| The Betty Pages-Page2 |
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| On Self Respect and Dignity |
| Lets
face it, what we are and how we feel often run contrary the what is
generally considered "the norm" (if such a thing really
exists) in our society. For this reason and possibly others many of
us have gone through or are going through periods where we feel
strange, abnormal and particularly alone. Rest assured you are not
alone. I understand that, statistically speaking, one in three
thousand individuals is transgendered. If we look at the total
population of the the US this translates to nearly 100,000 people
both male and female. No one seems to really know why but frankly,
it doesn't matter. What does matter is that we have a right to be who and what we are free of bigotry and harassment. This starts off with each of us having the courage to face the truth in ourselves and the willingness to be who we are and what we are. Many of my transgendered friends have proven to be among the most loving, caring, accepting, talented and intelligent people I have ever met. I consider it an honor to be associated with individuals such as these. I believe having the courage to face who we are and the willingness to be who we are generates self respect. It, in my opinion, is a far better option than running for perceived safety in the shadows of mediocrity never to know the fulfillment of reaching our God-given potential as human beings. To deny the truth in ourselves effectively destroys part of ourselves and who can experience completeness under circumstances such as these? Have the courage to be who you are. Love who you are. Appreciate who you are for you are special. Respect yourself. Seek the support of others and return it in kind. We who walk between the worlds were chosen to do so for a reason and one day we'll know that reason. |
| To interpret the generosity and caring of a loving and gentle heart as weakness would be an error in judgement. |
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| Ready to go out! OK Morwen Owl hurry up!! <giggle> |
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| Now Girls, don't ya just love clearance racks. I got the unicorn sweatshirt you see on the left at a clearance rack at while looking for something else. I saw the $ 4.00 price tag and went for it. Believe me, the quality is there. |
| On Popularized Religion in America |
| If you've read my previous essay on spirituality you know something of my real beginnings with religion. I was raised Lutheren, confirmed Lutheren, attended a Nazarene College for a short time and spent a few years in the Episcopal Church. No matter where I was it was always an individual or number of individuals who made the most lasting impression on me. Sometimes it was it was another student. Another |
| time it
was the Rector of the church. In another instance it was the school
janitor who, in my estimation, truly understood , experienced and
related "God's perfect love" otherwise known as
"Agape". Such people were, I found, few and far between
but very fulfilling when I did come across one of them. Now we come to organizations which claim to be Christian oriented but whose attitudes and activities might suggest something else entirely. Christ said "judge ye not lest ye be judged". I very much agree with this therefore I will endeavor not to do so. All I will say is what I see. One thing I see is that some are turning Christianity into a profiteering venture not that this is anything new. What does bother me is these types of entities seem capitalize to on people's fears and insecurities while condoning and even incouraging their misconceptions, bigotry and hatred toward various subcultures in our society. For example there was a representative of one of these so-called churches on a popular news related talk show who stated flatly that gays should be imprisoned. Well, this is neither Christian nor Constitutional so what is it really? It's very easy to take a group of people you don't understand and label them "wrong" or "sinners". It just isn't very accurate nor does it reflect God's Perfect Love. It's just easier than challenging ourselves to grow beyond our comfort zones to understand another human being for what he/she really is in their heart. I also see some so-called Christian organizations doing everything possible to force their ideas down everyone's throats through influence peddling and various other types of political activity. They seem to want laws passed which would force others to adhere to what they think is right from a religious standpoint. In other words, they want to control us. Well, again, our constitution strictly forbids this so what does that say about their attitude toward the foundation of our country's principles? These individuals seem to be after political power and control. For what possible reason would a real Christian, whose primary concern is the transformation of the heart and growth of others in the light of God's love, want to shove his/her ideas down anyone else's throat? The truth, as I see it, is that you can pass all the laws you want, bribe all the corrupt politicians you want and force everyone into behavior that corresponds to your beliefs but if there is no "transformation of the heart " all this means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING from a true Christian standpoint because the Lord sees what is in our hearts. No amount of forced external behavioral changes will change what any of us really are. Why do it? What is the real motivation? |