I live in an area with several small towns. One of our small towns recently lost a hero in Afghanistan. My amazing community rallied around the family to offer support in any way possible. Then we all heard that a church was going to come protest outside his funeral. This church is known to protest outside of fallen soldiers funerals. Don't worry. In this instance thousands of people from my community took the day off and went to form a human wall. So that the family wouldn't have to see or hear anyone disrespecting the amazing person that their son was and the wonderful gift he gave us all of protecting our freedoms. He gave his life for us and the family now knows how much our community values his sacrifice for us. This church wanted to come and tell us that God hates certain people because of who they love or what they do. What the church ended up doing was making us all realize what a great community we have. It showed us how much we love and respect each other even if we've never met. This church preaches nothing but hate. I feel bad for someone always living in fear. Now let me tell you what I believe. I believe God loves me. I believe that God knows I'm not perfect and loves me anyway. I think if my husband has managed to love me through my flaws then my creator has too. I think writing God hates anything on a sign is wrong. I think God is merciful and loving. But the biggest thing I believe is that it's not my place to judge how someone else lives. If they ask I share my beliefs and I will never deny my love for God or that I'm a Christian. My bible says:
Matthew 7:1-5
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
I will always respect that religion means different things to everyone. Your relationship with your creator is personal and your own unique love for your creator is beautiful. I know some don't share my beliefs and that is fine. I am always willing to learn what others believe. However I can't just sit by and watch someone tell someone else that they are not loved by our God because of the way they were born. I will always be willing to have respectful conversations about religion. I just can't believe the people in this church honestly believe they are doing the right thing. That being said I thank them for letting me see what a great place I live in and what wonderful people I am surrounded by. To end this blog on a positive note. Thank You to all the service men and women. I will forever be grateful for your service. God Bless.
Oh and to spite that they announced they we're coming. We never saw them at his funeral. Some say they came but never got out of their cars. :)
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