On the other blog I used to post on, I was once accused of being a Christian and “openly condoning sin.” I found it ironic that the comment came from the campus pastor at my former high school. While the comment originally was quite offensive, and he didn’t have the nerve to leave his name or e-mail, but I used IP tracking and time records to tell who posted it. I came to realize that despite the fact that I and the pastor were both Christians, we had differing beliefs and that led him to insult me personally, when he should have addressed what I said, not who I am as a person. I still haven’t recieved an apology, but I still forgive him.

I recieved an e-mail from a fellow Utah blogger, notifying me that he had linked to my blog, and was hoping that I would reciprocate. I obliged, and started reading his blog. He’s a fellow Christian as well, and happens to hold some beliefs that are contradictory to my own. I almost removed him from my blogroll and was tempted to ask him to remove his link to my page as well, but then came to an important realization. If everyone held the same beliefs and convictions that I do, then there would be no reason for me to even express myself. While many think that I am quite “non-patriotic” or “unpatriotic,” I point them to this quote:

“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism”
Thomas Jefferson (American 3rd US President (1801-09). Author of the Declaration of Independence. 1762-1826)

This goes to show that some of our founding fathers intended us to be able to use our voices to change things in our government that we disagree with or don’t like. Dissent isn’t an example of people hating the United States, it’s an example of people investing in their government. So, the people that don’t agree with the way I think our country should be run should merely see me as an equal or a contemporary. No two people completely agree on every issue.

I believe that Christians, regardless of political beliefs, moral beliefs, or beliefs otherwise should unite, but at the same time, keeping their own identities. There should not be such monumental amounts of hate between Christians. For as a popular hymn reads, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” If we aren’t showing love to fellow Christians, what will that portray us as? We will be cast aside as legimate Christ followers. Christ loved everyone, and thus we should also love, if we are claiming to be following Him. In conclusion, let us be like Christ. Love and be loved.

Say goodbye, say goodbye
To the you I knew before
Say hello, say hello to a new beginning
Say goodbye, say goodbye
To the you I knew before
This is your genesis (Joy Williams - Say Goodbye)

I was tempted to post this at first with a post password, limiting it only to my friends, but I’m going to be open and let people understand how I work. Tonight, I became single again. Oddly enough, I’m not fretting about it or scared of what to do. On the other hand, it feels wierd to be with someone for that long and suddenly be mutually apart. I’ve come to the conclusion that relationships are a wonderful thing as long as they last. Once they’re gone, you can’t worry about them, you just have to live life like any other day, which is exactly what I plan to do. Despite the pain and/or awkwardness that this will eventually cause, I’m determined to keep a positive outlook. I was given a quite interesting quote, and I’ve decided to live by it.

“If you love someone set them free, if they return, it was meant to be.”

Thanks first to God for a great relationship that He blessed me with. A popular Christian song goes,

“You give and you take away, my heart will choose to say, blessed be the name of the Lord” (Tree63 - Blessed Be Your Name)

I want to thank Ashley for a wonderul 18 months. You were more than I ever could have asked for. I will cherish my memories with you. I hope your future is bright and successful. I hope that we can continue to be friends.

This has been a great learning time in my life. Thanks to everyone who gave me wisdom and insight, for you are who I look up to. I pray every day that God will give me wisdom like you have. I couldn’t ask for better friends. Thank You.