Thanks Fox News (and others) for the Laughs!!

As History major/Political Science minor I like to stay abreast on the latest news and political headlines. In my efforts to remain “fair and balanced” I frequent a number of websites. Everything from TMZ, CNN, Yahoo! News and even Fox News. Today, while I was browsing the front pages of Fox’s website I was struck by a headline “Teacher's Job in Jeopardy Over Gay Marriage Views”. The brief description of the article read: “Florida school suspends former 'Teacher of the Year' for voicing his objection to gay marriage on Facebook.”  WHAT!?! WHY!?! HOW DARE THEY!!! I can just hear the rants of the radical right sympathizing with this poor “Teacher of the Year.” How could I not read the story?

So I read it and I learned about Jerry Buell, a “Veteran American History teacher” who reacted to New York making marriage equal by posting the following comment on his personal Facebook page:

“I’m watching the news, eating dinner when the story about New York okaying same-sex unions came on and I almost threw up,” he wrote. “And now they showed two guys kissing after their announcement. If they want to call it a union, go ahead. But don’t insult a man and woman’s marriage by throwing it in the same cesspool of whatever. God will not be mocked. When did this sin become acceptable?” 

As the story goes, “Three minutes later, Buell posted another comment: “By the way, if one doesn’t like the most recently posted opinion based on biblical principles and God’s laws, then go ahead and unfriend me. I’ll miss you like I miss my kidney stone from 1994. And I will never accept it because God will never accept it. Romans chapter one.” 

The story on Fox News said that “his job is on the line because of what some have called anti-gay and homophobic comments” and that Mr. Buell is “stunned by the accusations.” What accusations are you stunned by Mr. Buell!?! Your comments were CLEARLY anti-gay and homophobic. Or did you were you referring to a  "cesspool" in a positive light!?!

So let me jump on my soapbox for a moment and make a couple of quick observations:

1)     I love how different news corporations spin the same story – and Fox News certainly isn’t the only one to do it!! In fact, a hobby of mine is to watch Fox News report on a story and then watch MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow report on the same thing. In the example of the story above, Fox News’ touted Mr. Buell’s “Veteran” teaching status and former “Teacher of the Year” award (both of which have no merit to the story). But I could see Rachel Maddow teasing an upcoming segment on her program about the “evangelical Florida teacher using social media to spread hate and prejudice.” In this case, I would lean more towards Ms. Maddow’s side but it just makes me laugh how these networks sensationalize stories according to which side of the aisle their viewers tend to lean. At least its good for a few good laughs.

2)     What is not laughable in this story is Mr. Buell’s hateful comments and unfortunate view. However, this is America and we are each entitled to believe what we want. But since Mr. Buell is quick to reference The Bible as an excuse to broadcast his hateful message (referring to Romans 1) perhaps he should be reminded of another verse: Matthew 7:2 = “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Referring to gays as a “cesspool” and calling out their “sin” seems a lot like judgment to me. It amazes me how some people want to condemn others because of their “sin” but seem so quick to forget their own. Yep, I sin. So do you!  So if I am going to hell for my “sin” then I will see you there for  “yours.” I hope you like it hot!!!

Live. Laugh. Love. (Hopefully Sleep Too!): Rants of a Sleepless Night

As tired as I am, rest and sleep seem elusive tonight. Thoughts, however, those are plentiful!! So instead of being lost in some great and amazing dream, here I am atop my soapbox perch lost in a rant.  

Life, or rather navigating life, is an all too crazy experience. What is important? What matters? What should I do? What shouldn’t I do? The questions are endless and we can spend our whole lives looking for answers that we miss the opportunity to fully enjoy the precious time that is given to us. They say that hindsight is 20/20. Of course it is! If I knew everything then that I know today, I would be a fool not to make changes! Or would I!?! Because every change that I would make to my past means an alteration to my present and so if I fixed the “bad” of then would I still appreciate the “good” of today?

Each of our histories are full of things that we are probably less than thrilled to recall. Lord knows that mine is! I like to think of myself as a smart, educated, kind, generous and likeable person (the list could go on and on!), but for each of the positive adjectives that I would like to use to describe myself, there are probably countless other less-desirable words that could be used to identify me at one point or another along my journey so far, and rightfully so.  

I’m not perfect. Not even close! But on a daily basis, we market ourselves. From our Facebook profiles to our resumes, to our cocktail hours we put our best out for others to see and hope that is all that they buy. And believe me, I am not pointing fingers! I’ve already said it before – I have an approval addiction. So I am certainly not one to embrace and share my hiccups, heartaches and general eff-ups. Well, not unless I am paying you hundreds of dollars per hour. In that case how much time do you have!?!

Life isn’t about being perfect, easy and ideal. Sure, that is nice to idealize, but it’s not reality. Life is about reconciling our eff-ups so that we can make a better tomorrow in spite of yesterday. The struggle, strife and conflict that we endure, and more importantly, how we endure it, is what really makes us who we are. It’s easy to wallow in self pity. It’s harder to own and embrace our faults and expecting and require  others to love us despite them too! I am working on this one... Baby steps.

Live. Laugh. Love. Those are more than words that adorn pictures, frames and home décor found in our mother’s homes. They are words to live by (hence the first word!). I want to live and enjoy the time that I have. I want to laugh and find the humor in all, even when I make mistakes, when I hurt or when life seems unbearable. God gave us the ability to laugh, even thru our tears, for a reason! It’s okay to laugh at myself and from time to time it may even be okay for others to laugh at me too! (KEYWORD: MAY be!)

Lastly, I want to love. I want to love regardless of rules, regulations, or expectations – imposed by myself or anyone else. I realize and accept the risk that I may not always be loved back as equally as I love and as hard as that is and will be, it’s okay. I can make it. Have before, and I can again. I want to love with all my heart because not until I know what it’s like to offer full and unconditional love will I know what it’s like to receive the same in return.

I don’t want to worry about the “what ifs”, “what abouts” and all of the things that I can’t change. The fact is I’ve messed up and I will again. I’m going to fall, but as soon as I do I am going to pick myself back up and do my best to learn not to fall in the same place again. And I do then I will look for another lesson to be learned. Like the prayer says: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things that I can. And wisdom to know the difference.” AMEN and goodnight!!!

Hot Topic # 1: GOD

Yesterday I posted a link to my Facebook page about an article posted on cnn.com entitled "I was wrong about same-sex marriage." The article was written by a former Special Adviser to President George W. Bush and I encourage you to read it: http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/06/27/frum.gay.marriage/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

I didn't realize that the simple text "...my God" would ignite such a discussion and while it is clear that we don't all agree, I found it very interesting and it really led to me starting this blog. It's a discussion that is to be continued, but here's where we are so far. What do YOU think!?

THE CAST OF CHARACTERS (in order of appearance):

Me

Preacher Boy = Preacher Boy and I grew up in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church together and our families are still great friends. He is now a Lutheran Pastor. He is perhaps one of the most kind, genuine people I've ever met. Very smart too!

Georgia Peach = I met Georgia Peach in college and we've grown to be great friends. She is like family now! She is fiercely loyal to her friends and also extremely smart.

Pretty Eyes = I met Pretty Eyes through Georgia Peach in college and she is one of my favorite people. Unlike me, P.E. does not have an addiction to approval and isn't afraid to share her opinions with others. Its one of the things I admire most about her!  

Sweet Sis = Preacher Boy's sister. I've also known her since I was a kid and again, one of the nicest people I know. Preacher  Boy and Sweet Sis are just good people, plain and simple.

AND HERE'S HOW IT ALL WENT DOWN:

ME: (original post):  "Interesting article written by a former special assistant to President Bush (W). I hope that all conservatives will eventually see that the slippery slope idea was wrong and that extending equal rights to all doesn't pose a threat to the institution of marriage. Why would "we" want to destroy something that we're fighting so hard for!?! Maybe one of these days my state will recognize me a real person too, but thankfully my God already does!!!!!"

Preacher Boy: When did God become a possession? (I don't really mean to be a jerk. I probably sounds like it, but I'm really writing this with a smile on my face.) Presumably, if he is "your" God, then "my" God might differ? If they are different, then is the difference allowed? Just some thoughts. :-)

Georgia Peach:  To Preacher Boy whoever the heck you are, of course we all believe in a different version of the Lord. The God Chris is referring to is one of understanding and love eternally and unquestionably regardless of sexual preference. Therefore your question of "is it allowed" is moot. The God so many people choose to believe in is just and fair and offers eternal life to those who love, obey, and profess his grace. That being considered, if you believe in a God of judgment and shame then I pity you.

Georgia Peach: Chris, I think this is a great article and I hope people begin to focus on the real issues this country is dealing with instead of spending time and energy fighting something that should be considered a first amendment right. I love you and you'll have your day babe!! P.s. Miss you like crazy!!!

Preacher Boy: I made no comment regarding sexual preferences. My comment was intended to point out the irony of "owning" God. I think you said it right Georgia Peach: the God who Chris worships. I asked who his God is, so that I might examine what that God has said concerning Himself. I can tell you very clearly what the God who saved me in Jesus Christ says regarding sexual preferences. So, my question is, where does this God, I assume yours as well, reveal himself? I'd like to know.
  
Preacher Boy: One other note: I'm not trying to be hostile. I believe there are sincere differences between what I believe and what you believe. Furthermore, if these difference really exist, we should be genuinely concerned about each other's divergent ...opinions. Right? It's a matter of eternal significance, so, in Christian love, let's talk, sincerely trying to understand and comprehend each other's understanding of the facts and the opinions that stem from these understandings.

Georgia Peach: Where does he reveal himself? Maybe I'm over simplifying this response, but it seems obvious to me......in our hearts. Faith is all about the belief in something unknown, unseen....where else would he reveal himself if not through there. If you're speaking of literal terms, i.e. the bible, we all know the written word is often left to interpretation.

Preacher Boy: You have proposed that God reveals Himself in two places: our hearts and in the Word of God, the Scriptures. Does one of these take preference over the other? If you find your heart in conflict with your interpretation of the Scripture, which takes precedence? Or do they ever differ? Perhaps your heart and the Scriptures don't differ.

Preacher Boy:  Once again, I want to be absolutely clear. I'm not being hostile. I am interested in a mutual search for the truth.

Me: I posted this with the intention of standing on my own soapbox for a moment and its turned out to be an interesting discussion - I am glad that I have such interesting friends who are firm in their beliefs, albeit conflicting at times. Preacher Boy,... you raised a good question about when I said "my God" so I'll try to answer briefly. I can’t speak for everyone, but I can most certainly say that God reveals himself to me in my heart and thoughtful meditation. I truly believe that if God wanted me any other way, He would have made me that way. Now, does that mean that I do everything EXACTLY the way God would want me to? No. I am human and by my nature I am sinful. (We can debate what is sin and what is not all day long and most likely we couldn't all agree.) What I am thankful for is that my sins, (whatever they may be) have been paid for by the blood of my Savior. I tried to *love* as others expected me to, and as I thought God wanted me to. But the truth is that I was trying to will love with my brain and I couldn't feel it with my heart. I didn't love another, and all I had for myself was hatred and disdain. Once I stopped trying to love with my brain and started loving with my heart, I came to a deeper understanding of the God of my heart and I am at peace with who I am. I want the right for my love to one day be recognized by the law, but once again love is felt in the heart and not a piece of paper... I think Preacher Boy is right - we are all on an endless and mutual search for the truth. We won’t all agree, and that's okay! Anyways... I could go ON and ON, but thanks to you all for this thoughtful discussion. I really appreciate everyone's insight!!!

Georgia Peach: Preacher Boy, that's a good question and I think most honestly what the majority of us struggle with when we question our faith. However, I tend to go with belief in both and sometimes (depending on the issue) one trumps the other. The thing with scripture and written word is, if you look hard enough and read long enough there is a different view....some choose to view only what is taken straight from the written word, as it's written, but others (as I do myself) take a collaboration of the written word rather than specific scripture that might condemn or promote something. It's more about the general message than one specific Bible verse, that might be later contradicted slightly by another general scripture. Now, that's NOT to say that I don't abide by the Bible, or believe in it's truth because I do. I just think the bottom line depends on what type of God "you" believe in as Chris mentioned....depending on that version of the Lord, then you may be able to interpret more freely than to some who believe in a more strict God with little room for interpretation. (this may make no sense, I'm not quite as good with words as Chris is, lol).

Pretty Eyes: Preacher Boy I don't know you but I must chime in on this, I believe that we as Christians focus so much on the actions or "sins" that others commit in their daily lives that it is ridiculous. There is a book that I suggest that you read it's titled... "If the Church Were Christian" . Christians need to focus on the person not the actions, and I worship Jesus Christ and I don't believe that he is a God that wants us to fear him and scare others into belief. He wants us to love everyone no matter what and walk as He did. And there is nowhere in the bible where it shows that He turned his back on anyone from whore to beggar to adulteress, no sin is greater than any other. Not to mention that your relationship with Him is a personal one, and it is Yours. No different than saying "my" mother when you have siblings. Which we are in the eyes of God right?! Chris I love you and so does MY God remain prayerful and everything that He wants will come to pass.

Pretty Eyes: Oh and Preacher Boy as far as your search for the truth I suggest you pray and ask "your" God to give you clarity and not look for it on FB or CNN.

Sweet Sis:  In an effort to redirect this conversation, I never read that Preacher Boy was judging or focusing on sins of others. In fact, he was merely bringing up a question of the definition of God, nor was he searching for clarity in his own beliefs (Correct me if I am wrong, Preacher Boy). I think it is good to have these discussions with one another, as it helps to clarify where everyone is coming from. I have not noticed anything judgmental coming from Preacher Boy.

Georgia Peach:  Agreed Sweet Sis, which I'm glad Preacher Boy continued on to clarify. This has been an interesting post, however while so many are quick to judge I may have been quick to defend. I've known chris for almost 9 years and I've seen his struggle in finding himself, so I'll always be quick tongued when it comes to defending him along with certain freedoms I believe we as human beings should be afforded.

Preacher Boy, please excuse my accusatory tone earlier :)

Preacher Boy:  Chris: I write this as one sinner to another. You're very right, that you are a sinner whose forgiveness depends on Jesus alone. I stand in the same boat. A sinner in need of forgiveness. I also acknowledge this.

Part of the reason for this... entire discussion is to get to the point of how and where God reveals Himself. You claim that God reveals Himself in the heart. But as you also acknowledged, both you and I have differing understandings of how God reveals Himself in the heart. What arbitrates, then, between these divergent and differing readings? Shouldn't there be something outside of our hearts that distinguishes between these divergent readings?

Preacher Boy:  ‎(I hate that stupid return change.) Once again, I haven't made any comment regarding sexual choice. At the present time, I am only interested in how we know God.

I propose that my heart is inadequate for the task, in fact, every human hear...t is inadequate. I look at my own heart and realize how often I have not loved perfectly, or how often I have been angry. A God arising from my heart wouldn't love everyone, but only my kind of people. Ergo, he wouldn't be very much like the God revealed in the Bible.

Preacher Boy: Georgia Peach: Accusatory tone excused. :-) I knew that by posting, I would be opening myself up. But I also firmly believe in the need to be able to converse without throwing labels around at people I don't know. If I have labeled anyone, please ...do let me know. Secondly, I haven't addressed your comments yet, but that's because this is Chris's post/wall, and I honestly don't want to take it over. :-)

I think Chris knows that I love him. In fact, I love him enough to ask him these questions. If I didn't love him, I wouldn't bother. Like the atheist wag once said, "If you really believe that Christianity is true, then how much do you have to hate someone not to tell him about Jesus?"

Pretty Eyes: Where would you suggest I look for truth?

Me: Preacher Boy, I am not sure that there has to be something outside of our hearts that distinguishes between the different ways that we could believe that God has revealed himself in our hearts. God has made us each unique and I don't think that we will all feel the same way.

Me: I too dislike the return change! I was typing more, but I hit enter and it ended there. I've got much more to say, it's just hard to put it into a space limited here... I am full of questions and I debate God's will for me each and every day. I just pray that He will speak to me and that I will have the wisdom to know when He does! Amen! ;-)

How it all began...

BRUTALLY HONEST TRUTH ABOUT ME: I care far too much about how others perceive me and I have a horrible addiction to approval. I want to be liked, I want to be accepted and I want to fit in. As the saying goes, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Step one: done!


I love social media and can be found on Facebook more than once during the day. I like to read the funny posts from my friends, I like to see what people are up to and occasionally I might even do a little Facebook stalking (it's oh so wrong, but oh so much fun too!) As a general rule, I try to keep my own Facebook page light and fun and with the exception of an occasional rant about a bad day in the office or the insane drivers that seem to follow me around North Dallas, I try not use Facebook as a complaint forum, or a place to air any dirty laundry. But, having and sharing my own opinions doesn't mean that I have to complain or air dirty laundry, right!?


I've never blogged before and while admittedly there isn't a great throng asking for my two cents, I thought I'd create a place where I can rant and rave and stand atop my own soapbox when I need to. Really, I just have a lot to say and because I don't want to offend anyone I figured a blog was a better forum than Facebook because if I post something that someone doesn't want to read they don't have to click the link, right!? Damnit! There I go asking for approval again!


So here goes nothing! If you want to hear what I have to say, awesome! If you could care less, great! If you decide that I am a complete moron, no harm/no foul! I'm not naive enough to believe that I am right about everything or that I will sway or convince everyone to see things as I do. These are just my thoughts and ideas and take them just as that! I welcome your feedback too!