A non-update post...

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.

Just to clarify, I don't try to push my views onto anyone except my two year old that vegetables and nap times are good for you, and my husband that taking time off of work is OK.  Yes, there is always that one Mormon person that someone knows that was all judgy about your business... but guess what?  That person isn't me.  I probably know that person(s) - having lived in the Mormon belt (Idaho, Utah, Arizona) for roughly about ten years, you meet a good handful of those who have dirty windows and are judging you thinking your hanging dirty laundry (read that awesome talk here).  Every one knows someone like that, and some of the offenders aren't even LDS (shocking, I know).  Not everyone in my religion is perfect - not even the Prophet or Mittbot (clever nickname)... I've yet to see a written proclamation from the LDS Church to make such a statement, and doubt there ever will be one so don't hold your breath waiting on that.

Something that I've learned in my rearing from my parents, teachings in my religion, and during my growing pains into adulthood is that we are all FREE to choose what to believe in and that we should educate ourselves in all that we can so we can maintain that freedom.  Lack of knowledge & information will just imprison you in the consequences of a wrong choice in your life.  And since my Savior and my God have always respected the decisions and choices I've made, whether it be for them or against them, I do likewise to my fellow man.  All I request is the same in return.

So please don't try to educate me on my religion with anti Mormon literature ... being LDS for 33 some odd years, I've seen most of it, if not all.  Please don't tell me that I think your going to hell because you're not of my faith, or that I'm in cult, or that my faith in the Word of Wisdom is a bunch of hooey... On top of the commandments I try to abide by, I also take heed these teachings from Doctrine & Covenants (a book of scripture in the LDS faith) Chapter 56, verses 26 - 29: "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.  Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;  For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned."

Yeah, that pretty much sums up what has been bouncing around in my head most nights when I can't sleep.  I'm so glad I was able to put it into words - coherent words at that.  I'm not expecting this to be a magical posting that will change everybody's mindset, but I do hope that it will give someone pause before airing their grievances.  Give yourself some freedom with a little research, maybe visiting this site, and giving some respect to those who think and believe differently than you do.  Ok, end rant.

PS - if you care to comment and want to be mean and harsh, take a deep breath and and close your browser. Thank you.