"I don't know what I'm doing." Anxiously I wait and play with my thumbs as I count every tick on the clock. Airy white curtains sway from the open window as a sweet orange scent fills the open room. I switch my legs around as I force myself to sit back in the cushions of the rest chair. A sweet old man sits across from me in another massive cushioned chair. His wrinkles deep and smile genuine with wise eyes that's seen over eighty years of life. Sixty as a pastor and counselor. "So …
Spirituality
Gentleness in a Time of Crisis
Why is it so easy unleashing my anger during a time of human tragedy? I don't understand how someone like myself, cool and mellow as a cucumber, can all of sudden turn into a ferocious badger. These past days I felt more frustration and entertained more cruel thoughts than I dare admit. Poor dear God has been reigning me back, reminding me this is not the way. I don't like being angry. I certainly don't like daydreaming the very worst on humankind. But humans are really good about …
What is Morality
Raise your hand if you we're told the girl down the road is a slut and is immoral because she lives with her boyfriend? Or you were cautioned of that tattooed, cussing boy next door and how morally wrong he is? *Raises hand dramatically* Growing up in a deeply religious home, and within the Bible belt, I've listened to my fair share of "truths" and morals. It was either "Do this to be pure" or "Stay clear of this to be a good person." If you also grew up in a traditional religious …
Don’t Perform Kindness Only for a Mansion in Heaven
Raise your hand if you grew up in the Bible belt of the deep south? What are some proverbs or tidbits advice you learned growing up in a traditional religious family? I've heard my fair share of Christian tips and wisdom. Some good, some bad, and some quite questionable. But this specific topic is one I'm fired about because it's one commonly ingrained and one I highly disagree with, performing kindness for selfish religious reasons. Before I go any further, here's a little background …
Why Blaming God Isn’t the Solution
As a people observer, I notice something that's becoming more common in our world. Humans aren't taking the blame where blame is due and blaming God for everything instead. If you don't know me, you'll know by cultural standards I'm a christian. I prefer not labeling myself or attaching myself to a label, especially when you don't agree with their entire belief system. But I believe in God, in Jesus (without all the "blessed" hashtags and super southern religious persona). I'm a spiritual …