**My comments about not respecting religions should be clarified. As an ex-Christian for 37 years, and after coming face to face with multiple SA criminals within the walls of the small churches I attended, many of their offenses against children, I developed a very low opinion of religious systems in general. The more I explored as I stepped out of faith in 2018, the more I realized just how truly depraved and amoral many of these belief systems actually are, in terms of the number of flagrant, grievous acts that are perpetrated without justice. I have personally been convinced that religion overall (not in every case) is one of humanity's biggest hurdles towards progress, and mostly is used as a shield for power, influence and corruption. This is obviously not true in all cases, I am talking more about the power structures within these religions that house so much of the corruption and perpetration.
HOWEVER, I do believe in autonomy and personal rights, and I don't believe people should be forced to not follow their chosen religion. I am not advocating for fascist movements of taking away a persons choice to believe and follow whatever they want. However, we have to be more frank and honest with each other when those beliefs directly infringe upon the well being of others. This is obviously a long, nuanced conversation, but I just want you to know, that if you are a person with religious beliefs, I respect you, and respect your journey. I may deeply disagree with your beliefs about certain things, but expecting all of us to agree on the same exact things is kind of what got us into this mess, in my opinion, so I stand here with my hand outstretched to meet you in the middle somewhere. My hope is that LOVE is our guiding force now and from this point forward. We've tried the old ways, and they are failing spectacularly in front of our very eyes. **
In a continued theme, I am exploring ideas around shedding the old, and leaning into the new, while simultaneously understanding how little we presently understand about the reality that surrounds us. I also reflect on 14 years since my brother, my only sibling, passed away after a long battle with paralysis related issues from a terrible car accident in 2005. He sadly predicted many of the horrors and terrors that are unfolding around the world, and especially at home, and I almost feel like he definitely chose to exit before all of that for a reason!
Of course I can't be sure his soul chose that, or that any of us chose any of this. I have faith, but faith has led me down darkened alleys of despair in the past, so I am extremely hesitant to lean into any 'faith' ideas. However, there has actually been evidence to support aspects of this faith, whereas my religious beliefs truly provided none.
In keeping with the idea of not knowing, I wanted to celebrate us all for doing what we are able to do, with such DEEPLY limited knowledge and understanding. We truly only hold a tiny drop of knowing or understanding in our eager little hands, while we toss and swirl about in a seemingly endless ocean of options, knowledge, insight, experiences etc. The prospect of that option can be exciting, or utterly crushing and defeating. Here's hoping the former is true! Be well everyone, and thanks for listening!
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