Christians-R-Us

First of all, I want to say that I am going to write about something that occurred at work today.

Second of all, I truly believe that religion & politics should never be the topic of discussion at the workplace, unless, of course it is about a politician who screws half of the high-priced hookers in DC & gets caught or the discussion is about some *ssh*le church pastor who gets his rocks off by molesting innocent children.

Third of all, I know that the co-worker with whom I had the discussion knows about my blog & will probably read it, but I still feel the need to express my feelings on the subject. I know that he is a Christian and will respect my views.

So, here is what happened:

I went into the break room to heat up my lunch. One of my co-workers was studying for a bible class. I asked if he was working toward a degree or if the class was for is own personal knowledge. He answered knowledge. The class was on the book of 'Revelations'. I have always been intrigued by the book of Revelations and the many different interpretations of it. As a matter of fact, that is not the only part of the bible that has intrigued me.

I told him that I thought it was an interesting book, and how various religions interpreted the passages differently. Talk about a mistake. I broke one of my own rules, "Never discuss religion in the workplace". However, it was not my intention to piss my co-worker off, only to discuss. But he got a little huffy, then asked more questions, to which I honestly replied... so it went...back n forth...back n forth... Then he said one of the worst things you could say to me, which was, "That makes me question your Christianity". Hello!!! What??? Are you serious?

I grew up in a VERY Catholic family. All 3 of my mom's brother's were priests. For 12 years I went to Catholic school. My mother was 'Mrs Catholic Daughter of America' for crying out loud! In other words, I was force-fed Catholicism from the day I was born. I was taught that the Bible was written by man but 'inspired' by God.

So, being the sceptical person that I am & also having been screwed by men, I have questioned that part. "Written by man"; "Inspired by God"; "Written by man"; "Inspired by God"; "Written by man"; "Inspired by God"...written by man...

Let's see, how many 'men', in this world, who have been 'called by God' have also been inspired to molest children??? Hhhmmmm...can we count them on one hand? How about two hands? No?? Let's face it, there are too many to count. So that is one reason I question the Bible.

Also according to the Bible, homosexuality is forbidden...it is a sin. So I ask, does that mean that anyone who is gay is evil & will not be allowed in 'Heaven'? The responses I have received were not favorable. So again I ask, what happened to, 'We are all God's children'? Isn't that in the Bible too??

When I was younger, religion was forced on me to the point that I rebelled. I did not want to go to church. I was a Christian, but not necessarily Catholic. Then my family experienced a tragedy, my Dad got cancer...and died. There it is! Lights out...the worst day of my life, because I completely lost my faith. How could that happen??? Why??? He was a great person who deserved to live!!! After the funeral, heartbroken, I hardened, clearly there was no God, He didn't exist, there was no after-life, when you died, you were gone...the end. Then really came my nightmare, I went on a 2 year rampage of self-destruction. It ended thru a professional tragedy that turned into a saving grace...I got laid-off, I moved to Florida & I slowly rebuilt my life.

It took me YEARS to regain my faith and believe in God again. It has been a struggle each and every day. I have built a new life for myself. I have married my soul-mate, had the daughter I never thought I would, sadly lost another daughter(RIP), gained a son, a daughter & 2 grand children and unfortunately lost my Mom(RIP).

The funny thing about writing this is that even though I wrote quite a bit about events in my life regarding religion, I haven't even touched the surface of most of the issues that haunt me to this day. Maybe I will, someday...

Inside I do not feel I should have to say this but, I think that other people might need to see it, so here I go, "I do believe in God. I believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I also believe that we are ALL His children & are ALL welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven" (Unless of course, we choose otherwise)

sign the blue paper

When I got home today, my 10 year old daughter, who is in 5th grade, pointed to a blue paper on the kitchen counter & asked me to sign it. I said, "Sure, I'll sign it later", then continued unwinding from a tiresome week of work.

Well, it has been many hours later & I have finally read the blue paper. It is a notice from her school that states my child will be studying the subject of human growth and development. Then it lists several elements of the course such as body changes during puberty, reproduction, pregnancy & the birth process. In other words, my daughter will be taking 'sex education', for 3 hours a day, for 2 days.

I must say, this threw me for a loop. I have always been open & honest with my girl about these things. I know that I have talked to her about almost everything in that respect. Still, I expected the sex education classes to start in middle school not elementary school!!

After closely examining the blue paper, I have determined that there isn't a designated signature area, only a place to insert my daughter's name & my name. So I guess that means that she will attend sex-ed whether I approve or not.

Now I know why Ryann was trying to get me to sign the blue paper without looking at it!!

It's My Party & I'll Cry If I want To

Wooo, hoooo!!! It's my birthday!!!

Today is my birthday. I am so excited. I always make a big to-do about it because it is the only day out of the whole year that is mine! Usually, I do what I want; I get what I want and I feel special.

Unfortunately, I have to go to work today, so there goes the 'all about me' plan...

Tonight I will go out to dinner with my family. It will be fun...but for now...I think I'll cry...

My Day, then Hers

My favorite day of the year is April 17th. That's my birthday. It is a very special day. I think it should be a holiday, which sometimes it is in Massachusetts. (Patriot's Day)

There is a reason that I always make a very big deal about my birthday. I love being treated like it's "all about me".

Mom's birthday was April 18th, the day after mine.