This last week has been one heck of week in the headlines, hasn't it? I am not the most political person, choosing to follow the golden rule instead, being kind and gracious (and, as my family knows failing sometimes) but it is hard not to speak out when hatred falls so easily all around us. I am not a chicken little kind of person. I generally believe the sky is not falling and things will work themselves out but I have to tell you, I am truly scared that the America we inherited is not what we will be leaving to the coming generations.
In some ways that is good, some things needed changing...there is no place for hatred, suppression or segregation in the land of the free. But in others, it's frightening.
I am not just talking Duck Dynasty here but also all the hoopla about Happy Holidays versus Merry Christmas. With the 'Left" yelling foul over one man's opinions and the "Right" crying wrong over Happy Holiday greetings, censorship one way or the other looks just as bad.
If an interviewer wants my opinion on a matter it is still my right to give it. I have many opinions that would surprise my family and friends, some would even find them out of line with their own beliefs and what they think mine should be but I am still entitled to have them and express them. I admire someone who doesn't waffle when asked a theological question, no matter what religion they are. (I wish I was bolder that way but the people pleaser in me comes out and I soften my answer so as not to offend.) They have integrity in their beliefs. I may not agree with them, their delivery may seem crude to me but as long as they are not espousing violence, I don't have the right to tell them they can't express those beliefs. We also have to be willing to accept the consequences of those words. I have the right to turn off that program or not buy that product.
If I choose to wish you all a Happy Holidays and not a Merry Christmas, that is my right as well. It doesn't mean that I am negating the birth of Jesus, it just means that I am wishing you happiness no matter what holiday you are celebrating and there are many celebrated in December. That includes the religious Christmas that I love and the secular Christmas that others celebrate and so many more. It doesn't change how or what I celebrate...it doesn't change the origination of Christmas nor the true meaning to me.
What scares me about this last week is that the act of censorship may one day prevent me from saying Merry Christmas without the threat of losing my job, my reputation and any good works I do. What scares me is that we as Americans might sleepwalk right into an America we never saw coming and wake up without the fundamental right to have an opinion and to speak out for injustice and hatred and basic religious freedoms.
I know this is not a normal hello Saturday post but this was not a normal week for me. Something was awakened in me and the need to express myself became more important than everyone liking me. If we are not careful the beacon of light that we know America to be will be put out. Blast me if you will, but I adore the life I have been blessed with in this country and I want my grandchildren and great grandchildren to adore it too.
xo, Patty
Merry Christmas . . . Happy Holidays . . . Feliz Navidad . . . Joyeux Noel . . . no matter how you say it, have a wonderful time with family and friends during this special season of the year.
ReplyDeleteMERRY CHRISTMAS>.......YES I AM SHOUTING. Have a wonderful holiday. Beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how clearly these days, if Christians speak out against a "behavior" (NOT against the person!) we are branded as haters though we are not, and when the liberal side speaks out against Christians and their views it's never considered the hate that it is!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Patty!!!
ReplyDeletexo Kris
I, myself, am afraid that too few people are waking up to the reality of what is happening in America to stinking slow.
ReplyDeleteAnd It really scares me...........Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas and the best in New year for you. I pray for you people in the way your country is in being now There has to be a real change in medical care..
ReplyDeleteI am a Canadian and I fee soory how your President is making his choice not yours.
Your arrangements are very delightful as you display them. Reflctions.
I have been reading your blog for a while and I really enjoy it. I came here via Kris at Simplify. From one people pleaser to another, I just wanted to say I agree with what you had to say. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteEither way you are expressing your wish to be happy during celebration so it does not matter to the receiving party. You should be able to wish any which way you want to wish. Happiness galore to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI like America too.
Blast you, are you kidding me?! This was brilliant. Bravo, bravo. Thank you for speaking your mind. Loved it and totally agree with you.
ReplyDelete