Much is still being learned about what happened in Orlando last night in the night club shooting. Until the facts are known then may cooler heads prevail. As a person who is both LGBTQ and Muslim friendly this concerns me about the greater fallout from this situation. There are extremists of every faith and you won’t find God on the fringes there. It’s in the middle where people build bridges, not walls in all faiths.
As a believer in Jesus I am called to love my neighbor as I love myself. In another note I am saddened for the family, friends and superfans of Christina Grimmie of The Voice who was murdered in Orlando on Friday night after performing a show at another nightclub. The land of hospitality and welcome featuring places like Universal and Disney and SeaWorld has had it rough the last few days. Grace, peace and comfort to them all in the coming days. Let justice prevail for all concerned.
The human condition in all its wonder is found on display at a music festival like Riverbend. All types are represented bere. People of all sizes are dressed in interesting fashions. They are in varied states of consciousness and sobriety. People watching at its very best in a place like this. Diversity is the rule not the exception.
Chances are that you will run into someone you know from some part of your life. It is not a place for an introvert who isn’t good in a crowd. For some who thrive in this environment It’s all in the fun.
Chattanooga’s family reunion as we call The Riverbend Festival happens each June on the 21st Century Riverfront. There are 5 stages of acts of all kinds performing music of all kinds. Of course there is food, merchandise and community organizations making this a special time of year.
The Coca Cola Stage from The Tennessee River.
This year the highlights of the festival is Heart, REO Speedwagon, Blood Sweat and Tears, Salt and Peppa, 38 Special and Here Comes The Mummies will appear on The Coca Cola Stage which is pictured above.
There are some indie acts who will be found on the smaller stages.
Tonight I will be posting some pictures and sharing what I experience there. Stay tuned!
If a friend or coworker is of another faith or none at all don’t think how can I convert them, love them first and get to know them. Perhaps they have a good reason to believe the way they do. Your path to the afterlife is validated by respecting theirs. Love thy neighbor, as thyself… Jesus meant that. God is love and we should be that too.
Today is National Best Friend Day but it’s OK not to have a best friend. My spouse is my friend but not my bestie, that is a different sort of relationship that is way more intimate and special. I have always thought friendships are tough and demanding and in this temporal world we live in there is a lot of life transitions that define what and how long friendship is. I think there is pressure to maintain a platonic partnership like that because of the time and energy it takes. Some tandems have made it work over the years but others have gone their separate ways. It’s OK that I don’t have one. There is no sob story there. It is just the reality of my life.
The Tony Burgess Blog 