One of my favorite movements turns 10 today!
So in case you forgot, or aren’t told enough, let me tell you now: YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. <3
Subtlety is possibly the worst invention in human discourse. Not because I think everything needs to be blatant and clearly visible to all, but because subtlety is often used as a way to make courage seem undignified. This occured to me while I was talking to a friend about relationships.
Here’s the definition of subtle:
“fine or delicate in meaning or intent; difficult to perceive or understand”
And here’s how subtle is used, in human interactions:
“being intentionally unclear about a complex topic, to ensure you are not emotionally exposed”
Subtlety is literally about being a worse communicator. And people love to be subtle when they talk about feelings, about passions, about their own emotional growth and personal development.
Fuck subtle.
Be nuanced, be precise, be specific. Don’t hide behind being vague or difficult to perceive as a way of cultivating a reputation or an appreciation for your worldview.
And people, please: when trying to let someone into your life, and into your brain, don’t use subtlety as an excuse for refusing to be understood. You might be a prize, but that doesn’t mean you should be a puzzle beforehand.
how-to-kiss-distinctly-american:
MMMMURRRICA!
Yuengling …. Something Minnesota knows NOTHING about.
I miss it so much. If I could find a Minnesota replacement I would, but I’m not that daring nor do I know how to appropriate describe it.
I’m bringing a case back next time.
Bob Marley on how to love a woman
“You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She’s not perfect - you aren’t either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break - her heart. So don’t hurt her, don’t change her, don’t analyze and don’t expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she’s not there.”
It’s been my experience that the same is true about men.
(Boys are another story.)
I can’t even begin to imagine what it feels like every time this country takes a step in this direction. I will never know or appreciate it to it’s fullest because it does not directly affect me. But I can appreciate it for it’s indirect effects and its principle (amongst other things). We all should, for it allows us the opportunity to keep living the lives we know today.
I celebrate with those who this affects and share in the hope that one day this will no longer be an “issue.”
(For my “full” thoughts on this, please read this.)
Okay.
How do I put this delicately so that you will be open to listening and comprehending the rationality of what I am about to say? So that you won’t immediately starting thinking of what you are about to say to defend yourself?
Listen. You are wrong.
I was raised in a Christian home since I was born, my Grandfather is an Assemblies of God pastor. Sure, there may have been silly restrictions placed on me such as what I was allowed to watch, read, listen to, etc. I definitely was sheltered from a great deal but I have no ill feelings towards the way I was raised. My parents and my family raised me in such a way they thought best and in return I have been given a set of values and lessons that I hold very dear to me. I’m sure every child on this planet could say something very similar about the way they were raised. My qualms aren’t with my upbringing or my family. It is you beloved church I take issue with.
You preach love and forgiveness and hold it up as if it gives you some right to cast judgement on those around you. As if because you go to Family Night every Wednesday, attend choir practice every Thursday, volunteer at the Saturday rummage sales, and sit in your pew every Sunday that you are some how better than the person that you see walking passed you. The girl with her mini skirt, the kid with his body piercings and tattoos, the same-sex couple walking hand-in-hand towards you. All it means is you are good at managing your time. Your thoughts, your actions, your words show the real condition of your heart. It doesn’t bleed with the blood of Christ it runs red with the blood of those you have wounded with every glare and condemning word.
Do you not see how your fight for your children to be able to have the freedom to pray in school directly conflicts with your fight to keep other people from living their lives the way they want to? (Aside from harming others of course.) You can not fight for one freedom while trying to squash another. You either promote freedom or you do not. This is why religion and politics don’t mix. Do you not see how this translates to people as trying to force religion down their throats?
You have no right to tell someone how they are to live their life or that what they have decided is wrong. You have no right to send someone to Hell just because you don’t agree with the way they think or live their life. You are not responsible for them, you are only responsible for you. Do you not see how this translates to those around you? Or do have blinders on because you are so busy doing all your good deeds that you have yet to take time to stop and assess the situation around you. You have left the world damaged and broken and in need of repair. Though I’m afraid they won’t be so willing to accept your acts of kindness and love. You’ve proven yourself to be less than loving.
I do believe your intentions are good, but we are living in a time when intentions aren’t good enough. You have to think about the repercussions your actions and words have. It’s time to start truly living a life motivated by love and understanding and all that other “hippie bullshit” that Jesus talked about. It’s time for you to not be so concerned with the way other people live their lives that you neglect to look at your own and see the way your life is effecting others.
It’s time for change. Unfortunately this won’t help you build big buildings.
(Photo via:littlegrayblog)
“you just know that your name is safe in their mouth”
<3 Oh the truth of innocence.
(Source: leilockheart)
Jayson and I at the wedding on Saturday.
Krazy kidz.
Congratulations to Jeff and Kasey. I’ll post more pictures of the (other) lovely couple. ;) It was such a beautiful event and I was proud to be a part of it.
Side-note: I’m amazed at how many people do not know how to adequately dress for a wedding.