I know that I usually post about all things Jack, and sometimes things that are going on with the hubs and I... But this post is going to be different - this is mostly going to be some of somethings knocking around my head as of late... and I need to put it OUT there, not just written in my personal journal. I haven't been sleeping well lately. Actually, I never really have a good nights rest, but it's been particularly restless as of late. I really wish I could be zonked out in my bed right now, but the mind will not be silent even with a dose of Tylenol PM (which makes me REALLY hope this will all make sense in the end).
To start off with, I'm politically aware during this
awesome election year (please note the sarcasm), and I've tried to keep to myself the things that I differ with many who I am acquainted with, because well... I'm a little lazy about it to tell you the truth. If those who differ with me have the energy to post things on Facebook or a blog that are against my views, belittling to my beliefs, or most of all mean, how likely are they to be swayed by a comment by me that they decipher (no matter how eloquently it might be put) as saying that I don't know what I'm talking about. I've got better things to focus my energy on that I really have a day-to-day effect on... like raising my kid, being a good wife to my husband, a good daughter/in-law and sister/in-law to my family, and being a good friend. With Mitt Romney being the same faith as I am, a LOT of attention has been brought to the LDS religion. It's been awesome at times - when people find out that I'm Mormon I don't have to correct them from thinking I said moron, or that I have to go into a lengthy discussion about what my religion is about ALL the time (I get winded... there's a lot to it). It has been HORRIBLE in the fact that the things that I hold most sacred to me - the things that I treat with the utmost respect, reverence, and approach with complete humility - are being ridiculed, belittled, and trampled on. It hurts my heart. Literally.
I was born and raised in the San Francisco bay area on the south side of San Jose. An area that is not predominately LDS, nor was there a dominant religion during the 80s and 90s when I lived there. I was raised by parents who converted to the religion in their late 20's, and both researched the LDS faith thoroughly before joining. I grew up learning about different faiths and had many friends who I don't think even knew (or cared) what religion I was, and I reciprocated not knowing (or caring) what theirs was (having too much fun doing ANYTHING else). I was taught to live with acceptance of others - my parents were (and still are) wonderful examples of this. I am always taken aback when someone who I know and consider a friend or acquaintance doesn't have the same respect of me. I have friends where we have agreed to disagree, and value and respect each other more than being "right" about something. And not to sound like I'm TOO perfect in this area, I have made flippant remarks, been uniformed about something I talked about, and I've offended people.... many times. (I'm very lucky to know people who recognize that I am a human being and make mistakes, and forgive me of them when I apologize.)
I'm having a hard time sitting here tolerating what others are saying so mean spiritedly and hurtful.
