R-E-S-P-E-C-T... is it in you?

Those pictures that I promised ARE coming soon...but not right now. Sorry.


I am writing to express my irritation with the people who have been expressing irritation over the President's visit to our area. I will be honest: I didn't vote for President Obama. (I actually voted for Ron Paul-- he's more in line with my political tastes, but that's another post.) But it really irks me when I hear people (especially Christian people--c'mon!) referring to the President in less than respectful ways (calling him by his first name, or even not using the title "President" before referring to him). Because of his position in our government AND (if you need to be reminded of this) because he is a fellow human being, he requires our respect.

I love it when I hear someone respectfully disagree. It happens so few times throughout the day (listening to talk radio, reading blogs, reading news feeds, in conversation) that I simply light up inside when I hear someone disagree with something that was said by another person, but in a way that doesn't attack or tear down. Listen out for people who can respectfully disagree-- they are worth being around! I learn so much from these kinds of people, even if I don't particularly agree with their point of view.

Yesterday and today, roads will be closed. People will have to take alternate routes or reschedule plans. But, in the light of the fact that our city gets to host the President of our nation (the man that God sovereignly placed in that position, knowing that President Obama would serve God's purposes---whether President Obama knows it or not), our attitude should be that of humility and honor; Not grumbling and complaining about having to be rerouted or rescheuled.

I am certain that everyone has his/her own opinion about politics, about the oil, about most every topic of conversation in this life.... But I also know that if you can't express those opinions in a humble and respectful way, you really damage your credibility in being able to be truly heard. I despise know-it-all's (and I struggle with that attitude!). If you have something to say, great! Say it. But don't be arrogant. It completely discounts your message, to a large degree (in my opinion).

Okay, ::climbing down from the soapbox::