Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Kingdom Business
The song "Take Me To The King" says it all for me today...tired of playing church, tired of acting like its all good, and tired of being politically correct.
All I want to do is do Kingdom Business. I want to serve God. I want to live like Jesus did. I don't want the politics, rhetoric, or the BS (real talk).
I want to serve God, provide an environment where souls can be saved, freely, and without hesitation or judgement.
If I go along with the politics and antics of "religion" am I a part of the problem or a part of the solution?
If we provide a safe environment for "certain" people, are we excluding others by default?
Authenticity is what I'm looking for, I guess. According to Dictionary.com, the definition of authentic is, "not false or copied; genuine; real."
It amazes me when people shout, give a praise dance, or "copy" the person in front of them during woship service. Is it because they aren't aware of their truth? Is it because they are doing what everyone else is doing? Or, is it because we as a body haven't taught the sheep to do Kingdom Business, genuinely?
I think its a combination of all of the above. Lets get back to doing Kingdom business and get away from impressing the masses.
Thats where I am today...
Doc
Thursday, May 10, 2012
I'm Not Impressed or Moved by President Obama's Stance On Gay Marriage
Today President Obama announced that' "same sex couples should be able to get married." Hmmmm I guess I'm still processing this. :) As I was driving home this evening I was listening to the gospel radio station and the commentator asked if the move by President Obama was political. I decided not to listen to the broadcast primarily because I elected not to listen to the political opinions of "religious" folk.
Well duh! Of course the move and statement is political! He is the President of the United States and everything, and I do mean everything, he does is political and/or it has political ramifications. So that question was in essence senseless, in my opinion. The question should have been, what does this move do for gay marriage or marriage equality for all people?
While I applaud President Obama for finally taking a stance on gay marriage, it is somewhat late. Its almost as if he needs to vote of the LGBTQ community, he knows it, and is now throwing a bone to them. Kind of makes me wonder if he assumes he has the LGBTQ vote. You know, like the Democrats assume they will get the Black and Latino vote. While true in many instances, its absolutely not true with LTBTQ Independents. I don't think President Obama, any other Democrat, or Republican for that matter, can assume they have a vote from anyone these days.
If the move was political, it wasn't impressive. I'm personally not impressed by words. I will be impressed when federal legislation is passed which surpasses personal opinions and biases. I will be impressed when I can know that my partner will receive my veteran benefits when I pass without question. I will be impressed when my partner has the right to make medical decisions because of who she is and not because of a contract between the two of us.
So no, I'm not impressed or moved. Its great, don't get me wrong, but actions speak louder that words.
I'm listening and waiting for action.
Lt Col (Retired) (Dr.) Meredith
Author of "Didn't Ask Didn't Tell"
Well duh! Of course the move and statement is political! He is the President of the United States and everything, and I do mean everything, he does is political and/or it has political ramifications. So that question was in essence senseless, in my opinion. The question should have been, what does this move do for gay marriage or marriage equality for all people?
While I applaud President Obama for finally taking a stance on gay marriage, it is somewhat late. Its almost as if he needs to vote of the LGBTQ community, he knows it, and is now throwing a bone to them. Kind of makes me wonder if he assumes he has the LGBTQ vote. You know, like the Democrats assume they will get the Black and Latino vote. While true in many instances, its absolutely not true with LTBTQ Independents. I don't think President Obama, any other Democrat, or Republican for that matter, can assume they have a vote from anyone these days.
If the move was political, it wasn't impressive. I'm personally not impressed by words. I will be impressed when federal legislation is passed which surpasses personal opinions and biases. I will be impressed when I can know that my partner will receive my veteran benefits when I pass without question. I will be impressed when my partner has the right to make medical decisions because of who she is and not because of a contract between the two of us.
So no, I'm not impressed or moved. Its great, don't get me wrong, but actions speak louder that words.
I'm listening and waiting for action.
Lt Col (Retired) (Dr.) Meredith
Author of "Didn't Ask Didn't Tell"
Monday, April 23, 2012
Lot, Sodomy, Homosexuality, and the Bible???
Recently, I was a part of a dialogue where the subject of homosexuality and the history of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah came up. The basis for the conversation was the idea that God is the one entity that can create a stable marriage. One of the individuals commented that gay marriage was not of God or of the Bible and was therefore a transgression. His basis for the comment was rooted in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. The gentleman suggested that the city was destroyed because of the “desire” of the men of the city to have sex with the men (angles) who came to the city to destroy it as The Lord had commanded. While some of his position is true, there is a great deal of history that perhaps wasn’t taken into account before sharing his opinion.
In my response to the gentleman I stated that I believed the reference he spoke of is found in Genesis 19 on the story of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction. If I read the scripture correctly it does not specifically state the men wanted to sodomize the angles. It does, however, state that the men wanted to have sex with them. The scripture further states that Lot offered his daughters to the men and said they could do anything they wanted to them. Is the latter justified over the former? Was it ok for the women to be raped in this or any situation? Further, my understanding is that when Jesus died for the sins of all believers, the law became void because of the New Testament. I believe Paul speaks of this in his writings in the New Testament.
In order to fully understand the context of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah one must recognize the context of the time and significant events in history. While conducting research on the Jewish history and interpretation of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah I found, “The Talmud and the book of Jasher also recount two incidents of a young girl (one involved Lot's daughter Paltith) who gave some bread to a poor man who had entered the city. When the townspeople discovered their acts of kindness, they burned Paltith and smeared the other girl's body with honey and hung her from the city wall until she was eaten by bees. (Sanhedrin 109a.) It is this gruesome event, and her scream in particular, the Talmud concludes, that are alluded to in the verse that heralds the city's destruction: "So[25] said, 'Because the outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah has become great, and because their sin has been very grave, I will descend and see...'"[Gen 18:20-21].”[i] So was the story truly about homosexuality or the potential act or was it about something else altogether. I doubt that many people do the necessary research prior to giving their opinions on such matters.
What are your thoughts on this subject matter?
Do you believe that people are fully knowledgable when giving such opinions?
Does it really matter? If so, why? If not, why not?
Please share your thoughts...
Be Blessed
DADT Story
In my response to the gentleman I stated that I believed the reference he spoke of is found in Genesis 19 on the story of the city of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction. If I read the scripture correctly it does not specifically state the men wanted to sodomize the angles. It does, however, state that the men wanted to have sex with them. The scripture further states that Lot offered his daughters to the men and said they could do anything they wanted to them. Is the latter justified over the former? Was it ok for the women to be raped in this or any situation? Further, my understanding is that when Jesus died for the sins of all believers, the law became void because of the New Testament. I believe Paul speaks of this in his writings in the New Testament.
In order to fully understand the context of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah one must recognize the context of the time and significant events in history. While conducting research on the Jewish history and interpretation of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah I found, “The Talmud and the book of Jasher also recount two incidents of a young girl (one involved Lot's daughter Paltith) who gave some bread to a poor man who had entered the city. When the townspeople discovered their acts of kindness, they burned Paltith and smeared the other girl's body with honey and hung her from the city wall until she was eaten by bees. (Sanhedrin 109a.) It is this gruesome event, and her scream in particular, the Talmud concludes, that are alluded to in the verse that heralds the city's destruction: "So[25] said, 'Because the outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah has become great, and because their sin has been very grave, I will descend and see...'"[Gen 18:20-21].”[i] So was the story truly about homosexuality or the potential act or was it about something else altogether. I doubt that many people do the necessary research prior to giving their opinions on such matters.
What are your thoughts on this subject matter?
Do you believe that people are fully knowledgable when giving such opinions?
Does it really matter? If so, why? If not, why not?
Please share your thoughts...
Be Blessed
DADT Story
Thursday, December 15, 2011
All I Want for Christmas... Is Equality in the US and US Military
Happy Holidays!!!
I hope this finds you all in wonderful, cheerful spirits. I wanted to take this moment to bring to your attention some issues pertinent to LGBTQ people around the globe. As we all prepare to take time off work and celebrate the season with our loved ones, let’s remain strong and united in the struggle for human rights.
Hate does not take a holiday. Neither should love and equality. Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has joined other hate mongers in signing the anti-gay marriage vow and LGBTQ Puerto Ricans stand to lose their protection under current hate crime laws.
When you prepare your year-end gifts, please take a moment to support, monetarily or otherwise, those people and organizations that continuously fight for your rights. If you’re at a loss, start with the Human Rights Campaign (@HRC).
And if you, like many others, find yourself alone or with non-traditional “family” for the holidays, don’t fret! Be thankful for the people and things you do have, say a prayer for those who have even less, and make the most of the season.
When life hands you lemons, make(lemon-flavored) eggnog!
‘Tis the season to be loving!
I hope this finds you all in wonderful, cheerful spirits. I wanted to take this moment to bring to your attention some issues pertinent to LGBTQ people around the globe. As we all prepare to take time off work and celebrate the season with our loved ones, let’s remain strong and united in the struggle for human rights.
Hate does not take a holiday. Neither should love and equality. Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has joined other hate mongers in signing the anti-gay marriage vow and LGBTQ Puerto Ricans stand to lose their protection under current hate crime laws.
When you prepare your year-end gifts, please take a moment to support, monetarily or otherwise, those people and organizations that continuously fight for your rights. If you’re at a loss, start with the Human Rights Campaign (@HRC).
And if you, like many others, find yourself alone or with non-traditional “family” for the holidays, don’t fret! Be thankful for the people and things you do have, say a prayer for those who have even less, and make the most of the season.
When life hands you lemons, make(lemon-flavored) eggnog!
‘Tis the season to be loving!
Friday, November 18, 2011
I am NOT a VICTIM!!! I am a SURVIVOR!!!
Yesterday I realized the significance and importance of declaring that I am a survivor and NOT a victim! During my therapy session, as I discussed the Sandusky case and how the news took me back to the time when I was abused, i struggled with finding a term to reference when discussing how I felt. During the exchange with my psychologist, I realized that the term survivor "feels" much better than the term victim.
I read @goldietaylor's posts over the last several days as she revealed that she had been sexually abused by a high school football coach. One of her tweets mentioned that she never wanted to be considered "a victim." I can totally relate because I feel the same way. Though its hard to explain, I don't consider myself a victim of child sex abuse. I do, however, consider myself a survivor. some may say its minor definition and meaning. I disagree.
There is something to be said about a "survivor" versus a "victim." I personally prefer the former. I at least gives me peace of mind knowing that I made it through and over that horrific time in my life. It allows me to express myself to others knowing they can survive such situations also. I hope the children involved in the current sex abuse cases realize they are survivors and that they are worthy of surviving. They have a story to tell as do many others who have experienced the same.
Have you or anyone you know been involved in a child abuse situation? If so, have you overcome the situation? How did you overcome? If not, what do you feel is holding you back from overcoming that situation?
Be Blessed,
DADT Story
I read @goldietaylor's posts over the last several days as she revealed that she had been sexually abused by a high school football coach. One of her tweets mentioned that she never wanted to be considered "a victim." I can totally relate because I feel the same way. Though its hard to explain, I don't consider myself a victim of child sex abuse. I do, however, consider myself a survivor. some may say its minor definition and meaning. I disagree.
There is something to be said about a "survivor" versus a "victim." I personally prefer the former. I at least gives me peace of mind knowing that I made it through and over that horrific time in my life. It allows me to express myself to others knowing they can survive such situations also. I hope the children involved in the current sex abuse cases realize they are survivors and that they are worthy of surviving. They have a story to tell as do many others who have experienced the same.
Have you or anyone you know been involved in a child abuse situation? If so, have you overcome the situation? How did you overcome? If not, what do you feel is holding you back from overcoming that situation?
Be Blessed,
DADT Story
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Audacity of a Sex Abuser (Sandusky)!
Last night when I listened to the Sandusky interview it took me back to the day I confronted my abuser. I can remember the look on his face when he said, "I'm not saying you are not telling the truth, but..." And so goes the story... I immediately cut him off and finished what I'd come to do, confront him, forgive him, and release him to the universe and God. That confrontation was something I'd prayed about for years and finally had the courage and strength to face my abuser.
Of course Sandusky is innocent until proven guilty (in a court of law). However, his candid denial of any wrong doings leads me to believe he is guilty (based on my personal experience). If he is, in fact, guilty he just re-assaulted all those innocent children by denying his actions. Why would a child (so many children) make up such stories? Why would adults make accusations about horrible things this man did to helpless children?
In the end, the denial matters not. What matters are the children (families) and their well being. I say to the children, be strong and courageous. Confront and release (if and when you can). Don't let the predator have the power or get the victory.
Be Blessed,
DADT Story
Of course Sandusky is innocent until proven guilty (in a court of law). However, his candid denial of any wrong doings leads me to believe he is guilty (based on my personal experience). If he is, in fact, guilty he just re-assaulted all those innocent children by denying his actions. Why would a child (so many children) make up such stories? Why would adults make accusations about horrible things this man did to helpless children?
In the end, the denial matters not. What matters are the children (families) and their well being. I say to the children, be strong and courageous. Confront and release (if and when you can). Don't let the predator have the power or get the victory.
Be Blessed,
DADT Story
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Shhh...Maybe DADT will quietly go away...
Haven't heard much about DADT and the repeal lately? Me either! Its been a quiet transition to life after the repeal of DADT. On one hand, it seems senior leaders may have anticipated a flurry of gay military service personnel posting pictures of girlfriends and boyfriends. It seems to be quite the opposite.
On the other hand, many gay service members are, plainly, frightened that the repeal may be "repealed." After all, legislation can be changed as we've recently witnessed. I personally haven't changed a thing. The way I do business is the way I do business. I have always been a very private person and have no desire to post pictures or share my partner with the military. Perhaps its because I'm a little older and joined the military prior to DADT. Perhaps I've grown accustomed to hiding who I really am. Or perhaps, it really didn't make a difference in the first place.
One change that's missing, in my opinion, is the access to benefits for gay, lesbian, and transgender service member's partners and spouses. If we are to get to a point of inclusion and transparency for LGBT service members, the military must provide access to the same benefits as heterosexual service members.
While many individuals are of the mindset that LGBT service members should simply be happy with the repeal of DADT, there are many people who are fighting for additional rights and benefits as well.
One can only hope and pray that the US military will continue to evolve.
DADT Story
On the other hand, many gay service members are, plainly, frightened that the repeal may be "repealed." After all, legislation can be changed as we've recently witnessed. I personally haven't changed a thing. The way I do business is the way I do business. I have always been a very private person and have no desire to post pictures or share my partner with the military. Perhaps its because I'm a little older and joined the military prior to DADT. Perhaps I've grown accustomed to hiding who I really am. Or perhaps, it really didn't make a difference in the first place.
One change that's missing, in my opinion, is the access to benefits for gay, lesbian, and transgender service member's partners and spouses. If we are to get to a point of inclusion and transparency for LGBT service members, the military must provide access to the same benefits as heterosexual service members.
While many individuals are of the mindset that LGBT service members should simply be happy with the repeal of DADT, there are many people who are fighting for additional rights and benefits as well.
One can only hope and pray that the US military will continue to evolve.
DADT Story
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