IS BEING UN-CHRISTIAN
THE SAME AS BEING UN-AMERICAN?
just curious, it sounds eerily (and scarily) familiar.
The truth is I'm disappointed, and a little surprised (but not shocked) about what has transpired over the past few weeks since we started posting about the election and issues our family believes are worthy of recording in our blog-journal.
A friend told me today that she, like I have been lucky enough to experience life from many different corners of the world thus giving us a slightly different overview on a lot of things, not better, not worse, just different. I think that the world needs healing more than judgement, yet I see little of the former from those who sling mud because our beliefs are not in line with theirs. Let me tell you one thing...our family's relationship with God will not be judged by others.
Not once have I left a message of hate on anyone's personal blog, not straight up, nor thinly veiled. If I read something I don't agree with I have the good sense to push the back button and go elsewhere. Yesterday I cut off ties with a group I have been a part of since I started the adoption journey...several of it's members felt that it was important enough to come to my blog wielding threats of 'prayer' for my family because of my beliefs. Let me tell you...my family does not need these empty promises of prayer veiled in anger or pity.
Prayer should never be used in the context which it was delivered here. Prayer is sacred, at least ours are, and our prayers are never delivered with venom or ill will, sarcasm or distaste.
When our daughters are older I hope they will read through this blog and know that both of their parents cared enough to speak out against injustices, stand up against those who want to block out the voices of those who question.
If that makes me unpopular to some critics then so be it...at least I stand in good company.
and so...in the attempt to change the world one heart at a time...I am suggesting my new favorite book...which exemplifies the most beautiful virtues that I believe will stand the test of time. Don't let fear motivate how you live your lives, let love....
22 comments:
From the burbs of D.C. I echo your thoughts. Our relationship with God is personal. Good people acknowledging differences without judgment is the way things "should" be. Open your mind along with your hearts folks.
I have been meaning to pick up this book and now will make it a priority. Looking forward to a good read. :)
I am sorry you have to defend your beliefs on your own blog. It's a sad day when people cannot have adult discussions, debates and ever disagreements with respect for some of the more sacred aspects of who we each are. I've had the book for a while but haven't found the time to read it (or anything else adult) in some time.
I support you 100% and applaud your efforts to ferret out injustice and intolerance and bigotry (because that's what CA Prop 9 and FL Amendment 2 are -- bigotry). I look forward to reading this book... just as soon as I get my Kindle!
I adore this book. Your courage is inspiring. Thank you.
I have followed your blog for many, many months. You are a fierce advocate for your children and for your beliefs. That is the exact reason why people read your blog. You have conviction and that makes you interesting. Whether they agree with you or not, they are obviously compelled by your strong voice to keep reading and commenting. Write whatever you want, answer to nobody other than your family and the higher powers you believe in; it is YOUR blog after all….
I live in a country where same sex marriage is legal and our government determined that it wasn't up to the citizens to decide. For them, it is a matter of equality and human rights. Does that make us less democratic? No, it just means our leaders are doing what they are supposed to by enforcing citizen's rights and by separating church and state. Because aside from religious reasons, nobody has made any argument why same sex marriage should not be legal. Do all of our religious institutions and marriage officiants perform same sex marriage ceremonies? Nope. Not even close. And THAT is what makes us a free country. We can choose a faith and a place to worship which supports our individual beliefs.
This does not make us any better or worse, just different. But I can say that none of us are any less Christian, Muslim, Jewish, etc, today than we were back then and our marriages do not mean any less.
We should all advocate for our beliefs if we think it will improve our society. But the message becomes distorted and diluted when people resort to snide insinuations and mud-slinging. People had an opportunity to communicate for their cause but once the message is tainted, it is lost and discreditted. You are doing the right thing by speaking out for your beliefs; your daughters will thank you.
A
You know that on this one, the Frenchie is with the Kiwi!
Again this is your blog and you should be able to put on it what you want, what means a lot to you, without having to justify yourself.
I was lurking on this book but will now definitely get it. Thanks!
you know, tonight at my book club, where this very book was the topic, we got into a deep conversation, and when the subject of religion came up, I had a bit of a knee jerk reaction, and found myself prefacing a sentence with "we go to church, but..."
I felt dirty.
just like when people say "but hey, I have black/gay (insert other description) friends.
gross...
it's come to this.
I will not defend myself on this issue again.
the book club by the way was amazing, a wonderful group of intelligent, articulate and passionate women.
I love that book. Hayley, your daughters will be proud that you stood up to hate disguised as Christianity. No one has the right to judge another human being. It is not in their jurisdiction. Twisting the bible to mouth off prejudices shows them off for what they are, scared.
I've been feeling this way so much lately! I tend not to talk much about religion or politics, but lately I feel like I need to speak up for those who can't.
Perfect choice of music by the way.
Since we live in FL - and have seen the vote in favor of marriage being defined as man/woman - it is just one more example of some people getting in others business - I for one voted against it (marry who you want - I don't care) - I have the belief that you live your life I live mine - now get on with it...So I was sad when the vote passed - jezzz in 2008 can't we move on - Love your blog - For my blog -I always say - - It is my blog and I can say what I want - don't like it - click off!
I too deleted a "favorite" link to a blog as a certain persons view were wack as far as I was concerned - too much soap box for me - seems like certain persons are scared of change - Lets get going - lets turn over that leaf - Jan can't get here soon enough!
Carol in FL
And this Aussie is with the Frenchie and the Kiwi...
Amen sister. My blog is my personal statement about who I am. It is your choice as to what you put there, and if folks dont like it, they can go run off somewhere else.
I agree, what I do with my family is my business. Our beliefs belong to us.
Arg!
And the Paddy will join the Frenchie the Kiwi and the Aussie......(did I really just call myself a Paddy!!)
Love that book. I've often quoted it during the campaign season. What an amazing and eye opening journey this whole thing has been.
I am a Christian and always thought of myself as a "Conservative" until this election when so many of my Christian friends and relatives as well as Christians in general and those in positions of influence spread extremely hateful and untrue information about Obama. I have never seen so much hatred being spewed out - and that from people who follow the same Jesus I follow - a Jesus who preached love and acceptance. None of my friends and relatives bothered to dig to find out the truth of what they were spreading, they just wanted to spread fear and hatred. And the people like Rush Limbaugh and his kind - hatemongers all! And they do it in the name of Christ! I am overjoyed that Obama won the election, but now constantly hear my friends and relatives talk in fear about what is going to be happening during his term in office. Give it a rest already!
I may not agree with all your opinions, but I respect them just as I would want others to respect mine. I think that is part of being a Christian.
Hayley, from the other side of the ocean I stand in support of you, full support. Traveling, reading, having friends and family from different corners of the earth, different faiths and different backgrounds are things that open the mind and that is not un-Christian. Christ taught compassion, kindness, conviction and ethics. The ethics He taught are the ethics many people across the world are standing up for today, people like you know what true moral and ethical politics are. Those friends are not true friends to watch you in pain and not offer support.
Hold strong, know that you are giving Piper and Paisley a global view, a view that will mean they can live and thrive in any culture, being among people from any religion, colour and creed. Isn't that was Christ did?
And this Brit is with the Paddy, Ozzie, Kiwi and Frenchie.
Thank you for having one of the most interesting blogs ever. :) Seriously, I love reading the controversy and I am glad you stand by your convictions. The girls will be very proud one day when reading your posts. I got your back on this issue, that's for sure.
Miguel
Would this be considered a 'hate crime' ?
Is there any tolerance shown for the elderly woman's rights here?
http://tinyurl.com/6xrl6n
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and how about here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDEAYgm0Dv8
how would you feel if this were YOUR child voicing support for Obama and their teacher treating them in this manner?
It's no wonder that the Obama children are sent to private schools that cost +/- $20,000 / year. Too bad he won't support others that would like to have other options than the above.
Go girls... the buzzards are circling I can feel it in my bones...
:)
Two words, emphasis on the first...
Respectfully disagree.
That's what runs the country. I may not have the same political views as you, but I read because I care about you guys and to challenge my views. Between me, my parents and siblings we have differing political view and make sure that we hold each other accountable for our choices. Some people just cannot have their views challenged.
Keep up the good work.
Three Cups = My favorite book of ALL time. It encompasses everything I believe in.
EVERYONE should read it.
Haley, that was uncalled for. You have felt very free to leave comments on other blogs (including my own) voicing your opinions. I will respect your wishes and ask you and your radical liberal friends to refrain from posting again on mine.
I noticed you have disabled the comments on your aggressive post above so I am leaving this message to you here.
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