In the time of need?

Unfortunately, I have never been more disgusted, more disappointed, with the human race as I was today.

                I went on YouTube to see about the tornadoes that have affected the Great Plains. I was not prepared for the devastation that I saw. It’s surreal to see so many people, so many homes and businesses, so many trees, all gone. It looks like a steamroller went over expansions of America’s Breadbasket. I’m kind of overwhelmed with just how terrible conditions are, there. But, then, I think, what are these people going through? Can you even imagine? No. You can’t. The loss of everything around them. I have so much respect for the victims of these storms, because I cannot even fathom the heartbreak and pain they’re dealing with. It reminds me just how strong Americans are. Just how strong communities can be.

But, then, I read the comments on the videos.

                I was expecting to find things like, “Our prayers are with you.” Or, “I’m sorry this has happened.” Or, “You all are in our thoughts.” That’s not at all what I found. Almost every comment was either something calling someone out for believing in God, or it was a post of how God is punishing us for gay marriage, or something about how the other partisanship is to blame. 

               Come on people. What has become of America? We have our neighbors that are struggling and broken. And, instead of trying to lift them up, people are arguing over which partisanship is better. I’m completely dumbfounded at how people have let a “label” cloud their judgment and sense of compassion.

Please, please realize that whether you are to the left or to the right, if you’re gay or straight, or if you were born here or are considered a Permanent Resident, we are all Americans. And, our neighbors are hurting. Don’t think for a second that it’s okay to behave this way. It’s not.

• Christians, pray for these people. If you can do more, then do. 
• Atheists and agnostics, think of these people. Help them, if you can. 
• Other religions, do what you can to help.

We, as humans, owe it to each other to take care of each other when we can. To reach out to those that need our help.

• Religion does not dictate whether you help someone. 
• Sexual orientation does not dictate whether you help someone. 
• Race or gender does not dictate whether you help someone.

Your individual character, who you are, dictates that.

All of those affected by these terrible storms, please know that I am praying for you, with all that I am. The respect that I have for you grows each and every day. 

Stay strong. <3  

Same Sex Marriage

In light of all of the buzz going on about legislation regarding same sex marriage, I thought I'd clear things up. 

Is this okay? That is, same sex marriage. 

This question is incomplete. You can't really answer this question. First, figure out in what sense you're speaking of. There's really two options: 1) religiously speaking and 2) politically speaking. 

Here's why I can't agree.

Religion. 

I've said on my blogging excursions before that I am a Christian. I'm not ashamed of it, and that means that I will defend my morals with no apologies. 

At this time in my life, I've yet to read any scripture to validate the act of homosexuality. For me, this is a sin, just like premarital sex or lying. If I don't condone or promote these things, then I can't promote or condone same sex marriage. 

Here's why it's not up to me. 

Government. Separation of church and state. 

Now, contrary to what I said early, it is politically correct to allow people to marry freely. It is not a Senator or Governor's place to tell any other person who to marry. 

With that said, it's between the political leaders and God whether they support same sex marriage, just like it's up to people who live a gay lifestyle to follow through with that lifestyle. I'm not judging anyone. I firmly believe that every single human on earth deserves the utmost respect and kindness. 

Another thing: It's not like I'm saying that a person is (or is not) born gay. I think that some are, actually. But, some people are born alcoholics, kleptomaniacs, and etc. Not that I'm calling homosexual people diseased or criminals, cause that's silly. It's just that any one person can be born craving one sin, in particular. 

My motivation for this post.

I was browsing through Twitter, and I noticed a post by the C.E.O of a very large coffee company. He was saying if you support traditional marriages, then they don't want you're business. What is the point of saying that you want respect and equality if you are going to attack me. That is just ridiculous. Onesidedness. I don't like that. 

If you don't agree with someone's point of view, then that's okay. Don't pass judgement on me, because I believe in Christ. It's like people boycotting Chik-Fil-A, just because the C.E.O. believes in traditional marriage. He did not say that he hated the gay community. He didn't say he didn't want their business. He was just stating his opinions and beliefs.

Is that not what all of the gay community is doing with rainbow flags? What about protesting in Washington D.C.? 

That is the same thing. 

And, you don't see me mocking them, belittling them, or saying awful things about them. 

No matter what you believe, give others respect. Don't belittle their beliefs, just because they don't match your own. God bless. 

Soapbox 1.0

Sometimes, I'm amazed at the hypocrisy that I experience on a daily basis. Sure, everybody goes against their word every now and again, but I feel as those some do this without a care in the world to change that. 

It's been on my mind for a while to write about this, to vent about this, so forgive me if I ramble or rant a bit.

First, let's start with me. 
I'm more conservative than anything. I appreciate tradition and agree with views aligned with my Faith. 
I am a Christian.
Now, with that being said, I'm the kind of Christian that does not believe in judging others or putting anyone down. Personally, I feel that that's what Christians should strive for. I'm no better than anyone, that is for sure. I will not stand on a crowded street screaming "you are all condemned!" I don't know someone's heart. I can't make that call. I'm a Christian, not a Hillarian. I follow Jesus Christ, not myself or anyone else, and He teaches to love others.

Here's where I think the struggle really begins.
Just because you love everyone does not mean that you condone the sin or agree with that way of life.
I treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve, but I don't approve of things that go against what the Bible says. Does that make me a bad person? Some would argue yes.

Get to the point, already.
Okay. We've established the background. I think that maybe you understand what in trying to get at. Here's the issue: one-sidedness.
Please, don't disrespect me for my views when I've never done this to you. I realize there are bad people on this Earth. Everybody deals with that. It's a fact of life.
"Life's tough. Get a helmet." -Boy Meets World.

Christianity and Conservative is not synonymous with close minded or cruel. I feel like it's become socially acceptable to allow traditional views to be threw under the bus without a fight, because you'll offend someone if you stand up. I've been offended more times than not, but it's going to happen. America is such a melting pot that you will offend many and be offended that many more times over.
It's important to discuss, not cuss (catchy, I know, it just came to me). Communication is vital.

Call to Action
Don't disrespect me, if you expect respect in return. Learn and understand why someone believes differently than you. The Bible says that Christians should win people over by their actions. I'm doing what I can. Are you?
If your not a Christian, I would encourage you to get to know Jesus. He's saved my life, and I can't imagine where I would be without Him. But, I respect your decision. It's your life.

Thank you for reading.
God bless
-Hillary