A friend recently posted a link in which she commented "This link is for Mormons, this girl was a Mormon and now she found Jesus. She wants to reach out." I was dissapointed when I read it and I guess I just need a moment to vent. Of course I am used to all sorts of ridicule when it comes to religion. It's contoversal, I get it. This friend was someone I went through my graduate program with. We work in a field that works to stomp out stereotypes surrounding people with disabilities, addictions, and mental illnesses. We advocate for people dealing with things that most do not understand. We educate others to help them understand different aspects of disabilities because most of the assumptions that people make are WRONG. This creates fear and perpetuates divisions within our society. "People with mental illness are dangerous". "People with physical disabiilties can't work". "People who are addicts won't help themselves". You get the idea. I guess I have stronger expectations because if they are able to recognize the negative implications of stereotypes in this area then surely they must understand it in other areas like religion. This friend is a great person and it is obvious that she has a great love of God and Christ which I respect. But what happened to not stereotyping and not making assumptions to perpetuate incorrect lines of thinking. Mormons are Christian.
I have friends of all different religions including outside of the Christian world. Some don't believe in God at all. They are great people. I respect those that live their lives striving to be better. Those who work to make the lives of others better.
What I can't respect is ignorance.
Education is the cure.
Update....
Things have been interesting around here. I have spent the last week studying, studying, studying. Yesterday I took the exam that if I pass, will nationally certify me as a rehabilitation counselor. I honestly feel on the fence about whether or not I passed and unfortunately I won't know for about five weeks. I am relieved it's over though.
I cancelled my trip to Utah. I am bummed that it will be even longer until I see my family. But we had some unexpected events happen that I felt I needed to be here for. I did get to meet John's extended family though. It was a pleasant (and way less chaotic) substitute for my own. They were wonderful.
I am getting used to Wisconsin. I have made a total of one friend so I find myself spending entirely too much time alone. I have to say that this is the first time since high school that I felt such an innability to meet friends. A few years ago Wisconsin was reportedly rated one of the "friendliest states"...which cracks me up given that EVERYWHERE we go here, people who have jobs that "require" them to be friendly like salespeople or waitresses, are generally not. I get it. Lack of sun creates insufficient amounts of vitamin D and makes people grumpy but come on!
I have so much. I am so thankful for the extra time that I have been able to spend with my husband lately. Also for the fact that in a week of studying I have not lifted a finger on cleaning/cooking/laundry/ironing...gross I know. My dear husband didn't say a single word. I am grateful for my home and the comforts that we have. Our small garden is now producing delicious vegetables and herbs which strangely gives me a nice sense of accomplishment...
I cancelled my trip to Utah. I am bummed that it will be even longer until I see my family. But we had some unexpected events happen that I felt I needed to be here for. I did get to meet John's extended family though. It was a pleasant (and way less chaotic) substitute for my own. They were wonderful.
I am getting used to Wisconsin. I have made a total of one friend so I find myself spending entirely too much time alone. I have to say that this is the first time since high school that I felt such an innability to meet friends. A few years ago Wisconsin was reportedly rated one of the "friendliest states"...which cracks me up given that EVERYWHERE we go here, people who have jobs that "require" them to be friendly like salespeople or waitresses, are generally not. I get it. Lack of sun creates insufficient amounts of vitamin D and makes people grumpy but come on!
I have so much. I am so thankful for the extra time that I have been able to spend with my husband lately. Also for the fact that in a week of studying I have not lifted a finger on cleaning/cooking/laundry/ironing...gross I know. My dear husband didn't say a single word. I am grateful for my home and the comforts that we have. Our small garden is now producing delicious vegetables and herbs which strangely gives me a nice sense of accomplishment...
Rustling sounds of the winds of change...
I had a friend write me a letter once right before a big move. She refered to the different periods of my life as "seasons" and I thought it was beautiful.
Seasons come and go. Some seem long and others fly by way too fast. Often they change so gradually you hardly notice that they have switched.
This season of my life has been unexpected. So many changes that I feel dizzy.
When I was young I wanted to be a ballerina. When taught to twirl, the instructor required that before we even began our turn, we were to select one spot on the wall. As we started spinning faster and faster we were to move our head so our eyes remained constantly on our preselected spot. This allowed us to maintain our balance. The minute we lost focus, we would become wobbly and at times even tumble to the ground.
This lesson has become increasingly important as changes all around me cause me to spin. Focus is the secret. Focus on something that is strong, immovable and ever-consistant. This week has been a vivid reminder.
Essential even.
Seasons come and go. Some seem long and others fly by way too fast. Often they change so gradually you hardly notice that they have switched.
This season of my life has been unexpected. So many changes that I feel dizzy.
When I was young I wanted to be a ballerina. When taught to twirl, the instructor required that before we even began our turn, we were to select one spot on the wall. As we started spinning faster and faster we were to move our head so our eyes remained constantly on our preselected spot. This allowed us to maintain our balance. The minute we lost focus, we would become wobbly and at times even tumble to the ground.
This lesson has become increasingly important as changes all around me cause me to spin. Focus is the secret. Focus on something that is strong, immovable and ever-consistant. This week has been a vivid reminder.
Essential even.
Reflect, rinse, repeat...
Life is short. End of story.
Sometimes lessons are learned over time. Slow and steady. Other times we are forced to realize things in a few brief moments. Both can be valuable and meaningful. It is up to us to grant them meaning. We distribute value. We decide what we take from our experiences.
And sometimes the experiences of others.
Change is difficult but sometimes the consequences of not changing are even harsher. Sometimes even permanent.
I have learned that talking about change is pointless.
Change mostly feels impossible.
It is uncomfortable.
And unfortunately,
Necessary.
Sometimes lessons are learned over time. Slow and steady. Other times we are forced to realize things in a few brief moments. Both can be valuable and meaningful. It is up to us to grant them meaning. We distribute value. We decide what we take from our experiences.
And sometimes the experiences of others.
Change is difficult but sometimes the consequences of not changing are even harsher. Sometimes even permanent.
I have learned that talking about change is pointless.
Change mostly feels impossible.
It is uncomfortable.
And unfortunately,
Necessary.
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