An all inclusive Merry Christmas

     I wanted to say Merry Christmas. I include everyone in this, Muslim, Jew, Atheist, Pagan, Agnostic, Atheist. I hope everyone has an excellent day tomorrow. I know it will be hard, it's a pretty stressful day for those of us who celebrate, and for those who don't, you are probably pretty tired of hearing about it.
     For my fellow Christians I hope and pray that you will find yourself renewed after this holiday, it doesn't have to be a new year to start something new. I pray that everyone who believes how I do will proclaim that Jesus meant for us to love everyone, he excluded no one. If we all start acting in love, imagine the revival that could happen. If anything this holiday should remind us that gifts come in all sorts of ways. I have nothing to give others, monetarily, but I try and give my time and support. I hope that we can all give some sort of gift this year, something not in a wrapping. It sounds silly, but the most important gift we can give is to those who don't believe as us. We can give love and acceptance. We can practice what we preach. We can also show that our lives can be joyous through Jesus. We can accept the Atheist who lives next to us, or the Muslim who assures us that they want nothing but peace. I hope we can all change our ways.
     To those who don't celebrate. I know some Pagan's do, but I include you in this. I am sorry for every Christian who has ever been rude, hurtful, forceful, or just mean. I pray that everyone around you accepts you for who you are. I pray that people learn all about you before they say anything negative. I pray that people can find peace with themselves so they can stop hating people because they are different. I hope that those around you can see that they can think you are wrong, while still showing the respect that all people deserve.
      I pray for my best friend who is now Muslim, that everyone accepts you, and that I continue to see that new light you have. I know we don't believe the same, but what you have done is amazing. I pray for other friends of mine who have lost touch with the religion of your childhood. I am so sorry that people made you hate something that is meant to be a beautiful gift. I know in my heart that one day whoever jaded you against Jesus will have to answer for that. I also pray for them, sometimes people think they are doing what is right, even when they are making a tragic mistake.
     I know some people may not like the idea that I am praying for them, but why not, I don't think it can hurt anything. I hope that even if you don't celebrate you get to spend a nice day with your families, or with whoever you choose to celebrate with. I hope that soon people can educate themselves before condemning those who choose to do something different on December 25th. I would also like to apologize to anyone who I have offended, I hope I can fix it.
     Merry Christmas, I hope that doesn't offend you. :)                                            Sara

Intolerant of Intolerance

    Judgement is wrong... no matter who you worship. This is a solid belief I have developed over many years. As humans we judge on face value, it is pretty natural, although some people have disciplined themselves through the years to see past this. I have been in many conversations lately where the subject of ALL Muslims being one way, or ALL Christians being one way, has been brought up. The fact is that people who are religious are just as diverse as those who aren't. There are Christians who are militant loonies that hate everyone who doesn't believe in Jesus, there are Christians who don't really give a crap what you believe, and their are Christians who will fight for the respect of everyone, no matter the affiliation. The same can be said for people of any faith, or lack of.
    I have in fact been judged on some of my Facebook posts, and this blog. People of my own faith say that I may be leading people astray. I didn't want to have to put at the end of every post a disclaimer that says *Hey, still believe in Jesus*. I didn't know my faith was in question. The point of this whole thing was to talk about me and my friends mutual dislike of religious intolerance. That said we dislike all intolerance, gay, black, Muslim... who cares. Why must people fight the same battle for equal rights over and over.
    I am honestly interested in the points of view of most people. I enjoy stories about why people became Atheist, Jewish, and on and on. I like to learn about other peoples perspectives and ways of life. I however do not like people mocking me for mine. It is better to be respectful, offering comfort and support will win over more friendships than anything else. I once again bring up the Muslim community. It is wrong to assume that all Muslims hate everyone but people of their own religion. It's not fair to assume that when they say they are moderate they are always lying. Did you read the Quran, cause I did, I saw little hate, even towards the end. People assured me it was there, I must of missed it. How many Muslims do you personally know? Where they grinning gleefully on September 12th, 2001? Does Fox news tell us what to think now, do the members of the GOP. I think not, I have the ability to draw my own conclusions, and I conclude that most people treat others as they want to be treated. If I show enough respect, people will eventually begin to respect me. If people see a change in me because of my faith, they will eventually ask why if they care to know. I don't have to pop em in the head with the Bible every morning. It is hard to not show biased towards Christianity, it's part of who I am, but I want to show that some Christians can be moderate. For anyone from my family or church who reads this blog... *Hey I still believe in Jesus*. I won't condemn others though. I have never said that I believe other religions or correct, I just believe that they deserve respect and consideration.