depression
regression
impression
life lesson
lesson unlearned
pain unearned
world turned
bridges burned
pain continues
different venues
similar menus
lacking sinews
wonder increases
faith never ceases
trust decreases
this aint a thesis
pushing through
working for you
passivity grew
aggression too
need to end it
codependent
thoughts, penned it
never sent it
know my station
validation
situation
more aggravation
just need a hand
a simple you can
i have a plan
just understand
please don't correct
or try to direct
just listen
just listen
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thinking in Pieces
I really have a lot of thoughts that I want to share. No, not want. These are thoughts that I need to share. My problem is I can't find a way to write the ideas I carry in my mind. I have spent a lot of time thinking about so many different things at once and can't focus enough to finish the one idea before another takes over. Suddenly I'm on another project or idea and as I approach a point where I'm ready to write something BAM! Another train of thought has overtaken me.
I'm not abandoning the thoughts completely, just for the moment. If my memory is working well that day, I can go back to the thought and allow my creativity to take over. Some days I can't recall the thought that I started with, but it will jump into my head eventually. As it cuts off another thought in progress.
This just happened - I got a phone call and it has been about 45 minutes since I ended the last paragraph. I forgot to come back, until I started ... KNOCK KNOCK
This was not an attempt at literary cuteness. I actually just got disturbed by a knock at the door bringing a visitor. I normally do not answer the door for unannounced visitors, but this was a welcome friend, so I made an exception.
He is a straight boy. We aren't really good friends, but we've said hi to each other in passing and he's a friend of my roommate. He came by looking for roomie, but he wasn't home. He asked if he could sit and chill for a second. I didn't mind, so I said sure. Take a seat.
He asked for permission to light a cigarette, which I found polite since I don't smoke. I found an ashtray and let him relax for a few minutes. I appreciate the conversation and had nothing else to do at the time other than blog anyway.
I said I appreciate the conversation because it is still going on. Let me point out that we are also watching The Ellen Show and there is a lull in the conversation. I also let him know that I was online and trying to get some thoughts out before they were temporarily forgotten. This has opened a conversation about his love of producing music and he needs help to create a CD. I'm no pro, but I can take a music file and burn it to a CD, I can even label if I choose.
That led to further conversation, and he noticed a very attractive woman on TV. He mentioned how sexy she is, and said "Sorry, I get crazy about women sometime." I laughed and said no worries, then moved my focus back to my laptop. Out of nowhere (which is normally how this happens), he remarked "no offense to you guys, but I'm not like that." He, of course, happens to know plenty gay people and is cool with them - as long as they don't hit on him. One of his gay friends even jokingly made an offer, but he knew it was just a joke. I assured him I am cool with straight people too, as long as they don't throw it in my face.
I always find it interesting when straight people make comments like that. It is not meant to be offensive, and isn't. Well, there is the presumption that gay people make it a habit of molesting straight people. I, personally, have never done that. Nor has any gay person I know, as least not to my knowledge. I always take it as a friendly request to not hit on that person, and enjoy hearing their stories of gays they are such good friends with. And I've experienced obvious signs of homophobia to know what's real and what is just a harmless comment. Now, to the guy who walks into the restroom at work and busts a u-turn right back out when they notice a gay co-worker is already in there is obvious. Not so offensive, since it is normally someone unattractive, which makes it ironic. First of all, do you really think a gay dude is going to try something? It's at work AND in a bathroom. I don't even touch the door handle to leave the bathroom, and you think I would...
Visitor has now left and gone about his day, and I need to do the same. I have a huge load of laundry that I need clean. It was really time last week, but I was lazy and just bought new socks to avoid washing. This week I have no choice - I have no clean clothes except what I'm wearing. I think if I hurry I can beat the crowd to the washateria. Normally they aren't there until after school lets out.
I realize how much I have jumped around on this post. And I have yet to finish my initial intention, which was to take some ideas and form them into written word. Instead, I have taken you an a journey. Remember the movie "Being John Malkovich"? Well, this has been "Being Brian". You just experienced what a typical day is like for me.
My brain moves from thought to thought as it pleases, and seems to somehow take joy in hiding from my accessible memory the one thing I want to recall.
5th ELEMENT!!!! That was the name of that movie I was trying to think of the other day. As soon as I called my brain out for allowing me to be so ADHD, it backs down and reveals some info I had been seeking.
I am used to thinking in pieces, and actually find my creative mind to be one of my greatest attributes. I'm blessed with family who understand when I start a conversation and then forget what we were talking about. I'm blessed with friends who understand if they tell me a long story, I'm not likely to stay focused. It's not at all a sign of disrespect, It's just how my brain was created to perform.
Four hours have now passed since I started this post. If you actually read the entire thing, thank you. And please feel free to take a 15 minutes relaxation session. You deserve it for letting your brain experience a small part of what mine goes through daily. I promise to try and focus my thoughts on future posts.
I realize I could have simply edited this into a few individual posts that would have stayed on topic, but I am happy with how this turned out. I often find it nearly impossible to vocalize what it is like to deal with a brain that processes life different than most people. I have met, either in person or online, many people who are the same way. Whether classified as ADD, ADHD, hyperactivity, or many other terms to describe people who think in pieces, dumb is definitely not a term that applies. While you can have ADD/ADHD and still be dumb, most are actually very intelligent. We just have problems trying to think the way everyone else thinks. I use to struggle in school with certain topics because there were presented in ways I found hard to comprehend. I use to struggle with math, until I taught myself how to look at the problems in a different way.
Many people with active minds are not necessarily meant to follow classical thinking. It is people like this who have gone on become leaders of industry by allowing themselves to think freely. Many are not meant for the business atmosphere, but instead become amazing artists, singers, dancers, actors, etc. If not for the necessity to handle multiple thoughts hitting you at once, we wouldn't have Windows. My browser wouldn't have all these tabs open that I was looking at until I got distracted. My MP3 wouldn't have a shuffle function. We wouldn't have some many cable channels.
I could, obviously, go on and on, but I think I have allowed my train of thought to get seriously derailed. I have already scrolled back to the top of this post to see what I originally meant to write about too many times now. It seems I intended to update my blog with new thoughts. I have done that now. Like I said, next time I will stay more focused and on topic.
I'm not abandoning the thoughts completely, just for the moment. If my memory is working well that day, I can go back to the thought and allow my creativity to take over. Some days I can't recall the thought that I started with, but it will jump into my head eventually. As it cuts off another thought in progress.
This just happened - I got a phone call and it has been about 45 minutes since I ended the last paragraph. I forgot to come back, until I started ... KNOCK KNOCK
This was not an attempt at literary cuteness. I actually just got disturbed by a knock at the door bringing a visitor. I normally do not answer the door for unannounced visitors, but this was a welcome friend, so I made an exception.
He is a straight boy. We aren't really good friends, but we've said hi to each other in passing and he's a friend of my roommate. He came by looking for roomie, but he wasn't home. He asked if he could sit and chill for a second. I didn't mind, so I said sure. Take a seat.
He asked for permission to light a cigarette, which I found polite since I don't smoke. I found an ashtray and let him relax for a few minutes. I appreciate the conversation and had nothing else to do at the time other than blog anyway.
I said I appreciate the conversation because it is still going on. Let me point out that we are also watching The Ellen Show and there is a lull in the conversation. I also let him know that I was online and trying to get some thoughts out before they were temporarily forgotten. This has opened a conversation about his love of producing music and he needs help to create a CD. I'm no pro, but I can take a music file and burn it to a CD, I can even label if I choose.
That led to further conversation, and he noticed a very attractive woman on TV. He mentioned how sexy she is, and said "Sorry, I get crazy about women sometime." I laughed and said no worries, then moved my focus back to my laptop. Out of nowhere (which is normally how this happens), he remarked "no offense to you guys, but I'm not like that." He, of course, happens to know plenty gay people and is cool with them - as long as they don't hit on him. One of his gay friends even jokingly made an offer, but he knew it was just a joke. I assured him I am cool with straight people too, as long as they don't throw it in my face.
I always find it interesting when straight people make comments like that. It is not meant to be offensive, and isn't. Well, there is the presumption that gay people make it a habit of molesting straight people. I, personally, have never done that. Nor has any gay person I know, as least not to my knowledge. I always take it as a friendly request to not hit on that person, and enjoy hearing their stories of gays they are such good friends with. And I've experienced obvious signs of homophobia to know what's real and what is just a harmless comment. Now, to the guy who walks into the restroom at work and busts a u-turn right back out when they notice a gay co-worker is already in there is obvious. Not so offensive, since it is normally someone unattractive, which makes it ironic. First of all, do you really think a gay dude is going to try something? It's at work AND in a bathroom. I don't even touch the door handle to leave the bathroom, and you think I would...
Visitor has now left and gone about his day, and I need to do the same. I have a huge load of laundry that I need clean. It was really time last week, but I was lazy and just bought new socks to avoid washing. This week I have no choice - I have no clean clothes except what I'm wearing. I think if I hurry I can beat the crowd to the washateria. Normally they aren't there until after school lets out.
I realize how much I have jumped around on this post. And I have yet to finish my initial intention, which was to take some ideas and form them into written word. Instead, I have taken you an a journey. Remember the movie "Being John Malkovich"? Well, this has been "Being Brian". You just experienced what a typical day is like for me.
My brain moves from thought to thought as it pleases, and seems to somehow take joy in hiding from my accessible memory the one thing I want to recall.
5th ELEMENT!!!! That was the name of that movie I was trying to think of the other day. As soon as I called my brain out for allowing me to be so ADHD, it backs down and reveals some info I had been seeking.
I am used to thinking in pieces, and actually find my creative mind to be one of my greatest attributes. I'm blessed with family who understand when I start a conversation and then forget what we were talking about. I'm blessed with friends who understand if they tell me a long story, I'm not likely to stay focused. It's not at all a sign of disrespect, It's just how my brain was created to perform.
Four hours have now passed since I started this post. If you actually read the entire thing, thank you. And please feel free to take a 15 minutes relaxation session. You deserve it for letting your brain experience a small part of what mine goes through daily. I promise to try and focus my thoughts on future posts.
I realize I could have simply edited this into a few individual posts that would have stayed on topic, but I am happy with how this turned out. I often find it nearly impossible to vocalize what it is like to deal with a brain that processes life different than most people. I have met, either in person or online, many people who are the same way. Whether classified as ADD, ADHD, hyperactivity, or many other terms to describe people who think in pieces, dumb is definitely not a term that applies. While you can have ADD/ADHD and still be dumb, most are actually very intelligent. We just have problems trying to think the way everyone else thinks. I use to struggle in school with certain topics because there were presented in ways I found hard to comprehend. I use to struggle with math, until I taught myself how to look at the problems in a different way.
Many people with active minds are not necessarily meant to follow classical thinking. It is people like this who have gone on become leaders of industry by allowing themselves to think freely. Many are not meant for the business atmosphere, but instead become amazing artists, singers, dancers, actors, etc. If not for the necessity to handle multiple thoughts hitting you at once, we wouldn't have Windows. My browser wouldn't have all these tabs open that I was looking at until I got distracted. My MP3 wouldn't have a shuffle function. We wouldn't have some many cable channels.
I could, obviously, go on and on, but I think I have allowed my train of thought to get seriously derailed. I have already scrolled back to the top of this post to see what I originally meant to write about too many times now. It seems I intended to update my blog with new thoughts. I have done that now. Like I said, next time I will stay more focused and on topic.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Talk to me
Look near the upper right side of this page, just below my picture, and you will see a chat box. If I'm online, please send a message to say hi.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Open Letter to Senator John McCain
Senator McCain,
As an child, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and raised in Houston, Texas, I grew up in a South that was still full of hatred and prejudice.
As a gay man, raised in an extremely religious home, I grew up believing I was destined to go to hell for something I had yet to even understand.
As a Christian, brought up with a Methodist Minister grandfather, and with "by-the-book" parents (who now live in Washington, yet still found a Southern Baptist church), I was taught early to establish my own relationship with God.
As someone with such a strong relationship with my creator, I eventually learned I was how He created me. I was not destined for hell, and not "morally bankrupt" after all.
As an adult with this knowledge, I realized most hatred or bigotry against gays comes from the same desire to be the best Christian possible, but through following man's interpretation, instead of God's will.
As an informed man, I know how hard it is to change the knowledge of what one believes they posses as a result of a lifetime being taught incorrect morals.
As a forgiving man, I hold no hatred or anger towards those who wish me harm, or an eternity in hell. I respect anyone who holds strong beliefs based on religious doctrine, and understand the difficulty it takes to change years of lessons.
As a victim of bigotry, I know the great pain experienced when that hatred is directed your way.
As a son of a United States Marine, with United States Army grandfathers, and a close friend of an United States Army Airborne Ranger, I have great respect and love for all service men and women. Regardless of their beliefs, anyone who would knowingly put their life on the line to protect the rights I seek today deserves respect.
As a part of a community fighting for the same right to fight for our Country, I fear the irony of fighting for a right denied us.
As an American, I believe Don't Ask, Don't Tell should be repealed.
As an child, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and raised in Houston, Texas, I grew up in a South that was still full of hatred and prejudice.
As a gay man, raised in an extremely religious home, I grew up believing I was destined to go to hell for something I had yet to even understand.
As a Christian, brought up with a Methodist Minister grandfather, and with "by-the-book" parents (who now live in Washington, yet still found a Southern Baptist church), I was taught early to establish my own relationship with God.
As someone with such a strong relationship with my creator, I eventually learned I was how He created me. I was not destined for hell, and not "morally bankrupt" after all.
As an adult with this knowledge, I realized most hatred or bigotry against gays comes from the same desire to be the best Christian possible, but through following man's interpretation, instead of God's will.
As an informed man, I know how hard it is to change the knowledge of what one believes they posses as a result of a lifetime being taught incorrect morals.
As a forgiving man, I hold no hatred or anger towards those who wish me harm, or an eternity in hell. I respect anyone who holds strong beliefs based on religious doctrine, and understand the difficulty it takes to change years of lessons.
As a victim of bigotry, I know the great pain experienced when that hatred is directed your way.
As a son of a United States Marine, with United States Army grandfathers, and a close friend of an United States Army Airborne Ranger, I have great respect and love for all service men and women. Regardless of their beliefs, anyone who would knowingly put their life on the line to protect the rights I seek today deserves respect.
As a part of a community fighting for the same right to fight for our Country, I fear the irony of fighting for a right denied us.
As an American, I believe Don't Ask, Don't Tell should be repealed.
Monday, August 2, 2010
selfish
I feel so selfish when people are in need. I feel greedy thinking about my problems, when there are so many who would trade their life for mine. I don't know if I have always thought this way, if it was something I learned from my parents, or did I become this way on my own. I actually have not given serious thought to this until today.
We all have our problems, and deal with the as best as we know how. Sometimes we get knocked all the way down and have no choice but to start over. I've been through this just like many of you. I didn't quit, I didn't run and hide. I brushed myself off and rebuilt my life. I fought hard and came back from the most difficult moment in my life. It was far from easy, and took the love and bitter truth from my friends.
They say you discover who your true friends are when you are down. That's true, but on multiple levels. A true friend is not there just to support you, but to help you find your way when you are lost. They are the person you can trust to guide you, no matter how scared you are. They are the person who will motivate you. And they become that person who will be honest with you, even when you don't want to hear it. They will hold your hand no matter how hard you fight and never let go.
Everyone should be so lucky to have at least one friend like this. I am blessed and eternally grateful for this. I believe superheroes exist. Superheroes do not announce themselves, they just appear when you are in need. They make sure you are safe and secure before they leave, never allowing you time for more than a quick thank you. They reject public adoration, preferring to keep your problems private. But they can only do so much. They always place the responsibility on you.
Once I found my way back from the hardship I had experienced, I knew the rest was all on me. I know now, but didn't realize at the time, that it would take more that just me. I had recovered and my life was on the right track. I think a lot of us make the same mistake I made next - I forgot to revisit why I originally fell.
That was a lesson I had to learn about forgetting the past. I didn't know the signs to avoid making the same mistakes. I couldn't correct, or prevent, ignored issues. I had, very likely, destined myself to another fall. Did I ever.
Instead of moving on, I was moving in a loop. But this time around things were different. I knew how to fight back because I had before. I refused to get knocked down again. I stood strong, taking hit after hit. As the hits continued, I began to weaken. While I thought I was strong enough, I soon realized I needed help.
Now I'm back fighting for clarity. Looking for answers. Asking for help. As I feel the confusion setting back in, my heart starts to ache. I can feel myself withdrawing and have now become very shut off. It feels like life is just a couple steps away from me. I can see it happening. I see others living it. I just haven't figured out how to get back to it. I pass the time alone, in my room, looking through my window. The only ambition or desire I can manifest is to be on the outside of that window.
But who am I to ask for help when people are in need? I feel greedy thinking about my problems, when there are so many who would trade their life for mine. I feel so selfish.
We all have our problems, and deal with the as best as we know how. Sometimes we get knocked all the way down and have no choice but to start over. I've been through this just like many of you. I didn't quit, I didn't run and hide. I brushed myself off and rebuilt my life. I fought hard and came back from the most difficult moment in my life. It was far from easy, and took the love and bitter truth from my friends.
They say you discover who your true friends are when you are down. That's true, but on multiple levels. A true friend is not there just to support you, but to help you find your way when you are lost. They are the person you can trust to guide you, no matter how scared you are. They are the person who will motivate you. And they become that person who will be honest with you, even when you don't want to hear it. They will hold your hand no matter how hard you fight and never let go.
Everyone should be so lucky to have at least one friend like this. I am blessed and eternally grateful for this. I believe superheroes exist. Superheroes do not announce themselves, they just appear when you are in need. They make sure you are safe and secure before they leave, never allowing you time for more than a quick thank you. They reject public adoration, preferring to keep your problems private. But they can only do so much. They always place the responsibility on you.
Once I found my way back from the hardship I had experienced, I knew the rest was all on me. I know now, but didn't realize at the time, that it would take more that just me. I had recovered and my life was on the right track. I think a lot of us make the same mistake I made next - I forgot to revisit why I originally fell.
That was a lesson I had to learn about forgetting the past. I didn't know the signs to avoid making the same mistakes. I couldn't correct, or prevent, ignored issues. I had, very likely, destined myself to another fall. Did I ever.
Instead of moving on, I was moving in a loop. But this time around things were different. I knew how to fight back because I had before. I refused to get knocked down again. I stood strong, taking hit after hit. As the hits continued, I began to weaken. While I thought I was strong enough, I soon realized I needed help.
Now I'm back fighting for clarity. Looking for answers. Asking for help. As I feel the confusion setting back in, my heart starts to ache. I can feel myself withdrawing and have now become very shut off. It feels like life is just a couple steps away from me. I can see it happening. I see others living it. I just haven't figured out how to get back to it. I pass the time alone, in my room, looking through my window. The only ambition or desire I can manifest is to be on the outside of that window.
But who am I to ask for help when people are in need? I feel greedy thinking about my problems, when there are so many who would trade their life for mine. I feel so selfish.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Letter to Straight People
erkerk:
Dear straight people,
I envy you. You guys take what you have for granted. I wish I could hold my partner’s hand in public without being judged. I wish I could hold them, kiss them, walk hand-in-hand and not have people whisper behind our backs.
I wish my family would pester me about dates to the point of annoyance; to ask me who I went with, what movie we watched, if he’s cute; to show some interest in my life instead of ignoring or being ashamed of everything I do.
The worst thing you guys need to worry about when introducing your loved one to your family is if they’ll like them. I worry about getting shunned and forced out.
You guys only have to worry about whether or not a person is interested in you. I constantly have to second guess myself, wondering if that person is gay or not. And then I have to wonder if he’s into me or not. And then I have to wonder if he’s out or not so I can approach him without him being scared.
We have clubs, prides, festivals, parades so we don’t have to be constantly questioning. Less than 10% of the population is gay. That’s not very much. It just makes it even harder for us to find each other. Especially since so many of us are hiding.
You guys are so lucky. You really don’t know how easy you have it. You can get married so easily whereas we’re fighting so hard for something we shouldn’t even need to fight for.
So there you have it. I’m jealous of you, straight people. I don’t hate you. I just want you guys to cherish and acknowledge what you have ‘cause there’re some people out there who don’t have that luxury.
***borrowed from http://elverdugo.tumblr.com/post/867514632
Dear straight people,
I envy you. You guys take what you have for granted. I wish I could hold my partner’s hand in public without being judged. I wish I could hold them, kiss them, walk hand-in-hand and not have people whisper behind our backs.
I wish my family would pester me about dates to the point of annoyance; to ask me who I went with, what movie we watched, if he’s cute; to show some interest in my life instead of ignoring or being ashamed of everything I do.
The worst thing you guys need to worry about when introducing your loved one to your family is if they’ll like them. I worry about getting shunned and forced out.
You guys only have to worry about whether or not a person is interested in you. I constantly have to second guess myself, wondering if that person is gay or not. And then I have to wonder if he’s into me or not. And then I have to wonder if he’s out or not so I can approach him without him being scared.
We have clubs, prides, festivals, parades so we don’t have to be constantly questioning. Less than 10% of the population is gay. That’s not very much. It just makes it even harder for us to find each other. Especially since so many of us are hiding.
You guys are so lucky. You really don’t know how easy you have it. You can get married so easily whereas we’re fighting so hard for something we shouldn’t even need to fight for.
So there you have it. I’m jealous of you, straight people. I don’t hate you. I just want you guys to cherish and acknowledge what you have ‘cause there’re some people out there who don’t have that luxury.
***borrowed from http://elverdugo.tumblr.com/post/867514632
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
a Bible verse I needed to have shared with me
1 John 3:6-8
Anyone who continues to live in Him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know Him or understand who He is.
Anyone who continues to live in Him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know Him or understand who He is.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
If you can't be nice, stay home.
From Twitter feed/@houstonbch:
Be nice to people. You never know if that one little thing you did or said turned that person's day from negative to positive. And you can also never be sure if that rude gesture ot nasty comment could have turned someone's positive day negative. And you really need to consider who that person takes our their frustration - family, customers, strangers? Life is hard enough without you adding you spit to the mix. If you can't be nice, stay home.
Be nice to people. You never know if that one little thing you did or said turned that person's day from negative to positive. And you can also never be sure if that rude gesture ot nasty comment could have turned someone's positive day negative. And you really need to consider who that person takes our their frustration - family, customers, strangers? Life is hard enough without you adding you spit to the mix. If you can't be nice, stay home.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Why Can't I Own a Canadian?
Why Can't I Own a Canadian?
October 2002
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted fan,
Jim
Borrowed from: http://www.humanistsofutah.org/2002/WhyCantIOwnACanadian_10-02.html
October 2002
Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a east coast resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:
Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted fan,
Jim
Borrowed from: http://www.humanistsofutah.org/2002/WhyCantIOwnACanadian_10-02.html
Thursday, March 4, 2010
I realize I have been slacking on my blog recently. This is really a spot for me to channel some of my ADHD. In part as an attempt to focus my creative energy into more productive areas. But this is also my attempt to vocalize some of my scattered thoughts (so others can understand how I think, but so I can also organize my own thoughts better.)
Basically there is no theme to my blogs, except for randomness.
Anyway, I promise to post more soon.
Basically there is no theme to my blogs, except for randomness.
Anyway, I promise to post more soon.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
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