It has been over a month since my last blog. I haven’t abandoned my blog. I have just been debating during the last few weeks what I wanted to write about. A lot has happened in the news. I certainly have opinions, but I don’t want this blog to be political.
I was touched by Brandt Jean’s statement of forgiveness to Amber Guyger. His statements really made an impression on me. Just imagine what they did for Amber Guyger. The hug he gave her made me cry. I wish more people had that attitude. We may never know the impact that Brandt had on many lives. Many times forgiveness helps the forgiver much more than the forgiven. Holding on to hatred and anger causes bitterness to grow and that will deeply injure the person who has not forgiven.
I know we need to look closely at injustice and do what we can to correct the problems we find. However, perpetuating more violence is not the answer. Some woman on the news yesterday was chanting, “No justice, no peace.” A lot of protests, especially lately, seem to escalate into riots.
I don’t support racism of any kind. This includes anything that excludes anyone based on skin color (white, black, green, purple, etc.) or ethnicity. I also don’t understand why everything has to become a racial issue.
My shoe size is a 7 or 7 1/2. Just because you have a different shoe size doesn’t make you any better or lesser than me. You can’t control the size of your feet or your height. Judging someone on something like skin color (which you have no control over) is just as ridiculous as judging him/her on shoe size or height. I’ve never heard of a size 7 shoe club.
If you have tattoos all over, that’s your choice. I choose not to have tattoos. And while some body piercings make me cringe when I see them, that’s also your choice. The color of your hair is up to you. Showing prejudice based on skin color is just as stupid as showing prejudice based on tattoos, body piercing, or hair color.
I also love what Ellen DeGeneres said when people made a big deal about her sitting next to George W. Bush at a Cowboys football game. She said, “When I say, ‘Be kind to one another,’ I don’t mean only the people that think the same way I do. I mean be kind to everyone,” We need to love everyone regardless of their political opinions, their lifestyle, or skin color.
I’m sure there are many people who will disagree with me. After all, I’m a conservative, white, Christian. That makes me a horrible person to many people.
What I know is this:
If I don’t like a movie or what’s showing on television, I can turn it off or switch the channel.
I don’t have to read books or newspapers with which I don’t agree.
If I don’t like junk mail in my mailbox, I can throw it in the recycling bin.
If I don’t want to talk to an annoying scammer or telemarketer, I don’t answer the phone.
I have lots of choices.
It is not necessary for everyone to agree with me. It’s okay if you have a different opinion. I don’t have to listen to it. And I’m not going to try to shove my opinions and beliefs down your throat.
Oops! I guess this did turn out to be a little political anyway. Bottom line is this–please respect others just like you would want them to respect you.
The Golden Rule is not dead. Let’s start focusing on character rather than outward appearances.
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