I know, I know, I haven't blogged in a very long time. I'll try to get better, since a blog is basically my journal. I've found I write better when I at least have an imaginary audience (hi there!), so my journal writing is easier when I know someone is reading. In any case, I've come out of my long silence to bring up something that's been really bothering me this weekend:
Why can't we all be friends?
I'm growing so sick and tired of all the hate that's been going around lately. I'm tired of bashing on BOTH sides of the political spectrum. I don't care if it's true, if it's said with the intent to hurt or anger someone, I don't want a part in it. Even worse is when lies are spread to discredit someone, or when people say or write hateful things just because they don't agree. Not everyone is going to agree on everything, and there are often multiple good ways to go about something. Disagreements are not grounds for verbal wars.
I'm tired of all the booing that happens at sporting events. It's just a game, and even if you think the referee made a bad call, booing is not going to change anything. All it's going to do is make people feel bad and prove just how childish you are. Just move on and make the best of it!
On a more local level, I'm sick of having to coerce my roommates and friends into going to church events. They don't like being there because the people are mean to them or exclude them, and that just makes me sad. Isn't this a gospel of peace and happiness and love? When did we decide that if someone isn't skinny, or pretty, or likes the same things you do that you can make their lives miserable? People are missing out on blessings because a few girls are making them feel bad. Seriously, guys?!
On a related note, I'm sick of all the judging that happens (especially among church members in Provo). If someone doesn't have quite the same standard as you, you shouldn't automatically reject them. This goes both ways. The terms "Molly Mormon" and "Peter Priesthood", and on the other side, "Jack Mormon", shouldn't even exist. It's God's place to do the judging, not ours. What makes us think that we're even close to being qualified to decide exactly what people should and should not do? As long as it's not hurting anyone or causing extreme discomfort, I try leave things between the person and God. My best guide is the counsel given by Jesus in 3 Nephi 14:1-5. Of course, we all make snap judgments about people, but that doesn't mean we can't be better people and work past that. Even I'll admit that I've been wrong about people before, but unless it's putting someone in danger, I'd recommend doing something my mom always used to say: T-C-O-Y (take care of yourself)!
I think that's the end of my rant. It may not be the most cohesive writing that I've ever done, but I hope it gets the point across. People are different, and that's good. Now, can't we all just get along?
