Is It Me?
Most of the articles I have read on JU today appear angry or sad or depressed or "doomsdayish." I say "appear" because I am still not sure it was the articles themselves, but maybe my state of mind when I read them.
I feel persecuted too. Well, maybe persecuted is a bit strong. What makes people "different" or "individuals?" Doesn't the company one keeps define that person's majority? What if the company kept varies vastly? Is there a majority then? Is there a "normal?" Is there a "different?" In any given community, a type of ranking evolves. Do those of highest ranking define the mainstream? If so, am I different here or part of the mainstream?
I value people from all walks of life and all beliefs. How can I be sure of my own beliefs without exposure to others? How could I call myself a Christian, without exhibiting my belief in unconditional love? How can I judge others if I profess to love my neighbors? Do I have to continually defend myself and beliefs to people, or will they view me through my actions?
Should I apologize for being a Christian? A Republican? A pro-lifer? A mother? A woman? I will not.
I will however try to learn, understand and respect everyone I meet. I will express my opinions and profess my views. Never hatefully, condescendingly, or discriminately.
Is it my glasses or our community?
If I had to guess I'd say it's the season, the people that are unhappy are more vocal because it's supposed to be happy holiday times. Course, the happy holiday people should be more vocal as well. Maybe you just got up on the wrong side of the bed today?

