Spirit Day is dedicated to bring awareness of the bullying of members of the LGBTQ community. Bullying is wrong and should not be tolerated. These folks want to live their lives in peace and freedom of fear. I salute this effort to make our communities safe for all. I love my friends who are LGBTQ and they make the world a better place by being who Good created them to be.
If you have been coming around this here blog of mine you have seen a post or two about faith, religion, spirituality and that sort of thing. Yes, I am a believer, a believer in a loving and caring creator who is here to offer the world amazing things. God, Yahweh, Allah, Great Spirit no matter what your name for the creator is there is something to believe in if you are so inclined. (I love Jesus and I cuss a little, drink a little too).
Now I don’t believe in a creator who is destructive, mean-spirited and vengeful. We get enough of that from human beings who can and have used what they believe to marginalize people because they don’t fit in. It’s sad how many people have been tossed aside because their beliefs and faith aren’t what some people think it should be. I believe there can be a middle way or Via Media.
There is also the need to respect those who have chosen not to believe, although they seem to reflect the light and love in the god they don’t believe in better than those who believe. What you believe is your own business and what I believe in is a big table, a wide circle and there is room for more.
I love and respect you my blogging community. Believe it or not.
It’s a true gift to be in community with a body of believers who are from all across the spectrum of life and experience. Opening the doors wider is better for everyone. Right now the people of the world need to know about a love that never ends. As a person of faith I am committed to being a part of that community that makes connections with people where they are and who they are. Diversity in gift and spirit makes this whole thing work. To God be the glory. May the peace of the Lord be with all people. Thank you St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Chattanooga for being that place.
I wonder when there will be a time where we love our neighbor as ourselves and stop listening to those who give that commandment lip service. Too many believers are listening to politicians and pundits who espouse paranoia and hate. I think its time to turn weapons into plowshares, to end constant war to live in peace. We should should think of arms of love instead of arms of destruction.
Understanding can build bridges and connections where as shaming is about destruction of spirit and soul. I think people need to be more sensitive to the plight of others and that their circumstances are sometimes out of their control. We live in a very diverse world where no two people encounter life in an identical way. Opening your heart and mind can go a long way into creating peace both communally and individually. Maybe this is the door to peace?
I am thinking that WordPress.com is a great social network for bloggers. Everyone here is bringing something special and unique into the blogosphere. The people here like writing in long-form about things they love and care about.
I am finding that as we blog we are making connections with like-minded people who are sharing with the world a little of who we are. It’s those links that make blogging fun and rewarding. Anytime you discover a new blogger who you like its like uncovering gold and you establish new friendships with people around the world. I am grateful for the people I have connected with over the years and It’s humbling that they like me too. Bloggers are among my favorite people and there are some I have become big fans of and its great to have a mutual admiration society that is welcoming and understanding.
The Tony Burgess Blog 