Unity Not Uniformity
I tend to try to stay away from writing about controversial topics on this blog. I have, however, recently been thinking a lot about religion and society and wanted to share these thoughts with all of you.
Why is it we let religion separate us instead of bring us closer together? I’ve spent some time reading various theological debates and I always end up thinking people tend to spend way too much time trying to prove they are “right.” I remember the first time I heard the phrase “can we just agree to disagree” I was probably in about 5th grade and unsure what the phrase meant at the time. Time went on which brings us to today where I am fully aware of what it means.
I’m not one to think that everyone always has to get along all the time. Sure, utopia would be nice but a reality? Hardly. I do believe that as Christians, believers of Christ we are called to a higher standard. I am outraged by the lack of love and basic respect I see, hear, and receive first hand from Christians. Even among my own friends and family. It saddens me to think how many denominations, sectors, and divisions the evangelical church has. Each impacting followers in its own views. Often pushing people further away from Christ instead of closer.
Think for a minute what could be accomplished if we can love unconditionally as Christ loves us. If we truly focused our energy on the common goals of Christ. Focusing on the unity of Christ and not the uniformity of religion. (Granted, we would first have to agree on what these “common goals” are which is where this whole problem started.) I just would like to urge you next time you feel the need to be right or argue your religious views to take a step back and look at yourself. Think, “am I fighting for unity or uniformity?”
Thoughts On Love
It’s no secret that today, February 14th, is Valentine’s Day. I have to be honest; I’m not a big fan of Hallmark holidays. Society telling us what love is and what we need to do to show it. Roses, candy, cards, and fancy dinners are naturally the only way to show someone you love them, right?
Wrong. I’ll admit gifts are fun to give and receive and are a way to show love. However, they aren’t the only and might the best way though. We’ve all heard the phrase “actions speak louder than words”, I believe this wholeheartedly. Using the same logic we could say, “Love is more than gifts, cards, flowers, etc”. Let’s back up, I don’t these things are necessarily bad or wrong. Maybe we should start by defining love.
What a loaded question, “What is love?” People have been trying since the dawn of time to define love. According to dictionary.com there are over 20 definitions for the word “love”. It’s both a noun and a verb. These are not including biblical, theological, pop culture and societal definitions of love. To me there are many types of love. We love everything from intimate objects to being in love and maintaining intimate relationships. Love is something that everyone longs for and needs.
One of my favorite ways to look at love is to take a look at the Bibles take on love. By looking at 1st Corinthians 13 we learn that without love we are nothing. Not just the intimate type either. I would like to challenge you to show a partner, a friend, a stranger, the world love. Let’s go beyond flowers and gifts and let our acts of love be known not only on Valentine’s Day but every day.
Have you shown your love lately? Tell me in the comments.
Needle Girl
“You’re a needle girl
In a haystack world
We are right now.”
Lately these words written by Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman have been resonating in my head. Written for the song “Needle And Haystack Life” off of the bands newest album Hello Hurricane serve as a reminder that we are all the needle in a haystack. Each of us with our own strengths and weaknesses; adding to the lives of the people around us.
When I think of my relationships it often feels like meeting many of the people are truly the needles in the haystack of my life. The once in a lifetime meetings, chances being taken, living in the moment. That is what makes my life truly worth living.
2010, For Real?
Once again the inevitable has happened, another year has come to an end. Keeping with tradition I’m writing this blag to reflect on 2009 and outline some goals for 2010. This past year was a pretty monumental year in my life. I took many necessary steps to become the person I wish to be. What’s in store for 2010 you ask.
The keyword of 2010 is “refinement.” Taking all I’ve learned about being a better person this last year and refining those skills. Learning to not take the time we have for granted but to use each moment as a gift. These goals are good goals which lead into practical applications such as going back to college or finding a job I absolutely love.
These are just a few of my goals for 2010. What are your goals, thoughts, dreams or ideas? It is my hope that though 2010 will being you joy and happiness. Thank you all for being my loyal, readers, family, and friends.
Please Remember [Transgender Day of Remembrance]
In the past I’ve written a few post about the transgendered community. Today marks the 11th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. This is a day set aside each year to remember those who lost their lives due to hatred or prejudice due to their transgendered or gender non-conforming status. November is Transgender Awareness Month, and Transgender Day of Remembrance always falls on the 20th of November starting in 1999 in honor of Rita Hester, who was murdered on November 28th, 1998. I ask you to please join with me in taking some time today and think about all those who’ve given their lives for simply expressing themselves.