Editors Pick/Clarification

       
       Have you ever written an entry, posted it, read it and thought you were in the clear, and then figured out later, things weren't entirely on target? This has happened to me today.

       But first, before I write my tell all entry, I must address another item on the discussion board today. I found out today that Paul over at Aurora Walking Vacation has earned a much deserved Guest Editor Spotlight for the week. His topic for the journal picks is "writers who use language in an interesting, or engaging way." Please visit his site for another feast of wonderful journals to be read. Paul has included, In the Shadow of The Iris, as one of his Editor Picks! Thank you Paul, I really appreciate this nod and front Journal page honor.
      
       For the record Paul, I am not arguing anymore about the poetry because I humbly admit that yes, I write poetry. You win, it seems that sometimes, poetry like content slips past my fingers :o) Guilty as charged. <damnit> But did you have to use an example of writing with my most profound sentence ever written here on your journal? The one about my butt and wiggle? That should draw a crowd for sure! If your doing a drive by read here, and want better understanding of what I'm talking about please visit Pauls expose about me!

Thank You Paul for the Consideration, I really Appreciate it!

On to the confessional...............

             With the most recent comment (and perhaps a few confused ones) on my previous entry from the talented and up and coming Dr. Ari,Reflections of Ari I realized that indeed, I had taken the chicken sh** <edited since I'm a featured journal this week, don't toss me out Joe!> route with my previous entry. Wimp also came to mind, and also word illusionist that was carefully <cowardly> hiding behind finely constructed words.

       With that being said, my previous entry was about religion. Standing in the minority seats of a stadium basically means I do not believe in "God" as the majority of the world does. I do not subscribe to a higher being, or power that is a controlling factor in how the world turns. I do not call myself an atheist, nor assign any other verbiage to my "beliefs" What I do subscribe to is humanity and personal evolution of an individual.

       I have walked this conversation with more people then I can count about my stance on religion. Some believe I have just never been introduced to religion and therefore, don't know any better. This is not true. I was born into the Mormon religion, at which the age of 5, my parents defected into the Christian way of life. I embraced this culture as any child would and was baptized around the age of 10. I memorized all my bible versus along with the other good Awana's and enjoyed it. During my teens was the start of my defection, questions and exploration. At the age of 16 I informed my parents I wanted to try out being a Catholic, since Christianity was losing it's "power" of devotion on me. For two years I dutifully went every Saturday night before kegs and teenage parties. At the end of two years, I decided again, this wasn't the place for me. Over the next several years I attended different churches in search of the right "place," that time never came for me. During this time I poured through books, searching for a definition or answer my mind insisted on having and accepting, before subscribing to any one definition of religion. I currently consider myself educated and diversified on countless religions available. I still explore religion and the different facets of life it maintains. I went to Church a few times over the last year for people watching and thought evoking moments. I personally find it a fascinating way of life.

       But I also deep in my core, hold zero belief in a higher being. I do not doubt my choice, therefore the fear others hold in the power of their God, does not apply to me. I do not fear an afterlife, and believe when I die, I am nothing and with my ashes carried down a river, I will return to the earth I believe we all came from. Without fear there is no dire pressure on my being. Without doubt, I am comfortable with my decisions. Without belief, I do not feel I am missing anything.

       I understand this does not adhere to religious beliefs. And when people push me into discussing my beliefs, they show fear and pity for me. This I comprehend and also fully understand. This is your religion, this is what you believe in and this is what compels people to push for redemption. I understand that, and respect that. I am not closed minded enough to strictly believe in what I believe in and shut off all valves of information from people willing to share.

       I also can honestly say I admire the majority of religious communities. What's not to admire? They support each other, they aspire to morals and ethics, they practice family and community spirit. I wouldn't dream of taking that away or diminishing that from another person.

       So why is that my choice is sometimes so intolerable that a group like the Cult 9 can pass such quick harsh judgment, mark my child and myself with a giant red X on our foreheads and shield themselves from the likes of me? I respect their choice of religion, I hold high moral values, I move about life with an iron clad list of ethics, I do not lie, steal, cheat, in other words, in the tone of religion, I do not sin.

         But the greatest sin of all is not believing in God, in the words of religion. So I understand why that would cause others to pity me, or fear for my soul, because that is what that person believes in. On the same token, I do not believe in this line of thought and words of the Bible, so again, it doesn't apply to my daily securities.

       Just as the Jewish do not believe in Jesus Christ, or Christians do not follow the words of Joseph Smith, Rebecca does not believe in any of the examples. Who's wrong? I know it isn't for me to decide. And I feel, if you push your beliefs, without regard to another individual choice, anyone would be exhibiting the most ironic of hypocrisy.

I would also like to add, that during the course of this journal, I've had times that I've struggled and people have left comments of support, and kept me in their prayers. Or spoken of their God. That is perfectly fine in my book.  I appreciate prayers very much, just as I leave comments forpeople who are struggling, I say, I will kept them in my thoughts. Same thing, different wording, same positive flow from our hearts.

360 degrees is a wide expanse of views, understanding and acceptance. This is where I subscribe to having faith in humanity, to open their eye's and accept what is tangible, to explore what is intangible and to embrace what is called Free Will.

Ok, Dr. Ari, is that better? :o) I feel better...........and I promise tomorrows entry will be good old fashion vanilla fluffy words with whipped cream toppings!