I have had a major shift in my spirituality. While I realize that this new phase of my life will no doubt put rifts between me and my family, I have to face the truth. I grew up as a Roman Catholic and for twenty one years, I was good. But now I find that I feel trapped and choked by the authoritarian doctrine and politics that seem to plague the Church. While this may come as a shock to those who know me it has been on my mind for a long time. While the loss of the familiar is painful, it isn't as painful as living with a guilty conscience. Traumatic events in my life have left me feeling undeniably changed yet my shifting religious views are my own and not the influence of others. There are striking similarities to almost all religions of the world. There are glaring differences as well and it is in learning to sort theses out that we are able to sort out ourselves.
Unless you've been living in a cave somwhere you've probably noticed that the U.S. economy is booming. This is fantastic; for now. However the current consumer spending figures in comparisson to their actual wages is staggering. People are running up massive debts to pay for things they just have to have. It is no longer keeping up with the Jones' but keeping up with Bill Gates. We all want to live like billionares it seems. I like the old adage "The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it back in your pocket".
I am strongly opposed to this. The flag is a symbol of America, the greatest nation in the world. People gave their lives in defense of that flag. It has red stripes which remind us of the blood our fellow Americans have shed in our defense. Burning the flag is not protesting any policy or action from our government. You are simply burning the symbol of what America, not some politician, stands for. It is a disgrace and if you don't like it here then leave. Change comes from action and courage, not burning the symbol of this great land.
A tough issue. I think it is sad that innocent children die this way. I think it is sad that most women later live with a regret of the choice. However I do not believe that it is my place to try and give them a guilt trip after the fact. Putting up billboards judging women who have had an abortion is wrong. The signs and the bumper stickers cause a lot of pain and anyone willing to hurt people like that should step back and look at themselves long and hard. People make mistakes and they make choices, nobody should judge the difference with another person. This issue is so controversial that no matter which way it goes, people will be split. So, people will go on continuing to have their own idea on the subject and I can't see a mutually agreeable solution ever happening.
I have never known anyone personally who has taken their own life. I have however, known people who have tried or wanted to. It's a sad thing which I can only partially understand. Emotions are a powerful thing and can drive a person to the brink of life. Things happen all the time for good and bad which must be dealt with. How a person chooses to deal with tragedy is an inherent part of who they are. There are times when it feels as if there is no way out, when there is nothing left in life but pain but this is the pivotal moment. It is the moment when we must look deep inside and hard at ourselves to know that what does not kill us will only make us stronger. There are better days in store for all of us when we are having a bad one.
We have all loved at one point or another in our lives. It is ingrained in us and taught to us first by our parents and later by friends. When I was a kid my Grandpa used to tell me that it made him happy to buy me toys because it made me happy. I never understood what he was talking about until I was much older. The words "I love you" are grossly overused in our society. Yet, we all know that we feel that way. I have always tried to be careful to whom I spoke the words. Twice in my life I have told a woman I loved her. But only once has it been repeated back. The woman who spoke them was true, wiping all thoughts for anyone else completely away with just a touch and a look. Yet both times they have left me for another, some behind my back and some by circumstance. But alas, gone nevertheless. Then, there is true love. What is that, I should like to know. Is true love what you feel when you know that you have met the One? Tis an odd sensation that grips your very soul and refuses to be silenced. No matter how many relationships you have had, when you meet your soulmate you become aware of it. The fact will transcend through every fiber of your being until it envelopes you completely. You will know and there will be no question in your own mind, or heart. Yet, it possible that your love will be left unrequited. You can give your heart away to someone you trust more than your own parents and have it ripped to shreds and left to die in a pool of its own black anguish. Do I still believe in true love? Absolutely, beyond the shadow of a doubt. Along with the cold harsh reality that you may meet your soulmate and she may not even know it and then you will be alone. Cupid is most assuredly a sadist and a prick.
I watch the news, I see a lot of violence going on and a lot of blame on guns. Wake up! Restricting guns further than this country already has won't make this problem go away. Do you really think making it illegal to have a gun will stop someone who has decided to randomly kill multiple people? The people who use guns illegaly are the same ones who still attain them; legal or not. The only ones who would be hurt are the law abiding and honest citizens. Once you give up your right to bear arms, the rest of your rights go on the endangered species list, how will you protect them? The real problem is rooted in the loss of the family, especially the father figure. That's where you start if you want to make a change. Teach kids that guns won't make them a man, their minds will.
