come together
Republican presidential nominee John McCain has temporarily suspended his campaign in order to assist in the recovery of America's economy and the Stock Market - a pressing issue which will essentially affect most of the world. McCain has urged his opponent Barack Obama to do the same, as his campaign's backstabbing tactics of McCain's group have not done much to aid his own progress towards the Oval Office. While the campaigning process has indeed been rigorous on many levels, the need for unity in America especially during these past few weeks of crisis (the hurricanes and now the economy) has superseded the division of race, culture, and religion - or has it? Have partisan tactics with the stirring of rumors and attacks upon the other brought our nation any closer to the unity we desire? With widespread dissatisfaction for the Bush Administration among many Americans, the need for change in the government has been an overarching theme in popular society. However, is the real change something that can be brought about by the government, or does it start with the people like you and I, our attitudes toward others, and our ability to coexist amidst the divisive agendas of those seeking our destruction?
The liberal media's portrayal of a model American family like Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin's has undoubtedly raised the awareness of basic morals and ethical values among many. A recent Saturday Night Live skit suggested that her husband Todd Palin had engaged in incest with one of their teenage daughters. This crude accusation, though framed in the context of a joke or comedy skit, reflects an obvious jab on the first family to the point of defamation of character. Many of the accusations made against Palin and her family are clearly hoisted out of evil intent and even jealousy against someone who is so successful and so upstanding. While no human is perfect, including Sarah Palin whose family is wrought with many of the same issues facing common American families today, her exemplification of upright ethical and moral standards should be heeded by all. Her love for God, her family, and her country have certainly contributed to her success even at a young age as compared to many other politicians. Though she is so similar to the average hockey mom, most people have never experienced anyone quite like her, with the tenacity of a barracuda and a backbone of steel - no attacks from the media or other politicians can keep her from being who she really is.
Sarah Palin's continued resilience to the numerous accusatory attacks show what a strong woman she is, but it is clear from her values and faith that God is the one who gives her strength. A familiar verse comes to mind Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment will condemn." You see, when God is on your side He does not allow such attacks to destroy you, but instead He uses them to make you stronger, and even more resilient. Romans 8:31-33 says "If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies." Political views indeed reflect a person's personal moral and ethical values, and transcend into various aspects of human existence. Another common attack against Palin is that if a woman is raped, Sarah believes that the woman should not have an abortion, and I would tend to agree with that policy. If abortion - the killing of another human being because they might cause an "inconvenience" to you - is legal, then would it be ok for me to kill someone who is harassing and threatening my family and I? As much as we are inconvenienced, the answer is NO... the bigger issue here is the motivation of the RAPIST. When is it OK for a man to disrespect a woman to the point of violating her body and not being sensitive to her feelings? That philosophy or mindset in and of itself is the inconvenience, NOT a CHILD, a living, breathing life created by 2 other humans.
Several months ago, I became involved with a man in San Diego. One night we hung out, I offered to give him a ride home as he was noticeably intoxicated, and upon arrival to his home he was a bit too forceful with me and attempted to rape me in my car. Fortunately I was not intoxicated myself and I was able to stop him, and suggested we go inside and go to sleep instead. He drew me a map to his house and assumed we would be together sometime when he was NOT drunk, however his substance abuse overshadowed our interactions. Despite this, I developed quite a friendship with this man as we spent more time together over the following months, but I refused to have sex with him as I shared with him that I was practicing abstinence. He then began to push me away but would never explain why, other than past relationship issues which unfortunately kept him from being true to himself and opening up to the potential of loving someone who really cared about him. Although it takes two to tango, I never did anything to hurt or harm him - quite the opposite. My apologies were misconstrued and misinterpreted, however my requests to make amends with him came from sincere concern for his spiritual and emotional well being. Several of his friends continued to harass and threaten me, both verbally and physically, spreading rumors and attempting to push my buttons, but I can only ignore them, rise above, and NOT let them destroy me. Most religions teach LOVE as their basic credo, and the Bible teaches us to pray for those who persecute us. The root of the issue is likely still unresolved, which is the reason for his disrespect of women. This has nothing to do with me, and I cannot take it personally.
Is it better to push people away, argue with them, attack or even kill them because they are "inconveniencing" you, or because they are of differing race, religious views, or political party? I attended a Barack Obama rally the other day, and was told there would likely be other McCain supporters there, along with a wide variety of food options which indeed enticed me. I jumped on the opportunity and was eager to mingle with other people who had politics on their minds - despite our differences. Many of the attendees were shocked and even appalled that a McCain supporter was in their midst, but after they got over it, rather than to ostracize me they welcomed me into their social sphere. I made some valuable connections that day, contrary to my expectations. I believe many of them developed a newfound respect for those who opposed their political ideologies, as we were able to relate on so many other more personal levels. Just as John McCain is urging our country to come together in a time of national crisis, we must come together as human beings, required to coexist regardless of our differing views. Is there anyone YOU have pushed away because they were different, or because you were hurt by someone like them? Consider making amends, and working together - your interaction with them could bring positive change into your life especially if you can let go of long-held grudges. Come together, you might even find LOVE.
The liberal media's portrayal of a model American family like Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin's has undoubtedly raised the awareness of basic morals and ethical values among many. A recent Saturday Night Live skit suggested that her husband Todd Palin had engaged in incest with one of their teenage daughters. This crude accusation, though framed in the context of a joke or comedy skit, reflects an obvious jab on the first family to the point of defamation of character. Many of the accusations made against Palin and her family are clearly hoisted out of evil intent and even jealousy against someone who is so successful and so upstanding. While no human is perfect, including Sarah Palin whose family is wrought with many of the same issues facing common American families today, her exemplification of upright ethical and moral standards should be heeded by all. Her love for God, her family, and her country have certainly contributed to her success even at a young age as compared to many other politicians. Though she is so similar to the average hockey mom, most people have never experienced anyone quite like her, with the tenacity of a barracuda and a backbone of steel - no attacks from the media or other politicians can keep her from being who she really is.
Sarah Palin's continued resilience to the numerous accusatory attacks show what a strong woman she is, but it is clear from her values and faith that God is the one who gives her strength. A familiar verse comes to mind Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment will condemn." You see, when God is on your side He does not allow such attacks to destroy you, but instead He uses them to make you stronger, and even more resilient. Romans 8:31-33 says "If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies." Political views indeed reflect a person's personal moral and ethical values, and transcend into various aspects of human existence. Another common attack against Palin is that if a woman is raped, Sarah believes that the woman should not have an abortion, and I would tend to agree with that policy. If abortion - the killing of another human being because they might cause an "inconvenience" to you - is legal, then would it be ok for me to kill someone who is harassing and threatening my family and I? As much as we are inconvenienced, the answer is NO... the bigger issue here is the motivation of the RAPIST. When is it OK for a man to disrespect a woman to the point of violating her body and not being sensitive to her feelings? That philosophy or mindset in and of itself is the inconvenience, NOT a CHILD, a living, breathing life created by 2 other humans.
Several months ago, I became involved with a man in San Diego. One night we hung out, I offered to give him a ride home as he was noticeably intoxicated, and upon arrival to his home he was a bit too forceful with me and attempted to rape me in my car. Fortunately I was not intoxicated myself and I was able to stop him, and suggested we go inside and go to sleep instead. He drew me a map to his house and assumed we would be together sometime when he was NOT drunk, however his substance abuse overshadowed our interactions. Despite this, I developed quite a friendship with this man as we spent more time together over the following months, but I refused to have sex with him as I shared with him that I was practicing abstinence. He then began to push me away but would never explain why, other than past relationship issues which unfortunately kept him from being true to himself and opening up to the potential of loving someone who really cared about him. Although it takes two to tango, I never did anything to hurt or harm him - quite the opposite. My apologies were misconstrued and misinterpreted, however my requests to make amends with him came from sincere concern for his spiritual and emotional well being. Several of his friends continued to harass and threaten me, both verbally and physically, spreading rumors and attempting to push my buttons, but I can only ignore them, rise above, and NOT let them destroy me. Most religions teach LOVE as their basic credo, and the Bible teaches us to pray for those who persecute us. The root of the issue is likely still unresolved, which is the reason for his disrespect of women. This has nothing to do with me, and I cannot take it personally.
Is it better to push people away, argue with them, attack or even kill them because they are "inconveniencing" you, or because they are of differing race, religious views, or political party? I attended a Barack Obama rally the other day, and was told there would likely be other McCain supporters there, along with a wide variety of food options which indeed enticed me. I jumped on the opportunity and was eager to mingle with other people who had politics on their minds - despite our differences. Many of the attendees were shocked and even appalled that a McCain supporter was in their midst, but after they got over it, rather than to ostracize me they welcomed me into their social sphere. I made some valuable connections that day, contrary to my expectations. I believe many of them developed a newfound respect for those who opposed their political ideologies, as we were able to relate on so many other more personal levels. Just as John McCain is urging our country to come together in a time of national crisis, we must come together as human beings, required to coexist regardless of our differing views. Is there anyone YOU have pushed away because they were different, or because you were hurt by someone like them? Consider making amends, and working together - your interaction with them could bring positive change into your life especially if you can let go of long-held grudges. Come together, you might even find LOVE.
posted by :: Lisa :: at 9:17 PM
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