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Dec 22, 2011

Yes, I am Anti-Gun

When I tell people that I am against guns, they always look at me like I am crazy. Especially since I live in the South!  I have had conversations with people where they try to put me into a situation where "If I had a gun I would use it." Even then, I am against them. One, they give me the heebie geebies and I can't even really hold one without freaking out. Two, it is my personal choice.

I just thought I would take a little time to explain why. Well obviously guns kill people. (no people kill people) NO, people with guns kill people. Guns have made it so easy for violence. It revolutionized war, and that has caused solider after solider to come home with PTSD. I believe video games have played a big role in how people view guns. When high school students are sitting in their English class saying they will never use this information because when they graduate they are just going to go blow people up....we have a problem. When I was a kid, we played hide-n-go seek and tag. We would have rather been outside playing, running around than in the house any day. Now, elementary school and middle school aged kids are playing games that were designed for Mature adults. I have worked in a few day cares and simply to hear how these kids talk doesn't surprise me that we have had an increased number of school shootings and such. Though all of this fuels the fire for my stance, it is not the sole reason why I choose to stand against guns.

I am a Christian, and there is nothing more important to me than my faith. It is my goal to be as much like Christ as possible. If Jesus lived today, I do not believe he would own a gun. He is the prince of peace. He called us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek. In my heart of hearts I believe that if Jesus walked on the Earth today, he would not own a gun. Even in hostage circumstances or if someone was hurting my family, I can't see myself ever being able to shoot someone. I can not value one man's life over another. Jesus died for us all, and desires a relationship with each one of us.  He does not think I'm better than anyone else. I can't make a hierarchy of people classes in my head. Then my heart is not right, and I could be come arrogant. It is my desire to stay as humble as possible. I am not better than anyone else, and we all need grace. It makes me think of the movie, End of the Spear. There were missionaries who were trying to reach a remote tribe in South America. The tribe killed this boy's father, and when he grew up he went to try to reach this same tribe. Before the father left his son asked him, " If the Waodani (the name of the tribe) attack, will you defend yourself? Will you use your guns?" The father replied, "Son, we can't shoot the Waodani. They're not ready for heaven... we are." I know I would die before I could kill anyone else. I simply don't have it in me. I am against guns because I truly believe that Jesus would be against guns. 

Dec 11, 2011

The Holiday Season

Okay, so this holiday season I have made a commitment to myself to be grateful for all that I have been blessed with. God has been changing my heart here lately. I'm realizing how often I tend to put myself first. And I do mean often....

When it rains, it pours.

I want so badly for life to be fair. I want justice to come here on earth. I don't want people to suffer. These past few weeks so much has happened in the lives of people around me. Car wrecks, emergency room visits, surgeries....and the list goes on.

There is a couple at my church that has really been on my heart lately. The McCord family are some of the sweetest people you will ever meet. Dan, the husband, has battled cancer...beat it, and is now in ICU for double ammonia. Gloria, the wife, has done everything she can to be there for him and still keep their household going. Jesse, the daughter, is in middle school and has the sweetest heart of anyone I know. Though this family has been through so much, they have praised God through it all. They still desire to be active members of our church. Their faith amazes me, and I am challenged.

God, help me to not only be grateful, but to act on that gratefulness. Help me to grow in faith. I want to praise you in the good and bad times. Thank you for teaching me in all circumstances. Amen