I keep you around because I'm scared to let you go.
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As an American, I believe Don't Ask, Don't Tell should be repealed.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
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