sin, great or small is sufficient to keep us from God. So, like you, I struggle to live as Jesus commanded us.  To be honest, I am much more fearful about what Jesus said about judgement and forgiveness than I am of what he said about a man or a woman's intimate relationships.   
So this is where Grace comes in, and I think if people really understood the concept of Grace, they would think differently.  By accepting it is impossible for me not to sin and knowing the only way to Heaven is through God's mercy, I am like my gay friends; I am a sinner, in need of a Savior. We are no better than the least among us.  

But as a dear friend pointed out to me the other day, Grace is not a word to be thrown around lightly, before you use it, learn what it really means. It is a concept difficult to grasp at first, and many throw it around without a real understanding of Gods word and his plan for us. God loves freely, God loves abundantly, God loves us all. But remember this, God has little tolerance for those of us-- gay or straight who refuse to love their fellow man with understanding and compassion and who will not forgive freely.

In my view with the current ruling, government is government, and is separate from my faith even if the government is oppressive to me or anyone else. Jesus once said: (Mark 12:17) “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him.” So as long as my faith and my church are not affected; as long as my church and other people of differing views are equally free to practice their beliefs in the best way they see fit: as long as churches are not sued, persecuted, discriminated against or forced to fundamentally change to fit someone’s agenda, by all means, carry on my friends.  

In praying for guidance on my feelings regarding same-sex marriage or the gay lifestyle, I have come to the conclusion that we should all take heart, and know that God is in control. God has already taken in to account the wrong turns and mistakes we make in our lives. This is why he gave his Only Son. We simply  kneel humbly before him, understand we are all sinners, give thanks for His immense love and compassion for us and accept his mercy as demonstrated by Jesus, who died for us on the cross.

Jesus loves us all, in spite of our sins, so what would he be saying right now? I don’t know for sure, but I imagine it’s what I feel he says to me often. Something like this:

·      I love you, not the better person you are trying to be, but you, right now. I know you are a sinner     and  I want what is best for you, follow me, I will give you rest.

·      I understand rejection and know how it feels to be a social outcast. Let me wrap my arms around you; please do not reject me.

·      I know how it feels to be tempted; don’t forget I lived on the earth for a time too.  Read about my time on earth, [How many of us actually read and study the Bible on a daily basis? Most who are the most critical know little of it's contents] pray, talk to others who know me, and understand my life was not an easy one. But if you walk with me, I promise you greater rewards than you could ever imagine.

·      I want more for you. Trust me, I have good things beyond what you could ever envision. Ignore all the protesting, yelling, and unrest right now, just because something is popular, does not mean it is right…listen to me…hear my voice; in your heart of hearts, you will hear me.…trust me, and learn what I have to offer you, learn of my Grace and forgiveness. Come to me, I am calling you.

Who Would Dare to Love ISIS? (A Letter from the People of the Cross)

The Good Thing About "Fifty Shades of Grey"

Yep, you read that title right!   I didn’t’ see the movie, and I don’t have plans to see it. I sadly did however, read the book, (a choice I would not make again)

But in my opinion, there is a positive side to the movie everyone has been talking about and it most likely isn’t what you are thinking. I’m not going to rant on the violence and the out of control male domination the move glamorizes,  I won’t voice my confusion on how such a story is billed as a romantic love story or how our society has come to deem this kind of abuse ok.  Instead, I am going to look at the conversations started about it’s release and use it in a small way to make a positive change.

I personally view a movie like this as a slap in the face to women trying to live free from violence and abuse. I know there are women in this world who are trying to escape “Fifty Shades” type relationships that have been battered, traumatized and made to think it is their fault. The movie is more about one person’s pleasure and emotions rather than two.  

Instead of just writing a post about the degrading way the movie depicts a relationship, I am going to do something; and I challenge you to do the same.

Right now there are thousands upon thousands of women (and men) trapped in abusive relationships, or hiding in fear of their supposed lover. They live every day in their own private hell.  You can find them in your local shelters, or surf the net to see the different organizations all over the world aimed at saving women from abuse at the hands of the very person who is suppose to love them. I challenge you to seek out different organizations in your communities or in other parts of the world and find a way to help. Actually, chances are you know someone who is in an abusive relationship, and that is a great place to start. Your support and encouragement can be of tremendous help to someone who feels isolated and alone in their fight. Educate yourself to the signs of abuse, and how you can help. The possibilities are endless.

 Some may label my view as prudish; but I know that  sexual expression was created by God for us to experience the greatest joy that comes in the act of self-giving, not self-seeking.  I know that to sit idly by and not speak out and do something against the kind of pornography this movie depicts is to participate in it. I know that abuse of someone reaches far beyond the victim sometimes, as too often, children are involved. 

So my friends, I am finding ways to raise awareness of the fact that many men and women live every day in a “Fifty Shades” relationship.  I need to do something. How about you?

Nearer My God

This past Wednesday was a little different for me that some Wednesdays throughout the rest of the year. It’s a time I remember the words “we are dust, and to dust we shall return”

 I am flawed, I am weak, and I live in the darkness of my sins. But all I need to do to feel nearer to my God, is to sit still, close my eyes and listen to the sound of my own heartbeat, or the wind in the trees, or to some of the most beautiful music ever made and I don’t feel so lost anymore.

I am a big Piano Guys fan. Their music soothes my soul often, the videos they produce are amazing. Here is a link to one of my Favorites:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gosY-UrpHcA

Happy birthday Dad

My daddy had the biggest heart ever!!!!

This is a photo of him, my grandma Mary, my sis, and me! (I'm sitting next to dad) Today is his birthday and I am sure he is in Heaven dancing and singing with the angels. I think he is extra happy today as he is celebrating together with my mom for the first time in many years. I have lots to be proud of having him for a father. He was kind, generous, extremely hard working and had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to sing and dance, and in later years when he could, travel a little when he allowed himself to get away from his work. The calming force in our family, he loved my mom and us kids with all his heart and soul.. My dad had a hard life, lots of tough breaks and plans that never came to full realization, but he never gave up. He loved God with a depth I never truly understood until I was grown. He would read the Bible often, and frequently had our pastor over for long conversations and Bible study. Along with my mom, he held me when I cried, scolded me when I broke the rules, shone bright when I succeeded and most of all had faith in me when I failed. I owe what I am today to that man. Death changes everything, but time changes nothing, I still miss the sound of his voice,, the wisdom of his words, the stories of his life and just being in his presence. I miss you daddy as much today as I did the day you left us.

“The War on Women in America”: Rhetoric or A Real Issue?

Personally, I find the phrase "War on Women in America"  rather offensive . I would rather others view me on a world of other issues rather than female reproductive rights alone. Women are so much more!!

Today’s woman is educated: There are more with high degrees of education.  Women are earning most associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees. (For every 100 degrees men got last year, women got 140)  

Today’ s woman has earning power like never before: Contrary to what some want us to believe, the wage gap has almost been entirely eliminated. (When you compare men and women in similar jobs, with similar experience, education, years in the workforce and hours worked, the wage gap all but vanishes)  

Today’s woman is competent: Census data shows women control over 50% of private wealth in the U.S. and make  about 80% of household spending decisions.

 What exactly is this women's war we are suppose to be fighting in this country? There are thousands upon thousands of women who are doing an awesome job in a challenging world. I know scores of single women, who are independent, fulfilled and happy; working hard to achieve their dreams. Of course, I face challenges every single day as does everyone; they are just not the challenges certain politicians of a more liberal mindset would like me to believe.

Is there really a Republican war on women?  If you are trying to convince me to side with you on that point, you will have to do more than try to make me believe we as women are lagging behind someplace. We are not; at least in the United States of America.

I am not a victim of any corporation or in today’s society at large; I am strong., I have rights, granted by the 19^th amendment . 

Access to birth control is not at the top of the majority of American women’s’ biggest concerns. Don’t patronize us in that way. There are many other more important issues to discuss.. Let’s take the focus away from this kind of rhetoric and put it back where it belongs on more important issues facing this country today.