When someone asked me why I wanted to write a blog, I replied, “Because I can.” After reading the comments a friend of mine made on Facebook this morning about the limitations of what you feel able to do on there, I feel even more certain that the blog is the best place for me. Facebook has its ethics and rules and on my blog, on my website, I can put what I want. Freedom of speech, baby.
Most people don’t get me. My opinions are often at odds with my family, friends and those around me. I love to get a good discussion, nay argument, started. A big part of my principle of thinking is that everyone should be able to consider the possibility that they are wrong.
With that being said, I have something to say this morning. Censorship is wrong. Whether we agree with someone or not, they have the right to think, feel, read and write what they believe. I’m tired of seeing the media telling us what to feel and what to think.
This is where most of you think that I am going to throw all of my guns into the back of my truck and go start another civilization in the woods with 20 of my redneck male friends. NOT. The greatest minds in history have been people who think “outside the box” and aren’t afraid to say or do something about it.
If a friend of yours is doing something wrong, instead of babying them and acting polite, it’s best to tell them that they’re wrong and set them straight. They may be mad at you for a while, but they will appreciate your honesty in the end. If they don’t, then at least you know you did the right thing.
My wife and I have a relationship founded on love, but based on candor. If she asks me if a dress makes her look fat, and it does, I will tell her. She appreciates that about me and I appreciate that she tells me when I wear a dress that makes me look fat, too. A friend of ours almost cringed when I told her something once. He said that it would have put him in the “dog house.” I told him that it was better to be honest with someone than to have lied to them because it’s polite. It may sound cold on some occasions, but overall Evelyn and I know that we’re going to be honest with each other. I don’t tell people I like their clothes if I don’t. I don’t tell them their song was good, or that their food is delicious if it isn’t. Sure it’s nice, they say, but then I have always been told it’s not nice to lie. So I don’t censor my opinion for the sake of having good manners.
I also don’t believe in religious censorship. I am a Christian and as a part of that, I have certain beliefs that are centered on the sacrificial death of Christ to redeem me of my sins. I don’t believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the only thing I should read and believe. There have been so many different translations, and during several of man’s attempts of moving things around, some minute details could have gotten a little “reversed.” That’s the reason I don’t try to hang on every word like some pastors do. They analyze the verse word for word looking for hidden meanings. I read it and understand it, but I focus on the biggie. Christ came as God said He would. He died on the Cross in order to save us from sin. He rose again. If we believe in Him, His Resurrection, and ask forgiveness of our sins, then He will forgive us.
Take a look at yourself and a look at the people around you. Is it more important that you smile and play nice, or that you tell people the truth? Don’t censor yourself.
There’s more and more I could use as an example, but I think you get my point.
Peace-Out from Piedmont.
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