Over the past year and a half, I have become increasing frustrated with life. However, within that frustration, I am seeing myself in a whole new light. I feel like I have matured both as a man, husband and father (even though that may sound strange as you continue reading).
One of the popular issues in social justice circles right now is that of bullying. There are folks from all walks of life that are pushing for better awareness, rightfully so, of the issue. But many of those same people are also bullies when it comes to their ideals. We have become a culture that tries to verbally, psychologically and sometimes politically bully people by forcing our views and opinions on the opposing faction (I hope you picked up on the fact that I was trying to use faction as a negative word).
The issue here isn’t that of bullying, but that we have become a culture where we could careless if we are getting along with people who think, act, or worship differently than us. Whether it is religion (including interfaith conflicts), politics, sports, etc., we trying to do our best to tear the other side down, make the feel terrible, and maybe they will come to our side (our is figurative, of course). Everything has become a fight (i.e. Tim Tebow, who crosses both the religious and sports realms).
This is where my “maturity” will come into question with a lot of people. For some reason, which some psychologist could probably give me an answer for, I have become a person who basically carries the world’s problems in a backpack that is draped around my shoulders. If you aren’t picking up on the “image” I’m describing…I feel like I’m carrying a lot of heavy crap.
All of this, combined with other personal issues I have dealt with over the past several years, have contributed with, what I believe, have minor bouts of depression (I’m apparently not strong enough to be mature).
Laying it out
My wish is that we would be a little more conscience of others ideals and feelings. Yes, I’m talking about feelings, and not hurting them. I don’t know how many times I have kept from giving an opinion or making a statement, because I was to concerned with how people would react.
My porn addiction is a perfect example of what I am getting at. There have been many times that I have wanted to openly talk about my struggles with pornography, but was to afraid of how people would feel about this. I have seen many comments on various social media platforms that try discounting the issue of pornography. They have made snide and skeptical comments about the real issue.
I truly believe there are people who just enjoy trying to bully their opinion onto other people, and that goes for debating what I know for a fact is a real problem; porn addiction.
So let me just lay out a lot of issues, and where I stand on them. Many have changed over the years, past few months and even weeks. (NOTE: I am a white, protestant Christ follower, registered Republican).
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The next portion of this blog was intended to be and outlet of giving my opinions, which wouldn’t have agreed with my conservative or liberal, religious or political, Tebow or Non-Tebow friends. However, after talking to my beautiful wife, it shouldn’t really matter what my opinions are on certain issues. More than likely, it will ultimately incite more conflict with people disagreeing with me.
I respect our President, even though I disagree with him. I respect the governor of Oklahoma even though I disagree that she didn’t attended the President’s appearance because she had “family” plans. I respect many of the Tebow haters who try to argue with me with points that I have always agreed with (quarterback numbers) and is a completely different reason why I pull for the guy.
All I ask is that you respect people with opposing viewpoints. Please, don’t try to cause an argument, even if you don’t agree with someone who simply wants to give his or her opinion (attention social media users).
"Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." - 1st Peter 2:17 (NIV, 1984)
Look back at American history, and you will see that our country was not founded on “Christianity,” but the idea that we can have different ideals, and be free from tyranny. Those seeking religious freedom were able to stand those seeking land and business opportunity for a common goal. UNITED WE STAND…
I believe we are moving away from that as a society, and that may be what ultimately brings our great nation to its knees. DIVIDED WE FALL…
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