Tag Archives: blogging

Sunday Reflection – Everyone Is Judgy

I am judgy. I am also human. With those two things being said I can say that everyone is a little judgmental. I hope partly because we need some level of judgment in order to keep ourselves out of trouble and avoid danger. But the truth is that we all judge one another.

We all label, we all assume. Is it right? Is it good? I would say that our imperfections lead us to do those things.

The thing we have to do is not use that as an excuse to treat others poorly although it happens due to human nature. My friends, we have to work on being judgy. It is hard work but worthy work. I just hope we learn to be in a community where we can live with one another despite our faults and other stuff.

Love despite the labels. Judge not or try not to. Be curious, that might be the remedy for being judgy.

Busy Doing Sunday

This is the way Sunday should be. Just chilling out without a care in the world. But we all know what lurks in the shadows…Monday.

Farewell Sinead O’Connor RIP

Nothing will compare to you, Sinead O’Connor. You left too soon. Rest in power.

Farewell Twitter, Elon Ruined You

I made the decision to leave Twitter. Well, I’m leaving until things improve there. Elon Musk has destroyed something fun and good on the Web. His decision-making is suspect at best as it comes to something outside his wheelhouse. I don’t think I will return anytime soon though. I am on the newly popular app Threads which seems to be growing quickly. You are welcome to follow me there at @tonyburgess1969. I hope to see you there.

Practice Work and Faith

As a person of faith, in the tradition of Jesus, I don’t expect special treatment nor wish to see my faith imposed on others. That’s not what I do to anyone because it can be on the verge of bullying.

I believe that the practice of any faith can benefit the world. And if someone seeks the faith of another then that is the right way to do things.

Worship is essential and good when accommodations can be made for people to attend and also work to keep the world moving. I think places of worship need to be sensitive to their congregation’s work and to make opportunities to encounter the divine when their primary days of worship and prayer are not possible to attend.

To my fellow members of Team Jesus remember that his ministry was built on reaching out, healing, nurturing, teaching, and most importantly love. Don’t forget to love.

Living Free Without Fear or Malice

America’s the land of the free and home of the brave or its supposed to be. I think freedom is only for a few and they use that freedom to make life hard for other Americans.

Freedom of expression and the press are not what they used to be. There are books being banned that are sharing the dirty history of this country just because some are offended that it gives them and the country a bad name. Some of those books are helpful in informing people of the differences that exist and telling the stories that might save someone’s life. Civil rights have been long fought for and it’s not right to turn back the clock on those rights.

People are being harmed just for living their lives as LGBTQ folks and the thing about that is that all they want is the freedom to be themselves at no cost to anyone else. I can guarantee you that no LGBTQ person would advocate restricting the rights of anyone who is straight or CIS-gendered. It’s not fair.

My friends I am scared for those who have to make a decision to leave their home state to go to another state where they are safer due to laws being passed impacting their individual freedoms. Women’s rights are being trampled upon and they should have the right of self-determination without politicians getting in the way.

Bravery isn’t bullying people. Its fear and ignorance manifest itself in a dangerous way. I hate bullying. The people who do it need to repent and that means some religious people have some atoning to do.

I am also seeing the influence of extremism and fascism making itself known in places around the world that have been havens of peace and prosperity for all people.

To those who have fought for freedom, you have a responsibility once again to stand up for those who are under attack and in danger. You have to because it’s a moral thing to do. Those who are strong have the obligation to defend those who are at their weakest. It’s time to protest. Make voices in the margins heard.

Now some will say why are you bashing the country, simple I have the right to do so and the responsibility to call out injustice and hatred. This country fought against it in World War II and it looks like it’s having to do it again in 2023. I hope America can do better. America will never be great until all its people are free to live their lives without fear or malice.