And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)
In one of my first blog posts I prayed for us to become like children for as the scripture says, until we become like little children, we will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.
This can be taken in many ways. One of which to say that we must realize that God is our Father and we should become obedient to Him. The other is just what the scripture says...become like a little child.
As I am reading Heaven is for Real, I am reminded of just how much a child believes in what some of us as adults fail to see. It is actually quite chilling to read of the words Colton shares with his parents over time. Chilling because I too have heard such similar words from my own Bradley. You see both Colton and Bradley have left their parents speechless and hearts filled with wonder and awe and even a little longing to be so carefree and open with our sharing of the ways we have seen God work in our lives.
With Colton (and I haven't finished the book yet, so I don't know all he has to say), he stops his dad, who is a pastor by the way, in his tracks through statements such as knowing that he should be nice to others and share because Jesus told him to. Hmmm....sounds so much like what Bradley has told me before, "Jesus told me to help by folding my own clothes." "Jesus taught me how to fold them."
While I don't know all of Colton's story, I do know Bradley's. For those who haven't read my first few posts, please take the time to go back to them. You see Bradley from a young age has spoken of the places he has seen Jesus. Right down to describing where Jesus sits in the car. Of course now Bradley doesn't speak of seeing Him out as much, but the reasoning "Well mommy, I have Jesus and God in my heart." He's even described to me how he felt brand new/different after he asked them to be in his heart. And no, this did not come about from my talking about this or even from church. This was an out of the blue announcement one night while Bradley was getting ready to take a shower.
So why is it so hard for us as adults to see Jesus around us? Could it be we have let the world and our temporary home come in the way? Was there a magical age when we no longer saw Him around? When did we stop seeing Him for ourselves? Did He come to us when we were little just as He has come to Bradley and to Colton? What can we do to find the child within and believe as children do?
I can only speak for myself and often I feel "odd" because people expect me to let out my frustrations and to get angry because of the medical challenges we have had to fight and continue to fight and learn to live with, but I don't. I do get a little frustrated at times, afterall who doesn't want their children to live a healthy normal life? But do I get angry with God, sorry, but the answer is no. Do I question Him. Sure, from time to time. But what gets me through is my faith that with Him all things are possible and as Romans 8:28 states "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose".
That verse was shared with me when I was 16 and life was bringing about more change for me. As much as it hurts to have to deal with the pain that I cannot take away from my children, I truly believe God has a purpose for their lives and they must endure their present to become who He wants them to be.
So as you look around you, pay special attention to children. It's amazing to view anything from their point of view because their senses are tuned in to the things that we so often forget to notice or that we take for granted. Stare up in awe at the stars, delight in the rain, embrace the sun. Take in your surroundings. Above all go to God as a little child. Open your hearts so that you too may see through the eyes of a child. Believe and profess without hesitation.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
God Smacked Me Upside the Head...or Something Like That
In the chaos of children and adults swarming around to get to their seats. Above all the noise of the music, I felt as if someone had smacked me upside the head. My head turned without having to search for why because my eyes landed on a little boy in the crowd. My thoughts immediately turned to Teddy Stallard's story.
You see two years ago an unruly, full of anger and an I don't care attitude little boy entered my life unexpectedly at Vacation Bible School. At the time he was all of three years old. But the determined person I am....and the one who much prefers to have the hard to reach students because for some reason I feel God granted me with a gift to love these people, I was determined that S.C. was going to listen and he was going to have a good time and he was going to feel loved...if only for a few short hours.
Recently S.C. entered my life again although he did not know it. You see, on Tuesday mornings I would stand out at the car rider line in the wee hours of the morning to let students out. At first I wasn't sure, but after a few weeks and some double checking, I knew for sure this was the same S.C. from VBS 2009.
As chance would have it, on Monday evening as I picked up our nametags, something made me turn around. Right behind me was S.C. and grandma who was filling out the registration form. A little part of me hoped he would be in my group (some people probably think I am a glutton for punishment). I immediately asked S.C. if he had been in Ms. S's class this past year. Grandma looked at me to which I explained how I knew...I worked at the school.
I went on about my business of getting my own kids something to drink and settled in not thinking much of it. When we headed to find a place at a table, I saw the green lanyard hanging from his neck. S.C. was going to be in my group!?.
I could feel the thoughts of those in the room. Some of indifference, not knowing the reputation of this child and others filled with "Oh no! He's back!" Let me remind everyone right now of John 8:7 "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone." While this in no way implies that any child or grandchild is the same as or worse than S.C., just remember that there are plenty of children all around us who may need some help in the behavior department, so think of the behavior of your own before you start criticizing the behavior of another.
Now back to S.C., while he has gotten better over the past 2 years, I quickly learned that S.C. remains full of hate and inappropriate behavior. It's is disheartening to see such fury behind eyes of a five year old. But I knew that with constant high expectations and letting him know that I was there and that I cared we would make the few hours we had together some good hours.
As the hours and days went on, I cannot think of too many in my mixed age group who did not have a complaint about S.C. and even a few adults around commented to me about their concern with his rudeness and anger when he would be dropped off by himself when the doors opened. But you know what? On that last night of VBS, I cannot recall the students in my group saying one negative thing about S.C. There was also a remarked difference behind those cold eyes that over the past few days one had to really search to find the slightest hint of a child and of hope behind. You see that last night, there was radiance (though not the whole night) behind those deep chocolate brown eyes.
That's why God smacked me upside the head during the closing ceremonies. S.C. needs someone in his life like Miss Thompson was there for Teddy Stallard. When I looked up and saw S.C. I could only think of Teddy. I do not know what will become of S.C. and maybe our paths will cross again next year.
For those of you who do not know Teddy's story, grab some tissues and listen.
You see two years ago an unruly, full of anger and an I don't care attitude little boy entered my life unexpectedly at Vacation Bible School. At the time he was all of three years old. But the determined person I am....and the one who much prefers to have the hard to reach students because for some reason I feel God granted me with a gift to love these people, I was determined that S.C. was going to listen and he was going to have a good time and he was going to feel loved...if only for a few short hours.
Recently S.C. entered my life again although he did not know it. You see, on Tuesday mornings I would stand out at the car rider line in the wee hours of the morning to let students out. At first I wasn't sure, but after a few weeks and some double checking, I knew for sure this was the same S.C. from VBS 2009.
As chance would have it, on Monday evening as I picked up our nametags, something made me turn around. Right behind me was S.C. and grandma who was filling out the registration form. A little part of me hoped he would be in my group (some people probably think I am a glutton for punishment). I immediately asked S.C. if he had been in Ms. S's class this past year. Grandma looked at me to which I explained how I knew...I worked at the school.
I went on about my business of getting my own kids something to drink and settled in not thinking much of it. When we headed to find a place at a table, I saw the green lanyard hanging from his neck. S.C. was going to be in my group!?.
I could feel the thoughts of those in the room. Some of indifference, not knowing the reputation of this child and others filled with "Oh no! He's back!" Let me remind everyone right now of John 8:7 "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone." While this in no way implies that any child or grandchild is the same as or worse than S.C., just remember that there are plenty of children all around us who may need some help in the behavior department, so think of the behavior of your own before you start criticizing the behavior of another.
Now back to S.C., while he has gotten better over the past 2 years, I quickly learned that S.C. remains full of hate and inappropriate behavior. It's is disheartening to see such fury behind eyes of a five year old. But I knew that with constant high expectations and letting him know that I was there and that I cared we would make the few hours we had together some good hours.
As the hours and days went on, I cannot think of too many in my mixed age group who did not have a complaint about S.C. and even a few adults around commented to me about their concern with his rudeness and anger when he would be dropped off by himself when the doors opened. But you know what? On that last night of VBS, I cannot recall the students in my group saying one negative thing about S.C. There was also a remarked difference behind those cold eyes that over the past few days one had to really search to find the slightest hint of a child and of hope behind. You see that last night, there was radiance (though not the whole night) behind those deep chocolate brown eyes.
That's why God smacked me upside the head during the closing ceremonies. S.C. needs someone in his life like Miss Thompson was there for Teddy Stallard. When I looked up and saw S.C. I could only think of Teddy. I do not know what will become of S.C. and maybe our paths will cross again next year.
For those of you who do not know Teddy's story, grab some tissues and listen.
Friday, November 13, 2009
New Doors Opened
We raced excitedly across the parking lot.
"Is this it, mommy?" he asked.
"Yes, baby. We are here."
As we approached the first set of doors, Bradley drew in his breath. His entire 3 feet 2 inches was just a little taller. His face shown brightly and his eyes lit up like fireworks. And then we entered....
The musty smell of aging books mixed with the new smell of books filled with crisp pages and fresh ink enveloped us.
"Wow!" Bradley exclaimed. "This is the library."
"Yes baby, this is the library. See all those books in there. Let's keep going, we're not quite inside yet," I told him as we walked through the second set of doors.
"Where are my books?"
"Hold on just a minute. Let's go get you a library card first. Come over this way."
We made our way to the circulation desk. As the lady behind the counter finished what she was working on, she looked up and asked how she could help us. "We're here to get him," I pointed to Bradley, "a library card."
As she set to work entering his data, Bradley watched intently. Then came the red plastic card along with a permanent black marker. "Here you go, sign your card."
"B... is that a B mommy?" Bradley asked after attempting to write the first letter in his name. It was a little difficult because he was stretching just a bit to see the top of the counter.
"Yes, you know how to write your name."
Together we adjusted his grip and he finished signing his card which he didn't want to let go. Anyone around would have been able to check their reflection in his grin it was so big and bright.
We made our way downstairs. Me excited to watch my little boy take in his first libary experience. I was so proud of him, when we walked by the videos, he asked what was down there. I explained and he told me, "No, I want to get my books."
Anyone who knows Bradley knows he is an avid reader. He probably has between 100-200 books in his room. Partly because he goes to my classroom and "borrows" books that absolutely have to visit his preschool class, and then magically disappear into his room. Needless to say, I was afraid we would be in for a long visit as he debated which books to check out. Oh no, not today. Because as Bradley has told me over and over, "We have to bring these books back." I guess that makes it easier to make a quick decision. He was determined: I want dinosaur books and transformer books.
Within less 5 minutes however, Bradley was proudly carrying a search and find book: Mean Machines and a book on Airplanes.
"You can get one more book. Do you want an informational book or fiction, a story book?" I asked.
"No mommy, you can get a book. I have 2." he told me.
"That's sweet and thank you, but you can get another book. I have my own card and I have lots of books I'm reading at home right now." I said.
"Oh, okay. But will you come back and get some books for you?" Bradley quizzed, genuinely concerned that I was not getting a book today.
"Yes, just not today. Today is your day!"
So we went about finding one more book. That's when we found it, Danny and the Dinosaur by Sid Hoff. A book he "read/watched" on bookflix last week.
Off we went back to the circulation desk. Bradley stretched to put his books on the counter, then stretched again to put his shiny new red card up there as well.
We then bounced out of the library with a whole new world opened up and waiting for our return.
"Is this it, mommy?" he asked.
"Yes, baby. We are here."
As we approached the first set of doors, Bradley drew in his breath. His entire 3 feet 2 inches was just a little taller. His face shown brightly and his eyes lit up like fireworks. And then we entered....
The musty smell of aging books mixed with the new smell of books filled with crisp pages and fresh ink enveloped us.
"Wow!" Bradley exclaimed. "This is the library."
"Yes baby, this is the library. See all those books in there. Let's keep going, we're not quite inside yet," I told him as we walked through the second set of doors.
"Where are my books?"
"Hold on just a minute. Let's go get you a library card first. Come over this way."
We made our way to the circulation desk. As the lady behind the counter finished what she was working on, she looked up and asked how she could help us. "We're here to get him," I pointed to Bradley, "a library card."
As she set to work entering his data, Bradley watched intently. Then came the red plastic card along with a permanent black marker. "Here you go, sign your card."
"B... is that a B mommy?" Bradley asked after attempting to write the first letter in his name. It was a little difficult because he was stretching just a bit to see the top of the counter.
"Yes, you know how to write your name."
Together we adjusted his grip and he finished signing his card which he didn't want to let go. Anyone around would have been able to check their reflection in his grin it was so big and bright.
We made our way downstairs. Me excited to watch my little boy take in his first libary experience. I was so proud of him, when we walked by the videos, he asked what was down there. I explained and he told me, "No, I want to get my books."
Anyone who knows Bradley knows he is an avid reader. He probably has between 100-200 books in his room. Partly because he goes to my classroom and "borrows" books that absolutely have to visit his preschool class, and then magically disappear into his room. Needless to say, I was afraid we would be in for a long visit as he debated which books to check out. Oh no, not today. Because as Bradley has told me over and over, "We have to bring these books back." I guess that makes it easier to make a quick decision. He was determined: I want dinosaur books and transformer books.
Within less 5 minutes however, Bradley was proudly carrying a search and find book: Mean Machines and a book on Airplanes.
"You can get one more book. Do you want an informational book or fiction, a story book?" I asked.
"No mommy, you can get a book. I have 2." he told me.
"That's sweet and thank you, but you can get another book. I have my own card and I have lots of books I'm reading at home right now." I said.
"Oh, okay. But will you come back and get some books for you?" Bradley quizzed, genuinely concerned that I was not getting a book today.
"Yes, just not today. Today is your day!"
So we went about finding one more book. That's when we found it, Danny and the Dinosaur by Sid Hoff. A book he "read/watched" on bookflix last week.
Off we went back to the circulation desk. Bradley stretched to put his books on the counter, then stretched again to put his shiny new red card up there as well.
We then bounced out of the library with a whole new world opened up and waiting for our return.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Decorations Were Strewn All Over the Floor
It was quiet. Too quiet. What were they up to?
As I put down the pajama top and went to open the door I found it locked.
"You better open the door. NOW!" I yelled.
"Come in!" giggled a little boy.
"You better unlock the door and I mean NOW!"
I heard some rummaging and finally a click. The door opened and I found Bradley's beaming face staring up at me. Tori was in the middle of the room pulling diapers out of a bag she had found.
"Welcome to our party Mommy. See look we decorated," Bradley said as he swept his hands around to indicate the decorating he was referring to.
"See I did that part," he explained as he pointed to the floor. In front of the book shelf, the baskets of books had not only been taken off the shelf, they were out of the baskets, covering the floor like a new carpet.
"And see over there. That's where Tori decorated." Bradley proceeded to point to the kitchen set. Sure enough, the decorations of plastic bread, lettuce, donuts, and any number of other plastic food along with play plates, cups, and utensils blanketed the other half of the room.
One more reason to why parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world. How do you get mad and upset for such a creative description of the room that I perceived to be a mess? The laughter in my head was hard to contain, but I managed.
As always, daddy had perfect timing for getting home. The kids rushed to him and I went back to the laundry. Some of Tori's decorations still adorn the floor, but the books managed to find their way back into baskets....even if they were put in there haphazardly.
As I put down the pajama top and went to open the door I found it locked.
"You better open the door. NOW!" I yelled.
"Come in!" giggled a little boy.
"You better unlock the door and I mean NOW!"
I heard some rummaging and finally a click. The door opened and I found Bradley's beaming face staring up at me. Tori was in the middle of the room pulling diapers out of a bag she had found.
"Welcome to our party Mommy. See look we decorated," Bradley said as he swept his hands around to indicate the decorating he was referring to.
"See I did that part," he explained as he pointed to the floor. In front of the book shelf, the baskets of books had not only been taken off the shelf, they were out of the baskets, covering the floor like a new carpet.
"And see over there. That's where Tori decorated." Bradley proceeded to point to the kitchen set. Sure enough, the decorations of plastic bread, lettuce, donuts, and any number of other plastic food along with play plates, cups, and utensils blanketed the other half of the room.
One more reason to why parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world. How do you get mad and upset for such a creative description of the room that I perceived to be a mess? The laughter in my head was hard to contain, but I managed.
As always, daddy had perfect timing for getting home. The kids rushed to him and I went back to the laundry. Some of Tori's decorations still adorn the floor, but the books managed to find their way back into baskets....even if they were put in there haphazardly.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Tori's 1st Live Band: Jump Start
At the hint of a musical note, she begins tapping her foot, raising her hands, or rocking her head from side to side. That's my Tori. And to watch her fills my heart with so much joy that words cannot express.
From the day I realized Tori's room had to be ballerina bears, I knew she was going to be my dancer. Little did I know how natural it was going to come. Now I know many babies do that cute baby dance thing and yeah, I may be bias, but hey I'm her mom. I have a right to be. And if you ever get to see her live....because for some reason she knows when I'm trying to video....you could tell that she really focuses on the beat. If you look in her eyes, you can almost see the wheels turning. She'll start dancing, then stop....listen, then start again sometimes adjusting her dance moves to better match the beat. It's quite interesting to watch.
Last night Tori and I went out to eat with my parents. Fortunately a band was playing so an unplanned first, or rather many unplanned firsts, happened.
After we ordered our food, Tori was taking notice of the sound check. Tapping her hand to the table, nodding her head. Then they got started. Nana, being a lover of live music, got her and took her to the side with the band.
As I watched I could tell she was working on warming up, but was a little unsure. She stayed in Nana's arms. I would see that arm raise in the air and could tell many patrons on that side were talking about Tori. If only they knew what the night would bring.
Nana and Tori returned in time for the food to be brought to our table. But even food couldn't keep my Tori still. So I did what I normally don't allow....I took her out and let her sit in my lap to eat. She moved her body, ate her fries and hot dog, but just couldn't get still.
Then came....The Electric Slide. So not only was Tori seeing her first live band, she got to dance her first line dance.
From the day I realized Tori's room had to be ballerina bears, I knew she was going to be my dancer. Little did I know how natural it was going to come. Now I know many babies do that cute baby dance thing and yeah, I may be bias, but hey I'm her mom. I have a right to be. And if you ever get to see her live....because for some reason she knows when I'm trying to video....you could tell that she really focuses on the beat. If you look in her eyes, you can almost see the wheels turning. She'll start dancing, then stop....listen, then start again sometimes adjusting her dance moves to better match the beat. It's quite interesting to watch.
Last night Tori and I went out to eat with my parents. Fortunately a band was playing so an unplanned first, or rather many unplanned firsts, happened.
After we ordered our food, Tori was taking notice of the sound check. Tapping her hand to the table, nodding her head. Then they got started. Nana, being a lover of live music, got her and took her to the side with the band.
As I watched I could tell she was working on warming up, but was a little unsure. She stayed in Nana's arms. I would see that arm raise in the air and could tell many patrons on that side were talking about Tori. If only they knew what the night would bring.
Nana and Tori returned in time for the food to be brought to our table. But even food couldn't keep my Tori still. So I did what I normally don't allow....I took her out and let her sit in my lap to eat. She moved her body, ate her fries and hot dog, but just couldn't get still.
Then came....The Electric Slide. So not only was Tori seeing her first live band, she got to dance her first line dance.
We finished eating, and Nana returned to the band area. By now Tori was ready. She got out there and boogied.
But wouldn't you know, my daughter.....the one I already know is going to give me a run for my money....was infatuated with the guitarist. Now the female singer kept her attention getting her to do some dance moves, but it was the guitarist she made ga ga eyes at.
Which leads to yet another first....Tori got her first guitar pic. After one of the songs, the guitarist handed it to Nana telling her that "He may not understand it now, but one day." At that moment the band had to mess with him and explain that she's a girl...that's what the pink on her shoes is for.
Which leads to yet another first....Tori got her first guitar pic. After one of the songs, the guitarist handed it to Nana telling her that "He may not understand it now, but one day." At that moment the band had to mess with him and explain that she's a girl...that's what the pink on her shoes is for.
**Sorry, sideways video, I could only rotate it at www.dropshots.com/ladypiper
As we headed back to Nana and Grandpop's I really thought she would fall asleep, but she kept right on dancing in her carseat. It was definitely a night to remember.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Craig and Crystal
Although I do not know Craig and Crystal and I cannot begin to understand how they must be feeling, I want to take a moment to strongly urge you to continue to pray for them. As some of you in the area may recall this summer Crystal was on her way to her mom's and they were all going to go blueberry picking. Little did Crystal and Craig know their lives would be forever changed as a speeding trucking ran into a motorcycle that ran into Crystal's vehicle. Her two precious children were killed on impact....3 and 5 years old.
They are living in a lake house owned by one of their parents and have yet to return to their own home. Physically they are healing. Craig was not involved in the accident, but physically he is caring for Crystal.
What these two may not realize is the witness their faith is spreading about God's word. What they may not realize is just how far and wide their faith is going. Just last week or the week before that I was exposed to this tragic story again when I heard some people talking of her amazing faith. I was once again struck when their story was being shared on WMHK.
Please continue to pray for them and their family.
They are living in a lake house owned by one of their parents and have yet to return to their own home. Physically they are healing. Craig was not involved in the accident, but physically he is caring for Crystal.
What these two may not realize is the witness their faith is spreading about God's word. What they may not realize is just how far and wide their faith is going. Just last week or the week before that I was exposed to this tragic story again when I heard some people talking of her amazing faith. I was once again struck when their story was being shared on WMHK.
Please continue to pray for them and their family.
Monday, September 7, 2009
I Have a Dream
I have a dream that one day I will not be judged by my religious preferences, my political views, or my geographic location. I have a dream that one day I will no longer be accused of being racist simply because I disagree with ideas and policies set forth by a person of a color other than my own. I dream that one day I will not be judged a racist simply for being a white human being in the beautiful state of South Carolina or for that matter a part of the south.
While I have not been called....at least not recently and never to my face....that I am racist. When generalizations are made, then I am being called such degrading and derogatory terms.
The last I checked I am a CITIZEN of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA by birth. In the USA we are supposed to be a republic society and in such a society I do understand that there is rule by the majority and it is a government by the people and for the people. What I don't understand is not being able to find the section describing a republic as one where if my opinions and beliefs are part of the minority thoughts for the time that I have to be quiet or else I pay the consequences of being accused of racism and ignorance. In fact the difference between a republic and a democracy is the protection of the minority. Think about the Pledge..."and to the republic for which it stands." Change does not happen for the thoughts of the minority unless they speak out and that is what makes the USA so great or at least it used to. We are protected even in our Constitution to our right to free speech.
While I may not be the best versed in politics, I do have my right to have an opinion, to disagree with the policies quickly taking over, and to not be forced to agree with everyone else.
The pendulum swings in both directions and when it swings too far one way....well the reverse will eventually happen.
I pray continuously for this country. I pray to my Saviour Jesus Christ and I pray to God the Father.
While I know some will take offense and some may even be apologetic for misunderstood implications, it doesn't change the fact that when one voice makes a generalization about an entire population and then another voice does the same then uneducated assumptions somehow begin to sound like truth.
Many races and religious affiliations have often been generalized about and it has outraged many because they were judged because of the overzealous few who were way out their in their beliefs. The same is being done around this country today.
Pot calling the kettle black. That's all I can say about that. In a few years, if I were to want to make a generalization which I don't and won't, the tables will be turned. If you are someone who considers me a racist now, how will you feel when there are generalizations made about you because you disagree when Republicans are putting forth policies you disagree with, but have limited power to change at the moment because of majority rule?
I so did not want to get into a political debate, but when I feel attacked I only have 2 choices: sit back and take it or voice my thoughts. Too many times in history has something been taken away because the true majority felt like they were a minority so they didn't speak up.
It's time to speak up. It's not the presidential election that every one should be worried about...it is each and every election. As a democracy we elect people to be our voice, if we don't take the time to elect those people during the "off" years, then no we don't have a right to complain. But I promise, I vote every November because what I vote for now affects what will be in play a few years from now. Do you?
Find out what voting issues will be on the ballot this November, educate yourself and vote.
While I have not been called....at least not recently and never to my face....that I am racist. When generalizations are made, then I am being called such degrading and derogatory terms.
The last I checked I am a CITIZEN of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA by birth. In the USA we are supposed to be a republic society and in such a society I do understand that there is rule by the majority and it is a government by the people and for the people. What I don't understand is not being able to find the section describing a republic as one where if my opinions and beliefs are part of the minority thoughts for the time that I have to be quiet or else I pay the consequences of being accused of racism and ignorance. In fact the difference between a republic and a democracy is the protection of the minority. Think about the Pledge..."and to the republic for which it stands." Change does not happen for the thoughts of the minority unless they speak out and that is what makes the USA so great or at least it used to. We are protected even in our Constitution to our right to free speech.
While I may not be the best versed in politics, I do have my right to have an opinion, to disagree with the policies quickly taking over, and to not be forced to agree with everyone else.
The pendulum swings in both directions and when it swings too far one way....well the reverse will eventually happen.
I pray continuously for this country. I pray to my Saviour Jesus Christ and I pray to God the Father.
While I know some will take offense and some may even be apologetic for misunderstood implications, it doesn't change the fact that when one voice makes a generalization about an entire population and then another voice does the same then uneducated assumptions somehow begin to sound like truth.
Many races and religious affiliations have often been generalized about and it has outraged many because they were judged because of the overzealous few who were way out their in their beliefs. The same is being done around this country today.
Pot calling the kettle black. That's all I can say about that. In a few years, if I were to want to make a generalization which I don't and won't, the tables will be turned. If you are someone who considers me a racist now, how will you feel when there are generalizations made about you because you disagree when Republicans are putting forth policies you disagree with, but have limited power to change at the moment because of majority rule?
I so did not want to get into a political debate, but when I feel attacked I only have 2 choices: sit back and take it or voice my thoughts. Too many times in history has something been taken away because the true majority felt like they were a minority so they didn't speak up.
It's time to speak up. It's not the presidential election that every one should be worried about...it is each and every election. As a democracy we elect people to be our voice, if we don't take the time to elect those people during the "off" years, then no we don't have a right to complain. But I promise, I vote every November because what I vote for now affects what will be in play a few years from now. Do you?
Find out what voting issues will be on the ballot this November, educate yourself and vote.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)