Random Randomness and Then Some Tunes
Friday, September 10, 2010
"We are one nation under God and we may call that God different names, but we remain one nation. It is absolutely important now for the overwhelming majority of the American people to hang onto that thing that is best in us -- a belief in religious tolerance, a clarity about who our enemies are . . ." - President Obama
Beautifully stated.
The Faith that I belong to has what is called Articles of Faith and number eleven is especially poignant to me right now: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."
This nut-job Pastor in Florida is not "worshiping" but rather spewing hate. He stated that "they do it, so why can't we?" and I felt myself starting to bang my head against the wall. It's the same argument that I have with my CHILDREN.
He talks in circles and makes me embarrassed for my country.
Whether you agree with our President or not is not the issue. The issue is simply the fact that this country-- The United States of America-- was founded on religious freedoms. The persecution that is being thrown at the Muslim community is sickening to me, and really is not that far off from what happens to LDS people. Our church is consistently confused with the radical fundamentalists and further, accused of being "just like them." What the country is doing to our Muslim citizens is not that different. They are being lumped together with the radicals and it's disheartening to me.
The thing that I found comfort in after the attacks on 9/11 was the way the entire country was unified. Unified. Honestly? I miss that. A lot.
I am weary of fighting, the rhetoric, the finger pointing and the tearing down of other people's beliefs.
And, that's all I have to say about that.
*****
I have been rather melancholy lately.
I suppose it's because the Kindergarten teacher at my children's school died on Tuesday night.
I knew this woman.
I taught Choir at this school, and so it was a rather shocking blow when I learned of her death.
My best friend, and side-kick in the choir, had breast cancer about four years ago. Our teacher died from breast cancer.
breast cancer.
It doesn't even deserve to be capitalized.
I hate those two words.
My best friend was a complete mess when she heard the news, and I completely understand. She has survivors guilt. We (and I mean she-- I was just along for the ride) spent many hours chatting with this teacher about cancer and how they would fight it. Together.
She was an amazing teacher who gave her whole heart and soul to those children. Right up to the very last day and I feel rather glum about her passing. While I understand The Plan, it is still difficult.
There are only really two things that I am terrified of: The first is dying. I understand The Plan, I firmly believe in life after death and I have a testimony of God and Christ. And yet, that doesn't give me comfort when I think about dying.
When my Grandmother was dying I remember my mother telling me that my Grandmother just cried and cried one night. When my Mother asked her what was wrong, she said she was really scared. She wished my Mother could go with her so she didn't have to do it alone. She was afraid of doing it alone. It being dying. "Can't you just come with me?" my Grandmother said to my Mother.
That conversation still makes me cry because that is how I feel.
I don't want to do it and I for sure don't want to do it alone... and yet I know that this is the one thing that I will have to do all by my lonesome. And, that terrifies me.
The other thing that terrifies me is Darth Vader.
*****
Have a great weekend folks! I get to go a Family Reunion and I can't wait. I absolutely LOVE hanging out with my husbands family. They are real, genuine people (no they don't read my blog) and I absolutely adore them.
1. See The World - Gomez
2. Soon We'll Be Found - Sia
3. Sweeter Than This - Katie Herzig
4.Will You, Won't You - Bombay Bicycle Club
5. Hold Me Tight - Missy Higgins
6. When You Know - Shawn Colvin
7. Come Pick Me Up - Ryan Adams
8. Can't Do A Thing - Chris Isaak
9. Yellow - Coldplay
10. Heartbreak Warfare - John Mayer
Bonus: Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight - Amos Lee
Beautifully stated.
The Faith that I belong to has what is called Articles of Faith and number eleven is especially poignant to me right now: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."
This nut-job Pastor in Florida is not "worshiping" but rather spewing hate. He stated that "they do it, so why can't we?" and I felt myself starting to bang my head against the wall. It's the same argument that I have with my CHILDREN.
He talks in circles and makes me embarrassed for my country.
Whether you agree with our President or not is not the issue. The issue is simply the fact that this country-- The United States of America-- was founded on religious freedoms. The persecution that is being thrown at the Muslim community is sickening to me, and really is not that far off from what happens to LDS people. Our church is consistently confused with the radical fundamentalists and further, accused of being "just like them." What the country is doing to our Muslim citizens is not that different. They are being lumped together with the radicals and it's disheartening to me.
The thing that I found comfort in after the attacks on 9/11 was the way the entire country was unified. Unified. Honestly? I miss that. A lot.
I am weary of fighting, the rhetoric, the finger pointing and the tearing down of other people's beliefs.
And, that's all I have to say about that.
*****
I have been rather melancholy lately.
I suppose it's because the Kindergarten teacher at my children's school died on Tuesday night.
I knew this woman.
I taught Choir at this school, and so it was a rather shocking blow when I learned of her death.
My best friend, and side-kick in the choir, had breast cancer about four years ago. Our teacher died from breast cancer.
breast cancer.
It doesn't even deserve to be capitalized.
I hate those two words.
My best friend was a complete mess when she heard the news, and I completely understand. She has survivors guilt. We (and I mean she-- I was just along for the ride) spent many hours chatting with this teacher about cancer and how they would fight it. Together.
She was an amazing teacher who gave her whole heart and soul to those children. Right up to the very last day and I feel rather glum about her passing. While I understand The Plan, it is still difficult.
There are only really two things that I am terrified of: The first is dying. I understand The Plan, I firmly believe in life after death and I have a testimony of God and Christ. And yet, that doesn't give me comfort when I think about dying.
When my Grandmother was dying I remember my mother telling me that my Grandmother just cried and cried one night. When my Mother asked her what was wrong, she said she was really scared. She wished my Mother could go with her so she didn't have to do it alone. She was afraid of doing it alone. It being dying. "Can't you just come with me?" my Grandmother said to my Mother.
That conversation still makes me cry because that is how I feel.
I don't want to do it and I for sure don't want to do it alone... and yet I know that this is the one thing that I will have to do all by my lonesome. And, that terrifies me.
The other thing that terrifies me is Darth Vader.
*****
Have a great weekend folks! I get to go a Family Reunion and I can't wait. I absolutely LOVE hanging out with my husbands family. They are real, genuine people (no they don't read my blog) and I absolutely adore them.
Catch ya on the flip side!
1. See The World - Gomez
2. Soon We'll Be Found - Sia
3. Sweeter Than This - Katie Herzig
4.Will You, Won't You - Bombay Bicycle Club
5. Hold Me Tight - Missy Higgins
6. When You Know - Shawn Colvin
7. Come Pick Me Up - Ryan Adams
8. Can't Do A Thing - Chris Isaak
9. Yellow - Coldplay
10. Heartbreak Warfare - John Mayer
Bonus: Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight - Amos Lee
