Yeah...

Our country...

regardless of what you say is too divided.

I've heard way too much today about things Obama has said

he said

she said

they said....

I'm so sick of it. 

I was raised in a church life.  Every Sunday we went to church, every sunday evening, every Wed. evening...always the same.  The denomination was non-denominational/pentecostal.  My father was a member (still is) of the ministry.  All my life I was surrounded by scripture, long services, sermons that were touching, sermons that were hell bent, and prayers and meetings that would scare anyone who didn't know any better away.  I started questioning things when I turned 16.  Inevitably this was just not acceptable...how dare I question the existence of the ALMIGHTY--ALL-FEARING God.  But I did.  I had had it up to my neck with the same shit every week.  Hearing and knowing about all the corruption, bickering, and terrible things that go on within the walls of a ministry.  I have many stories that could frighten you away from church for forever.  When I left the nest I stopped going altogether...I would pick up on occasion when my guilt was strong enough. I realized a couple of years ago that what I do is a personal choice...what anyone does is a personal choice...and I also realized just how insane radical christianity can be and how harmful it can actually be if taught the wrong way.  I was taught hate in many ways....sure we can sugar coat it by saying "those people aren't children of God..." blah blah...but deep down it was always judging and being judgmental.  One should never drink alcohol, curse, smoke, have sex before marriage, be homosexual, or even think lustful thoughts--otherwise you're going to go to hell.  The teachings were basically a live your life this way, accept Jesus as your savior, be filled with the spirit, and you'll go to heaven and be happy and be with the Lord.  From my experience they seem to totally forget the positive messages that Jesus taught...they way he spoke....the peace he offered....it's gloom and doom to them.  And now in this day when I feel our country is so divided mainly because of people who teach this way and believe EVERYONE should believe the same way--I get frustrated and angry.Yes the Bible says to let your light shine before men---but it doesn't say...let your light be a flame to ignite judgment and fear!  I mean wasn't Jesus the perfect example of man?? THE PERFECT man!  

  After many years of growing up...talking with therapists...studying...and yes praying...I feel confident in my ever growing faith.  I believe in God, yes.  I'm not going to judge another person--what another person does is none of my business.  There are laws that are common that I feel are just common sense...don't kill anyone, be good natured...love one another...don't steal, don't lie, don't cheat...etc....etc.....What Obama said recently makes sense to me...if you haven't read it go read it....James Dodson's Focus On the Family is ridiculously fighting him on what he said....trying yet again to pull the extreme radical conservative votes.  It's ridiculous.  

Thanks for letting me rant.