.dear america.

Dear America,

Why does it seem to me that Americans are losing appreciation of certain freedoms we have? Why do we take things for granted? In particular, why is it so hard for us to admit to being Christian, when our brothers and sisters are being killed for it in other countries? Why are fewer people going to church? Why, when asked if you're Christian, do you simply say "oh, I go to church once and a while, but it doesn't control my life." Why doesn't it? What DOES control your life, if I may ask?

It breaks my heart to think that people deny being Christian here in fear that they'll be laughed at, or that people will look at them differently. I work with some of the most faithful people I have ever heard of. They're not American. However, they're living here in America. Why? Because they risked being killed for the same thing we risk getting laughed at for. How can we Americans be so naive that we worry more about what others think? Who really cares? Does it matter if Joe Schmo stops liking you because you're Christian? Do you really need Mr. Schmo in your life if he's turning you from your beliefs, and making you someone you really aren't at heart?

Grow up.

"But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 10:33

"If we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us."
2 Timothy 2:12

*Note: this is directed at nobody in particular. Unless you're someone who will deny your faith to protect your reputation. Then it's directed at you.

.he's there.

I had someone ask me today what I was looking for, in a future relationship. I thought about it for a while, and really couldn't answer honestly on the spot. But, after thinking for a while - this is what I came up with..

In a man, I'm looking for someone I can be myself with. I'm looking for someone who can be themselves around me. Someone who isn't full of themselves, but takes pride in what they do. Someone who believes in similar, if not the same, things I do. Someone who knows how to listen, but can also understand that sometimes I take some time to think of words to say. I'm looking for that guy that can understand my family, that I'm a part of them and they're a part of me, even if we have sometimes very, very different beliefs and priorities. I'm looking for someone who puts others before himself, the way I try to. I'm looking for someone who understands that while life may seem sour here at times, there are people elsewhere going through far, far worse.

I'm confident that this guy is out there.