A Pinch of Hope

This weekend I stepped WAY out of my comfort zone for something I knew in my heart was important. 

I have been unapologetically vocal about my disgust with those in leadership roles and my disappointment with those who put them there. I share this on social media and in the shirts I wear when I leave the house.

But lately, that hasn't been enough.

Last Friday I decided to see if there was a No Kings gathering in our area and was pleasantly surprised to see one in our little community. I told my Beloved I needed to be there. I texted my like-minded Bestie and her response was an immediate "I'm down." That night we bought markers and made signs. 

I was going outside......

Before we left the house, it was important to me that Alice understood why this was necessary.

We talked about our Freedom of Speech and how the current administration would like to silence those who disagree with them. We talked about how they are trying to manage what stories the Press are allowed to tell. We talked about how they are attempting to erase parts of history that might make us uncomfortable; but these are things that to be learned so we don't accept the terrible treatment of others as being okay. 

Lastly, we talked about the importance of showing up for our friends that do not look like us who are having to worry about being unlawfully detained for the color of their skin. That is not something we have to worry about and it's important to use our voices for them. By showing our outrage at the blatant injustice - we are showing them they are safe with us.

On Saturday, with our signs in hand, we headed to City Hall and joined around 300 people from our community in solidarity that NONE of this okay. The lies. The shutdowns. The disgusting internet trolling done by the freaking leader of the United States - NONE OF IT IS OKAY.

We held signs, waved, blew bubbles, sang, chanted - even when it rained.  

And for the first time in a long time, we all didn't feel so alone.

We stood next to a woman from our neighboring community who was thankful to be able to stand with people who felt the same way she did. 

It's easy to feel like we're crazy. But over 7 million people peacefully gathered to express their anger at where we are heading. 

And for the first time in a long time, I had hope.

Hope that the hate won't continue to win.

Hope that eventually the lies will stop and consequences will happen. (I miss accountability and consequences and checks & balances...)

Hope that communities can live in peace again.

Just.....a pinch of hope.

I'm thankful we attended because now I know I'm not so alone in the immediate space I share with so many. 

Until next time....

The 13th Year

13. 

You are officially in your Teen Era, kid. 

Skibbiddiboopboop!

You played volleyball for two semesters with the City of La Porte Parks and Rec. They were both very different teams and you learned a lot. Underhand serving was your JAM!

You handled 6th grade like a champ! You joined the Drama Club and got to play Snow White. Art class was your favorite. You attended your first school dances. You purchased pickles at both.

With all the extra things you wanted to participate in, you made the hard decision to end your time at Taekwondo. With you getting older, it was time to move to the adult class and that was scary so you decided to hang up your belts. You did the right thing and told Mr. Barnhill in person and that was very brave.

We visited California! We had fun at Disneyland, stood in the trees and got our feet wet in the Pacific Ocean. We toured the bay, rode a steam train and shopped in San Francisco. It was a grand adventure!

We added to the family! We brought Sully home in March. We met a lot of dogs but you wanted to see the one with the little legs. And now he is ours. The two of you love playing tug of war.

This was your last summer with La Porte Parks and Rec summer camp. You had an absolute blast and were heartbroken to have to say goodbye. My hope is that you get to continue to grow with this program and eventually return as a camp counselor.

You started a new school this year. You were disappointed to not get an art class again; however, I think you landed where you needed to. You are now in theater and choir. You are staying after school almost every day for practices. You have an audition next weekend for Regional Choir. You are also on the travel One Act play crew! My little Techie!! We are so excited to watch you continue to grow.

Since you had volleyball experience, you decided to take athletics. You do regret that now. ;) You tried out for the volleyball team but didn't make it. This turned out to be a good thing because practice is at 6am and we do not do early. Gross.

You found the musical Epic on YouTube and that is your entire personality now. Bless it.

You got to attend your first concert! We say Laufey and she was WONDERFUL!

You had to get your second round of braces a week early because you threw away your retainer at school. When I told you you would need to go through the trash - you...were...scandalized.

Kid, you crack me up. We laugh SO MUCH. I hope that never changes.

We also get passionate so we now have safe words to use before things get too out of hand. We also have one for when you have big feelings but no real reason. We use these often.

You still want to be tucked in. I told you on your birthday now that you are thirteen, you don't need to be tucked in any more. You looked at me with the most teenagery face and said "I'm gonna get tucked in." 

The next few years are going to fly by and we want you to know that you are so very loved. Even when the three of us are cranky - we love each other no matter what.

I hope this year is everything you want it to be and more.

Watching you grow is our favorite thing.

We love you,

Mom & Dad

Proverbs 31:8-9

*Direct quote from JD Vance before he traded his morals for power.
Look it up - Google is free.

I shared where I stand on the subject of the current president. Go here and here for a reminder.

I will remain vocal as things continue to go downhill. It's important to me that people in my life know where I stand - either to feel safe or to stay quiet.

The man and his people are atrocious and there is no defending them.

But that's not what this blog post is about...

I recently shared this picture on Facebook:

This post is about this comment - 

I have removed the name of the commenter from the above picture and also from my Facebook. The block function is something I use liberally these days.

This line "don't assume this isn't part of His will" is problematic.

Because THIS is what that sentence is saying - 

        Families being ripped apart...

        People being taken off the street and sent to other countries...

        People being persecuted for speaking up...

        People losing jobs...

        Criminals being pardoned...

        Bribes being flaunted...

        Lies being told daily...

        Foreign leaders being insulted in front of the press...

        People losing much needed support - is the will of God.

Hard. Nope.

None of this will EVER glorify Him. There is absolutely no way any of this can be spun in a way to show them on the right side of humanity. 

And as Christians - if we are not actively speaking out AGAINST it - we are actively participating IN it. 

It is a privilege to go about your daily life not worrying about how decisions made by terrible people will directly affect you.

Staying silent tells the people around you who do not have that privilege that they are not safe with you.

This is the time to flip tables.

And saying "this is God's will" with all the Christian audacity you can muster is a slap in the face to all of those suffering.

None of the Bible stories I learned growing up ended with "go forth and separate the poor and banish the foreigner in my name." 

The current regime is not the will of God. It's the will of people who fell head over heels for a very golden idol.

I read a quote the other day that said "Trump was their test against false idols and they failed."

I believe that 100%.

Again, some of y'all didn't pay attention to Veggie Tales and it shows.

Until next time....

W.W.J.D.

I hate election years. It makes things uncomfy. I am mad.

The fact that we are dealing with what we were dealing with eight years ago makes me so sick. We deserve to be turned in to salt.

I have so much anxiety and I'm not sleeping well. I also have a very distinct view on what is right and what is wrong. I pray to God and THIS is what He puts on my heart and I need to get it out. Even if it ruins Christmas.

I am writing this so one day Alice will know which side of history I stood on.

Here is everything I want to say....

*deep breath* 

1. I don't think God plays politics. I don't think He handpicks any leader. He gave us free will and said do your worst. And we have. If anything, the man was sent to fracture the church and expose Evangelical Christians for what they are - easily bought and swayed. Put Republican next to your name and they will follow you anywhere.

2. One of the current candidates believes in and has a relationship with God. The other candidate thinks he IS god. One candidate is required to be perfect and calm and respectful at all times. The other candidate can be as hateful as he wants. He openly lies about everything with zero consequences. I heard a reporter say "she is having to be flawless while he is allowed to be lawless" and that is the truth.

3. If you are a single issue voter and are choosing to vote for a very hateful, misogynistic, narcissistic, racist who would like to become the next great dictator but claims to be Pro-life - YOU are on the wrong side of history. A man who is openly and proudly supported by the KKK.  You say, "I'm not a racist" BUT that isn't a deal breaker for you because he is still your chosen one. He's been accused of assaulting many women, but that isn't a deal breaker either. THAT is the problem. He is a walking, talking red flag and no matter the egregious things he says or does - you will die on the hill of "but he is Pro-Life." 

4. A man who has his followers buy watches, shoes, coins and Bibles - with his name and face on it - does not care how much you are paying for bread. To convince yourself otherwise is foolish. His goal will be to line his pockets and garner as much power as possible. The rich will get richer and we will suffer for it. 

5. God's Bible does not mention America or your right to own a gun. Hard stop. He actually spends a lot of time talking about not harming people, protecting children and welcoming the poor.

6. He is not a man of God. The Bible says believers will know other believers by their Fruits of the Spirit. They are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness. What of those does your candidate exhibit? I'll wait...

7. If he wins and he does what he says he will do - persecute those who disagree with him - when they come for your neighbors, your family and your friends - will you act surprised? Yesterday he said Liz Chaney should be lined up in front of a firing squad. How is that your choice in a leader?

8.I spent my childhood being asked W.W.J.D. and NOW when people are saying that Jesus would most certainly NOT do what he is doing - we are called Liberal and it's seen as a negative. You took us to church to learn the love of God. We did. Jesus flipped tables. Jesus would not have voted for either candidate but He most certainly wouldn't have voted for him. Jesus would be someone you would spit the word "liberal" out to. He would be DISAPPOINTED in your devotion to such a horrendous golden lamb.

If when we get to the pearly gates and standing behind God are people like Trump, Cruz, Vance, Lindsey Graham, MTG and God looks at me and says "why did you not follow my chosen one?" - I will take my chances in Hell. Full stop. I believe so strongly in my convictions that I will gladly enter Hell if I'm wrong.

BUT

What if I am right?

What if we get to heaven and God looks at you and says "how could you have ever claimed he was my chosen? You heard his words. You saw how he treated people. He took my word and sold it with his name on the cover. You purchased and wore things with his face on it. You supported him when he tore down the weak. When he abused women. When he incited such violence. When he put himself above everyone. You trusted him above all else. He exemplifies nothing I want my name attached to. He proudly aligned himself with the worst of the worst. His desire was to become the most powerful. How could you have fallen so easily for such a blatant idol? How, child?" 

What are you going to say? "But he was pro-life."

9. My job is to leave a better world for my daughter. That's my single issue. I am voting for the person who I do not see as a threat to women. Ask yourself, which candidate are you comfortable leaving your teenage daughter in a room with alone? And be honest.

This has made friendships difficult. Family relationships are strained. This is where we are.

Bottom line, for me, it's not about politics. It's about morals. One candidate has them. It's not the one selling bibles in his name.

I hope next Tuesday ends the way it should but my faith in "God's people" flew out the window eight years when he became their guy. 

Some of you didn't wear W.W.J.D. bracelets every day when you were young and it shows.

Until next time...