I wanted to write you a message. I have never been a parent of a teen so I will not even begin to understand what you are going through. However, I have been a teen recently and I am a parent so I wanted to share something with you that I have observed. If you provide a godly example, if you lead your kids in what you believe is right, then they will almost always come back to that as an adult.
Being a teenager is all about pushing the boundaries and figuring out who you are and what you believe for yourself. It is about trying to pull away and establish yourself as an independent entity. Some behavior that is the opposite from what your parents believe is to be expected. It is them trying to figure out if everything you have said for the last several years is right.
I am not saying this to you because I think you are doing something wrong, or because I think I can do it better. I am saying this so that you can be encouraged. Your child is not behaving this way because he is losing his way, or he may be throwing away the values you taught him, or even because he doesn't like you. He is just trying to figure out who he is.
Someone wise once told me that you work really hard to instill the values you want in your child before they turn 12 or 13. After that, they take that and use it as a foundation to explore and figure the rest out on their own. I say, if you did it right, they will always come back to that spot to build the rest of their lives because they know the foundation you laid is strong and solid. Other children may seek to build a life away from their roots because they know the foundation their parents gave them is shaky and unstable.
If you are showing him what it means to lead a Godly lifestyle, then regardless of what happens in the next five to eight years, he will grow out of it, be a better person for it, and recognize that you are the ones that got him there. I have seen it happen time and time again.
Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Religion VS. Jesus
I know these videos have been circulating for a few days now. I love the position both men take. I think that they each make very valid points.
I am a very centrist person. I live in the middle on most issues. For that reason, I believe nothing is absolute or black and white. I think there are huge differences between plans and how they are implemented, in ideas and actions, in what we believe and how we behave.
I think there is a place and purpose for the church but, how it runs now is not the vision our Lord had. I would be very interested in everyone else's thoughts. Take ten minutes and let me know who you agree with more.
I am a very centrist person. I live in the middle on most issues. For that reason, I believe nothing is absolute or black and white. I think there are huge differences between plans and how they are implemented, in ideas and actions, in what we believe and how we behave.
I think there is a place and purpose for the church but, how it runs now is not the vision our Lord had. I would be very interested in everyone else's thoughts. Take ten minutes and let me know who you agree with more.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Army Wife 101 Real Talk: Likes/Dislikes About The Commissary
Army Wife 101 Real Talk: Likes/Dislikes About The Commissary
----> Please follow the link above and watch the video. Especially if you are a military member or spouse.
OMG! I agree with so many things in this video. 1) I do self checkout all the time at other stores and I NEVER have the problems I do at the commissary. 2) Just a little FYI, you can mute the crazy computer lady but that doesn’t stop her from effing up your order 10 times. 3) I have never seen a store out of so many things. All the time there are big empty spots and when I ask, they tell me the truck hasn’t come in yet this week. Well, you get a truck every week. Who is doing your ordering? 4) I buy a lot of produce… A LOT! I also try and buy at the commissary because they are so much cheaper than everywhere else. The problem is, their stuff is bad! I sometimes have to dig through the items in the display AT THE STORE because stuff is moldy, bruised, discolored, etc. Then, if I do manage to get it home, sometimes it is only at the house a day or two before I have to throw it out. 5) I also would say it is important to check the dates on everything you buy. I have purchased milk that goes bad a week after getting it home, things well past the expiration dates, items that I know I saw on the clearance shelf this time last year……..6) I know that “technically” they are tax free, but at least here, they charge a building and maintenance fee THAT IS THE SAME AMOUNT AS TAXES WOULD BE! Then you still have to tip your bagger and the kid that walks you out to your car. Sometimes I walk out and think that if I had just gone to the grocery store by my house, I probably wouldn’t have spent any more than I did here. 7) They do not have very many store brand options, so while the name brand stuff can be significantly cheaper than at your local store, you may not be saving money if you are willing to purchase off brand items elsewhere.
Don’t get me wrong, I do think it is nice to have a commissary, and there are a few items that do cost a lot less. I just feel that sometimes, we are given the bottom of the barrel stuff that other stores wouldn’t take. Or that are flawed. I also think that there is a real issue with how the stores are being run and managed. Ordering, produce and inventory turnover are a store by store responsibility. Yet, it seems to happen a lot of places. Perhaps someone who isn’t just a vet but someone with actual grocery management experience should be brought in…….. Just the rantings of a fellow army wife. Sorry I got a little crazy. lol
----> Please follow the link above and watch the video. Especially if you are a military member or spouse.
OMG! I agree with so many things in this video. 1) I do self checkout all the time at other stores and I NEVER have the problems I do at the commissary. 2) Just a little FYI, you can mute the crazy computer lady but that doesn’t stop her from effing up your order 10 times. 3) I have never seen a store out of so many things. All the time there are big empty spots and when I ask, they tell me the truck hasn’t come in yet this week. Well, you get a truck every week. Who is doing your ordering? 4) I buy a lot of produce… A LOT! I also try and buy at the commissary because they are so much cheaper than everywhere else. The problem is, their stuff is bad! I sometimes have to dig through the items in the display AT THE STORE because stuff is moldy, bruised, discolored, etc. Then, if I do manage to get it home, sometimes it is only at the house a day or two before I have to throw it out. 5) I also would say it is important to check the dates on everything you buy. I have purchased milk that goes bad a week after getting it home, things well past the expiration dates, items that I know I saw on the clearance shelf this time last year……..6) I know that “technically” they are tax free, but at least here, they charge a building and maintenance fee THAT IS THE SAME AMOUNT AS TAXES WOULD BE! Then you still have to tip your bagger and the kid that walks you out to your car. Sometimes I walk out and think that if I had just gone to the grocery store by my house, I probably wouldn’t have spent any more than I did here. 7) They do not have very many store brand options, so while the name brand stuff can be significantly cheaper than at your local store, you may not be saving money if you are willing to purchase off brand items elsewhere.
Don’t get me wrong, I do think it is nice to have a commissary, and there are a few items that do cost a lot less. I just feel that sometimes, we are given the bottom of the barrel stuff that other stores wouldn’t take. Or that are flawed. I also think that there is a real issue with how the stores are being run and managed. Ordering, produce and inventory turnover are a store by store responsibility. Yet, it seems to happen a lot of places. Perhaps someone who isn’t just a vet but someone with actual grocery management experience should be brought in…….. Just the rantings of a fellow army wife. Sorry I got a little crazy. lol
Monday, September 19, 2011
Tolerance, it isn't just for pagans anymore.....
*sigh* Sometimes it frustrates me that Christians treat tolerance like a dirty word. Umm... have you read a bible lately? That Jesus guy? His main message was loving ALL people. Someone asked him what the most important rules were and you know what he said? Love God most and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is NO commandment greater than these. Hear that? NONE of those other rules are as important as treating those around you with love and respect. Not one. That is Mark 12:28-34 for anyone who cares to call me on my quotation. NIV is the way to be.
If you personally believe that what someone is doing is sinful that is fine. But we are not in any position to excuse or not excuse behavior. Only God is. You show them how to live a Christian life by leading a shining example not by damning their choices.
I read a review today of Modern Family that said "it is interesting to note that Cam and Mitchell are presented as a normal couple living an acceptable lifestyle" Then went on to talk about what a shame it was that our culture normalized what was once shunned behavior. Regardless of whether or not you morally agree with it, Homosexuality has been around since the beginning of time. It was often times (and in some cultures, still is) perfectly acceptable and normal. Also, these are neighbors and police officers and teachers that we see every day. My kids go to school with other children that have same sex parents. For us to say it isn't normal is ignorant. I see adulterers ALL the time and I see Christians turn their head and say it is none of their business. I think that if it really turns out that God doesn't love them after all, then he will handle that on Judgement day. Everything else until then I equate to a dad having to tell one sibling to stop tattling and being so bossy. All it does is get you in trouble too.
You know it was only 50 years ago that a black and white couple was against the law and considered morally unclean. Or 200 years ago when church was for men only, bc they had the mental capacity for understanding God's word. Or that a few hundred years ago, the thought of a lay person being able to handle the powerful message of the gospel was outrageous. Not to mention that for several hundred years the bible was edited, revised, books taken out, books put in... I think God gave us the capacity to love and be tolerant and he also gave us the power to evolve! Why is it that so often I find Christians who refuse to be progressive and move into a path of more tolerance and love?
If you personally believe that what someone is doing is sinful that is fine. But we are not in any position to excuse or not excuse behavior. Only God is. You show them how to live a Christian life by leading a shining example not by damning their choices.
I read a review today of Modern Family that said "it is interesting to note that Cam and Mitchell are presented as a normal couple living an acceptable lifestyle" Then went on to talk about what a shame it was that our culture normalized what was once shunned behavior. Regardless of whether or not you morally agree with it, Homosexuality has been around since the beginning of time. It was often times (and in some cultures, still is) perfectly acceptable and normal. Also, these are neighbors and police officers and teachers that we see every day. My kids go to school with other children that have same sex parents. For us to say it isn't normal is ignorant. I see adulterers ALL the time and I see Christians turn their head and say it is none of their business. I think that if it really turns out that God doesn't love them after all, then he will handle that on Judgement day. Everything else until then I equate to a dad having to tell one sibling to stop tattling and being so bossy. All it does is get you in trouble too.
You know it was only 50 years ago that a black and white couple was against the law and considered morally unclean. Or 200 years ago when church was for men only, bc they had the mental capacity for understanding God's word. Or that a few hundred years ago, the thought of a lay person being able to handle the powerful message of the gospel was outrageous. Not to mention that for several hundred years the bible was edited, revised, books taken out, books put in... I think God gave us the capacity to love and be tolerant and he also gave us the power to evolve! Why is it that so often I find Christians who refuse to be progressive and move into a path of more tolerance and love?
Monday, August 22, 2011
military retirements and health care
I do appreciate that Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is considering grandfathering in soldiers when they decide to butcher the retirement plan for the military. They want to "protect the current soldiers and keep the faith of the military families". He was quoted as saying that as long as they took into consideration the soldiers that were in, there was no reason not to go ahead and consider future changes. What I do not appreciate is that they are talking about doing away with retirement benefits after 20 years and making the payout kick in only after the legal retirement age. They are talking about decreasing the amount you get for retirement and they are talking about having it be just be a contribution only retirement plan. This all said, then, also adding that most soldiers do not even stay in for 20 years and so do not get retirement anyway.
They are also talking about significantly increasing the premiums for Tricare(military) healthcare because of the rising costs attributed to taking care of the soldiers and their familes. Not taking into consideration that we are at one of our highest numbers in a ong time and are downsizing our forces as we speak due to the withdrawl from Iraq. Also not taking into consideration that instead of increasing premiums for soldiers & their families, they should just making smarter decisions. If you only allow same day "sick" appointments and everyone else has to go to the emergency room, you are flushing thousands of dollars away. If the on base clinic is only open 4 1/2 days a week & the doctors still take extended lunches & vacations, so we have to go to a minor emergency or emergency room, you are throwing money away. I recently have had to make 4 appts with my doctor because I was told they can only talk about 1 issue at a time. They are too busy to take any longer with a patient. Direct quote from the nurse. 4 appts take a LOT longer than just hearing me out the 1st time. I believe all issues are tied together & should be addressed as 1 issue. It is not the families fault that these military health care professionals are paid salary so they don't feel they have to work. Or that we have to often times go a more complicated or expensive route to get the care we need.
Why are we singling out military families? Education of our children? Foriegn aide to ravaged countries? Why are the biggest budget hits to the very places we need to be protecting? Hilary Clinton says that her husband made the hard choices and gave us a balanced budget and that sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions. I say that women and children first wasnt meant to be the quoted for the line to slaughter. Last I checked, and yes I checked, the Clintons made $20,400,000 in 2007. Their salary had increased every year from 2000 to that year also, so I can only imagine what it was in 2010. I know that they have big important jobs and I don't take away from that. What I do take issue with is the fact that to keep her in office and to keep these and all other government head's salary we are doing tax increases and premium increases and taking away from the retirement of people who I feel do a VERY important job as well.
I do not care if you consider yourself Republican or Democrat, military families and soldiers should not have to pay the deficit our politicians have gotten us into. Children should not have programs cut from their schools because the powers that be decided that as part of their retirement package, they should get the use of a private jet. We should not have to pull our relief workers from Africa because the President decided that the government paid vacation should be at a 9 million dollar ocean front estate in Hawaii for 9 days. If I don't have money to pay the bills, I don't go on lavish vacations. If I can't balance my budget I don't go buy a new car or hire a housekeeper. Why? Because these are "extras" They are fluff things that I don't need. I don't tell my kids that they can't eat lunch anymore because I can't pay for groceries (got to afford the new Benz), I don't tell the water company to suck it because momma needs a tummy tuck. If our country is broke, then it is broke. I think that there are better areas to make cuts and redistribution of funds. What do you think?
I do appreciate that Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is considering grandfathering in soldiers when they decide to butcher the retirement plan for the military. They want to "protect the current soldiers and keep the faith of the military families". He was quoted as saying that as long as they took into consideration the soldiers that were in, there was no reason not to go ahead and consider future changes. What I do not appreciate is that they are talking about doing away with retirement benefits after 20 years and making the payout kick in only after the legal retirement age. They are talking about decreasing the amount you get for retirement and they are talking about having it be just be a contribution only retirement plan. This all said, then, also adding that most soldiers do not even stay in for 20 years and so do not get retirement anyway.
They are also talking about significantly increasing the premiums for Tricare(military) healthcare because of the rising costs attributed to taking care of the soldiers and their familes. Not taking into consideration that we are at one of our highest numbers in a ong time and are downsizing our forces as we speak due to the withdrawl from Iraq. Also not taking into consideration that instead of increasing premiums for soldiers & their families, they should just making smarter decisions. If you only allow same day "sick" appointments and everyone else has to go to the emergency room, you are flushing thousands of dollars away. If the on base clinic is only open 4 1/2 days a week & the doctors still take extended lunches & vacations, so we have to go to a minor emergency or emergency room, you are throwing money away. I recently have had to make 4 appts with my doctor because I was told they can only talk about 1 issue at a time. They are too busy to take any longer with a patient. Direct quote from the nurse. 4 appts take a LOT longer than just hearing me out the 1st time. I believe all issues are tied together & should be addressed as 1 issue. It is not the families fault that these military health care professionals are paid salary so they don't feel they have to work. Or that we have to often times go a more complicated or expensive route to get the care we need.
Why are we singling out military families? Education of our children? Foriegn aide to ravaged countries? Why are the biggest budget hits to the very places we need to be protecting? Hilary Clinton says that her husband made the hard choices and gave us a balanced budget and that sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions. I say that women and children first wasnt meant to be the quoted for the line to slaughter. Last I checked, and yes I checked, the Clintons made $20,400,000 in 2007. Their salary had increased every year from 2000 to that year also, so I can only imagine what it was in 2010. I know that they have big important jobs and I don't take away from that. What I do take issue with is the fact that to keep her in office and to keep these and all other government head's salary we are doing tax increases and premium increases and taking away from the retirement of people who I feel do a VERY important job as well.
I do not care if you consider yourself Republican or Democrat, military families and soldiers should not have to pay the deficit our politicians have gotten us into. Children should not have programs cut from their schools because the powers that be decided that as part of their retirement package, they should get the use of a private jet. We should not have to pull our relief workers from Africa because the President decided that the government paid vacation should be at a 9 million dollar ocean front estate in Hawaii for 9 days. If I don't have money to pay the bills, I don't go on lavish vacations. If I can't balance my budget I don't go buy a new car or hire a housekeeper. Why? Because these are "extras" They are fluff things that I don't need. I don't tell my kids that they can't eat lunch anymore because I can't pay for groceries (got to afford the new Benz), I don't tell the water company to suck it because momma needs a tummy tuck. If our country is broke, then it is broke. I think that there are better areas to make cuts and redistribution of funds. What do you think?
They are also talking about significantly increasing the premiums for Tricare(military) healthcare because of the rising costs attributed to taking care of the soldiers and their familes. Not taking into consideration that we are at one of our highest numbers in a ong time and are downsizing our forces as we speak due to the withdrawl from Iraq. Also not taking into consideration that instead of increasing premiums for soldiers & their families, they should just making smarter decisions. If you only allow same day "sick" appointments and everyone else has to go to the emergency room, you are flushing thousands of dollars away. If the on base clinic is only open 4 1/2 days a week & the doctors still take extended lunches & vacations, so we have to go to a minor emergency or emergency room, you are throwing money away. I recently have had to make 4 appts with my doctor because I was told they can only talk about 1 issue at a time. They are too busy to take any longer with a patient. Direct quote from the nurse. 4 appts take a LOT longer than just hearing me out the 1st time. I believe all issues are tied together & should be addressed as 1 issue. It is not the families fault that these military health care professionals are paid salary so they don't feel they have to work. Or that we have to often times go a more complicated or expensive route to get the care we need.
Why are we singling out military families? Education of our children? Foriegn aide to ravaged countries? Why are the biggest budget hits to the very places we need to be protecting? Hilary Clinton says that her husband made the hard choices and gave us a balanced budget and that sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions. I say that women and children first wasnt meant to be the quoted for the line to slaughter. Last I checked, and yes I checked, the Clintons made $20,400,000 in 2007. Their salary had increased every year from 2000 to that year also, so I can only imagine what it was in 2010. I know that they have big important jobs and I don't take away from that. What I do take issue with is the fact that to keep her in office and to keep these and all other government head's salary we are doing tax increases and premium increases and taking away from the retirement of people who I feel do a VERY important job as well.
I do not care if you consider yourself Republican or Democrat, military families and soldiers should not have to pay the deficit our politicians have gotten us into. Children should not have programs cut from their schools because the powers that be decided that as part of their retirement package, they should get the use of a private jet. We should not have to pull our relief workers from Africa because the President decided that the government paid vacation should be at a 9 million dollar ocean front estate in Hawaii for 9 days. If I don't have money to pay the bills, I don't go on lavish vacations. If I can't balance my budget I don't go buy a new car or hire a housekeeper. Why? Because these are "extras" They are fluff things that I don't need. I don't tell my kids that they can't eat lunch anymore because I can't pay for groceries (got to afford the new Benz), I don't tell the water company to suck it because momma needs a tummy tuck. If our country is broke, then it is broke. I think that there are better areas to make cuts and redistribution of funds. What do you think?
I do appreciate that Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is considering grandfathering in soldiers when they decide to butcher the retirement plan for the military. They want to "protect the current soldiers and keep the faith of the military families". He was quoted as saying that as long as they took into consideration the soldiers that were in, there was no reason not to go ahead and consider future changes. What I do not appreciate is that they are talking about doing away with retirement benefits after 20 years and making the payout kick in only after the legal retirement age. They are talking about decreasing the amount you get for retirement and they are talking about having it be just be a contribution only retirement plan. This all said, then, also adding that most soldiers do not even stay in for 20 years and so do not get retirement anyway.
They are also talking about significantly increasing the premiums for Tricare(military) healthcare because of the rising costs attributed to taking care of the soldiers and their familes. Not taking into consideration that we are at one of our highest numbers in a ong time and are downsizing our forces as we speak due to the withdrawl from Iraq. Also not taking into consideration that instead of increasing premiums for soldiers & their families, they should just making smarter decisions. If you only allow same day "sick" appointments and everyone else has to go to the emergency room, you are flushing thousands of dollars away. If the on base clinic is only open 4 1/2 days a week & the doctors still take extended lunches & vacations, so we have to go to a minor emergency or emergency room, you are throwing money away. I recently have had to make 4 appts with my doctor because I was told they can only talk about 1 issue at a time. They are too busy to take any longer with a patient. Direct quote from the nurse. 4 appts take a LOT longer than just hearing me out the 1st time. I believe all issues are tied together & should be addressed as 1 issue. It is not the families fault that these military health care professionals are paid salary so they don't feel they have to work. Or that we have to often times go a more complicated or expensive route to get the care we need.
Why are we singling out military families? Education of our children? Foriegn aide to ravaged countries? Why are the biggest budget hits to the very places we need to be protecting? Hilary Clinton says that her husband made the hard choices and gave us a balanced budget and that sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions. I say that women and children first wasnt meant to be the quoted for the line to slaughter. Last I checked, and yes I checked, the Clintons made $20,400,000 in 2007. Their salary had increased every year from 2000 to that year also, so I can only imagine what it was in 2010. I know that they have big important jobs and I don't take away from that. What I do take issue with is the fact that to keep her in office and to keep these and all other government head's salary we are doing tax increases and premium increases and taking away from the retirement of people who I feel do a VERY important job as well.
I do not care if you consider yourself Republican or Democrat, military families and soldiers should not have to pay the deficit our politicians have gotten us into. Children should not have programs cut from their schools because the powers that be decided that as part of their retirement package, they should get the use of a private jet. We should not have to pull our relief workers from Africa because the President decided that the government paid vacation should be at a 9 million dollar ocean front estate in Hawaii for 9 days. If I don't have money to pay the bills, I don't go on lavish vacations. If I can't balance my budget I don't go buy a new car or hire a housekeeper. Why? Because these are "extras" They are fluff things that I don't need. I don't tell my kids that they can't eat lunch anymore because I can't pay for groceries (got to afford the new Benz), I don't tell the water company to suck it because momma needs a tummy tuck. If our country is broke, then it is broke. I think that there are better areas to make cuts and redistribution of funds. What do you think?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sick Kids Make Me Sad.
I love my friends and I want the best for them. I love being a mom and I want the world for my children. We have so many friends who have beautiful children that are not blessed with good health. It makes me sad. We know someone whos baby just had surgery at like 3 months for a heart condition. A small boy at our church was diagnosed with Moyamoya a very rare brain disorder.My bosses daughter has Ausbergers. We know someone who has a daughter with MD. Another just had a baby tested for Cistic Fibrosis. I can't even tell you the number of friends with Autistic children. My sister in law has a nephew that was born with Downs Syndrome. My brother's 17 year old best friend just got diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Ack! The craziest part? So many of these children are under the age of five. When we got the call about my brother's friend I hung up and with tears in my eyes had a serious conversation with my husband. Do we have a right in this day and age to have our children grow up healthy? Is it to much to expect our kids to reach adulthood unscathed? Maybe because so much of this is fresh in my mind I am overreacting. I am a girl after all. I just really am a little shaken by the fact that so many of the sweet kids we know are starting out their lives with such a big issue over their heads. Childhood is about chasing butterflies and frogs and eating ice cream not doctors visits and therepy sessions.
I feel a little helpless sometimes. I want to help but don't know how. I wish I could start a foundation or fund research. Rainbows in Wichita recently filed bankruptcy. Can you believe it? A lot of my friends lost their kids school funding. Someday, when I win the lottery (haha) I am going to work on helping children with disabilities. I have this incredible pull towards these families. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I love you and want you to know that there are people out there willing to fight the fight with you. I got your back ladies!
I seem to blog about this a lot. I promise I am not all sadness and gloom. It is just something I am very passionate about. Especially recently. I should really proofread this but I probably won't so I am sorry if it is rambling and scattered. Love you but I should get back to work.........
I feel a little helpless sometimes. I want to help but don't know how. I wish I could start a foundation or fund research. Rainbows in Wichita recently filed bankruptcy. Can you believe it? A lot of my friends lost their kids school funding. Someday, when I win the lottery (haha) I am going to work on helping children with disabilities. I have this incredible pull towards these families. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I love you and want you to know that there are people out there willing to fight the fight with you. I got your back ladies!
I seem to blog about this a lot. I promise I am not all sadness and gloom. It is just something I am very passionate about. Especially recently. I should really proofread this but I probably won't so I am sorry if it is rambling and scattered. Love you but I should get back to work.........
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Response to my previous blog
.....This is a response to my previous blog written by my dear friend Lindsay. I really loved what she had to say and wanted to share it with my readers. Please, please feel free to also comment and share your thoughts.....
*Please read everything before commenting or getting upset. I realize that this only represents my side, and that is because it is the only side I can rightfully represent.I just want to say first and foremost I don't think my friend meant all pro-lifers, just the one I mentioned who is very prominent in the community and said something that is vile and disgusting while in the same breath saying he was against the murder, his words didn't sound much like he disagreed to me. So I'm sorry if what she said on my post offended you, and had I thought it was offensive I would have said something but I really agree with her message. From the other side of all of this, when all I really want to hear from anybody is how disgusted they are at the heinous murder of an innocent man, on this I can agree with you this is certainly NOT the time for politics, all I seem to hear is how afraid that the conservatives are that the liberals are going to use this against them. (Not that all conservatives feel that way, but the ones who get on the TV sure seem to). That is upsetting and offensive to me. I feel like a man is dead and a new game has already begun over how we are allowed to grieve. I feel like those comments back me and others into a corner where we can't say what we feel and express our immense sadness and outrage without it being some political mess. I think after a tragedy like this many people will say things they don't mean, but lashing out is often a part of the grieving process, I feel like I have the right to be angry, to be upset, and more importantly to be sad, and I feel like that is being taken from me. On top of that to hear leading pro-life orgainzations issue statements that are so backhanded as what Randall Terry from operation rescue said, it really does make the "pro-life" side of the argument look bad. (I used quotations because I don't believe there are only two sides to any argument, I think the vast majority of people who are "pro-life" don't fit into the same group as Randall Terry and those people who say such horrible things, but it gets difficult to express things coherrently if I start seperating the groups out because there aren't any other widely used terms) I agree that not all people who are "pro-life" even begin to agree with each other (especially with the radicals or those who are saying hateful things) as I wouldn't agree that all "pro-choice" people agree with each other, but that is what the devicive political game tells us to believe, and when it gets emotional sometimes that is the first thing that gets forgotten, on BOTH sides of the issue.To me, right now, this is a really hard time. For those of us that have our reasons to be "pro-choice", on an aside I hate the designations pro-life and pro-choice, it is reasonable to question our safety for speaking our mind. I've seen some pretty terrible things at rallies and protests, and I've known people who have been injured volunteering at Tiller's clinic. This is definately not the first time that violence has ocurred during this debate, this isn't even the first time somebody has tried to murder the man. Do I think that all pro-lifers engage in this type of behavior? No, not even close, MANY of my very close friends are "pro-life" and I know that they would never hurt anyone, and that they really do value life and are respectful in the disagreements, but I think that there will likely be a backlash toward the radicals, who tend to be more vocal and prominent than the sane people with good morals and values. I also don't think this backlash will be out of hatred or anger, but fear. Not that the fear is new, but now somebody is dead, so the fear is stronger. (Note: I don't mean a physical backlash, just verbal, and I don't agree with it, but I do understand it.)Also, we lost a strong, dedicated, upstanding, member of our community. A man who stood up for what he thought was right, and never wavered in his dedication to serve the members of not only our community, but the women of this entire country who desperately needed him. This is a time of grief, and sadness, and sometimes people say things in grief that they wouldn't normally say.So in short, I don't agree with anything anybody is saying at this point, other than that we need to focus on healing the wound left by Dr. Tiller's loss, first and foremost by showering his family in love and support, showing respect to them while they heal by not speaking ill of the man before he's even been burried, and by healing our community which has been shocked by a terrible tragedy.I don't want to start any arguments today, just share how I feel right now. I support a woman's right to choose and I think almost all of you know that by now. It is not my goal to change anyone's beliefs, and I can promise you will never change mine. I have heard all of the arguments, I've been called all the names. I made my choice based on the facts at hand. I've talked with many women who have been faced with an immensely difficult decision and chosen both ways, I know in my HEART that they had the right to make that choice for themselves. I also know in my HEART that every person has the right to choose for themselves whether or not to agree with me. I wrote this in response to an amazing woman with whom I tend to disagree politically, but who is as open-minded and loving as the day is long. I want to share what I'm going through (and lots of others like me) with her, and with everyone who truly wants to know. I know that she may disagree, but she does it respectfully, and that she cares about all people and their well-being no matter what they believe. If it wasn't for you Amber I don't think I would have had the strength to say what has been weighing on me these last few days, for that I must thank you.That being said I welcome constructive comments and thoughtful conversation, but any hatefulness from either side will be deleted and ignored. My heart is too heavy from this tragedy to deal with any more hatefulness.
My response- I really appreciate what you are saying and I do not disagree. In fact I whole heartedly agree with most of what you are saying. I was not attacking your friend. I have had that point of view expressed to me (or in front of me, or I read it in reference to the situation) by no less than 10 people. It was really starting to frustrate me. Because I am someone who is openly pro life, there have been days this week where I have been made to feel like I was somehow partly responsible for this tragedy because of my political and relious beliefs. I think that you are simply, and more eloquently I might add, expressing my argument from the other side. As always, I love hearing what you have to say and I love you!
*Please read everything before commenting or getting upset. I realize that this only represents my side, and that is because it is the only side I can rightfully represent.I just want to say first and foremost I don't think my friend meant all pro-lifers, just the one I mentioned who is very prominent in the community and said something that is vile and disgusting while in the same breath saying he was against the murder, his words didn't sound much like he disagreed to me. So I'm sorry if what she said on my post offended you, and had I thought it was offensive I would have said something but I really agree with her message. From the other side of all of this, when all I really want to hear from anybody is how disgusted they are at the heinous murder of an innocent man, on this I can agree with you this is certainly NOT the time for politics, all I seem to hear is how afraid that the conservatives are that the liberals are going to use this against them. (Not that all conservatives feel that way, but the ones who get on the TV sure seem to). That is upsetting and offensive to me. I feel like a man is dead and a new game has already begun over how we are allowed to grieve. I feel like those comments back me and others into a corner where we can't say what we feel and express our immense sadness and outrage without it being some political mess. I think after a tragedy like this many people will say things they don't mean, but lashing out is often a part of the grieving process, I feel like I have the right to be angry, to be upset, and more importantly to be sad, and I feel like that is being taken from me. On top of that to hear leading pro-life orgainzations issue statements that are so backhanded as what Randall Terry from operation rescue said, it really does make the "pro-life" side of the argument look bad. (I used quotations because I don't believe there are only two sides to any argument, I think the vast majority of people who are "pro-life" don't fit into the same group as Randall Terry and those people who say such horrible things, but it gets difficult to express things coherrently if I start seperating the groups out because there aren't any other widely used terms) I agree that not all people who are "pro-life" even begin to agree with each other (especially with the radicals or those who are saying hateful things) as I wouldn't agree that all "pro-choice" people agree with each other, but that is what the devicive political game tells us to believe, and when it gets emotional sometimes that is the first thing that gets forgotten, on BOTH sides of the issue.To me, right now, this is a really hard time. For those of us that have our reasons to be "pro-choice", on an aside I hate the designations pro-life and pro-choice, it is reasonable to question our safety for speaking our mind. I've seen some pretty terrible things at rallies and protests, and I've known people who have been injured volunteering at Tiller's clinic. This is definately not the first time that violence has ocurred during this debate, this isn't even the first time somebody has tried to murder the man. Do I think that all pro-lifers engage in this type of behavior? No, not even close, MANY of my very close friends are "pro-life" and I know that they would never hurt anyone, and that they really do value life and are respectful in the disagreements, but I think that there will likely be a backlash toward the radicals, who tend to be more vocal and prominent than the sane people with good morals and values. I also don't think this backlash will be out of hatred or anger, but fear. Not that the fear is new, but now somebody is dead, so the fear is stronger. (Note: I don't mean a physical backlash, just verbal, and I don't agree with it, but I do understand it.)Also, we lost a strong, dedicated, upstanding, member of our community. A man who stood up for what he thought was right, and never wavered in his dedication to serve the members of not only our community, but the women of this entire country who desperately needed him. This is a time of grief, and sadness, and sometimes people say things in grief that they wouldn't normally say.So in short, I don't agree with anything anybody is saying at this point, other than that we need to focus on healing the wound left by Dr. Tiller's loss, first and foremost by showering his family in love and support, showing respect to them while they heal by not speaking ill of the man before he's even been burried, and by healing our community which has been shocked by a terrible tragedy.I don't want to start any arguments today, just share how I feel right now. I support a woman's right to choose and I think almost all of you know that by now. It is not my goal to change anyone's beliefs, and I can promise you will never change mine. I have heard all of the arguments, I've been called all the names. I made my choice based on the facts at hand. I've talked with many women who have been faced with an immensely difficult decision and chosen both ways, I know in my HEART that they had the right to make that choice for themselves. I also know in my HEART that every person has the right to choose for themselves whether or not to agree with me. I wrote this in response to an amazing woman with whom I tend to disagree politically, but who is as open-minded and loving as the day is long. I want to share what I'm going through (and lots of others like me) with her, and with everyone who truly wants to know. I know that she may disagree, but she does it respectfully, and that she cares about all people and their well-being no matter what they believe. If it wasn't for you Amber I don't think I would have had the strength to say what has been weighing on me these last few days, for that I must thank you.That being said I welcome constructive comments and thoughtful conversation, but any hatefulness from either side will be deleted and ignored. My heart is too heavy from this tragedy to deal with any more hatefulness.
My response- I really appreciate what you are saying and I do not disagree. In fact I whole heartedly agree with most of what you are saying. I was not attacking your friend. I have had that point of view expressed to me (or in front of me, or I read it in reference to the situation) by no less than 10 people. It was really starting to frustrate me. Because I am someone who is openly pro life, there have been days this week where I have been made to feel like I was somehow partly responsible for this tragedy because of my political and relious beliefs. I think that you are simply, and more eloquently I might add, expressing my argument from the other side. As always, I love hearing what you have to say and I love you!
Pro-life and Pro-choice, doesn't matter
I read this today.."Who could be ''pro-life'' yet feel that killing someone for being ''pro-choice'' is justifiable? Hypocrites."
Every day for the last 3 days all I have been reading is more of the same. "How dare the pro-lifers take such a valuable man from us"
"Just remember all of you who oppose abortion, two wrongs don't make a right"
I would just like to say that just because you are pro life doesn't mean you justify violence as a means to end abortions. Or that we are ok with Dr. Tiller's murder. Why would you not say that about the individual who killed him. Must you really lump everyone who is prolife into that? How is that different from lumping everyone together based on skin color. Everyone who is white wanted Martin Luther King dead? Really?! How could you actually think that? Are you so blinded by ignorance that you must stoop to outrageous stereotypes? If you really think that of all pro-lifers then you must know, that if all we cared about was furthering the cause, this would hurt us more than help us. "We" have just given the pro lifers a martyr. A way to rally for their beliefs. How does that help "us pro-lifers" again?
I am very saddened by this tragedy. The family had to witness what happened. Our prayers go out to them. Regardless of what you believe, this was a horrible terrible act. A wife is without her husband today, a daughter does not have a father. Regardless of what your beliefs are, THAT is what should matter. That is what we should be dwelling on this week. Go with God Dr. Tiller, I pray that your family finds peace in the wake of this horrific tragedy.
Every day for the last 3 days all I have been reading is more of the same. "How dare the pro-lifers take such a valuable man from us"
"Just remember all of you who oppose abortion, two wrongs don't make a right"
I would just like to say that just because you are pro life doesn't mean you justify violence as a means to end abortions. Or that we are ok with Dr. Tiller's murder. Why would you not say that about the individual who killed him. Must you really lump everyone who is prolife into that? How is that different from lumping everyone together based on skin color. Everyone who is white wanted Martin Luther King dead? Really?! How could you actually think that? Are you so blinded by ignorance that you must stoop to outrageous stereotypes? If you really think that of all pro-lifers then you must know, that if all we cared about was furthering the cause, this would hurt us more than help us. "We" have just given the pro lifers a martyr. A way to rally for their beliefs. How does that help "us pro-lifers" again?
I am very saddened by this tragedy. The family had to witness what happened. Our prayers go out to them. Regardless of what you believe, this was a horrible terrible act. A wife is without her husband today, a daughter does not have a father. Regardless of what your beliefs are, THAT is what should matter. That is what we should be dwelling on this week. Go with God Dr. Tiller, I pray that your family finds peace in the wake of this horrific tragedy.
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