I’ve been catching up on Facebook after the busy holiday weekend. I have noticed quite a few similar posts (and responses and comments to them) that I find kind of alarming and sad. I have read posts from people in groups I follow, about the hijacking of the American Flag. They said that ultra-conservative groups and Trump followers have taken over the flag and made it a political sign for them. It’s a symbol of being patriot – as in ‘those’ people. You know, the crazy ones who stormed the Capitol, or who also fly the other flags. Some who posted wondered if others in the group had flown the American flag over the 4th of July. Huh? Not fly the flag? Come on! Nobody is going to stop me from being a proud citizen of the United States of America and flying the American flag. In fact, we have two flags on our property, and to me it says I live in a country that I love and support. It does not mean anything else. I do not worship the flag – or believe it is more than a symbol of our country. I understand when some feel America has let them down and therefore they have trouble with saluting the flag. That’s their right. And they may have a very legitimate reason to feel that way. Let them make their own decision. I get annoyed by people telling others what the flag must mean to them. It means different things to different people. But the flag is for us all.
The other big subject I am seeing in these group discussions is the kidnapping of religion by the same ultra-conservative people. The fundamentalists. That evangelical group that is trying to get In to politics. I read that some liberals are turning away and are not attending church now. They believe it doesn’t speak to their beliefs anymore. The conservatives are too loud and taking it over. They have heard pastors and preachers talk from the pulpit during worship about supporting one political side. Directly. Taking a political side. This really makes me sad. And, I think it makes God sad. Some of the posts say something about feeling extremely disappointed and lost – and then many others see it, jump on with comments about feeling the same way. Many!! Their churches have let them down. One woman even wrote that she no longer wears her cross necklace, afraid that others will think she is a conservative fanatic. She stated she has too many conservative family members that attend church but are caught up in the indoctrination. Huh? So, yes. I have made it my online mission to respond back when I see this, and to offer that churches, and denominations, vary greatly and not to give up on religion altogether. To keep looking! I’m partial to where I worship, an ELCA Lutheran church, because it teaches about God’s grace and love. It is a very accepting church – where it says “All are welcome” and means it. Remember: Nobody thinks the same. We are individuals but we are all God’s children. As one person wrote on a liberal leaning post: they (Conservatives) call us sheep… or liberal lambs. Soft. Bleating. But, they don’t know it’s a compliment because we are the Shepherd’s sheep. He knows us all and when one goes astray He cares and never gives up looking for that one.
So – This made me go ‘huh’ again: Many news sources are talking about the new Delta variant of Co-Vid here in our country (and around the world) that is making people sick. Co-Vid cases are going up. But – Who is getting it? It’s the people NOT vaccinated. Those people who have been vaccinated are safe from it, and therefore commonsense tells me it’s much better to take the chance with the shots then to be unvaccinated and to get sick. Statistically, scientifically, morally it is the wise thing to do. Still, many don’t. Huh?
By the way, can I say thank you to everyone who has been vaccinated? Yes – thank you! You are the ones who have brought the number of Co-Vid cases down. You are the ones who have seen the big picture and care not only about your own health but the health of your family, friends, and anyone you encounter. Thank you.
Here are a few more ‘huh?’moments I have encountered lately…
Vacationers on the beach who leave huge holes in the sand. Even if you don’t know about the turtles coming up on the beach at night to lay eggs, you have to be aware of people walking at night. A foot step into a hole can be bone breaking.
One more thing about vacationers that make me go ‘huh’: It seems many come to this area expecting to be waited on, and not need to be kind and patient. I hear from local friends in the service business that it is happening often. The lack of employees at restaurants, bars, and stores is making the situation worse. But… huh? When did we forget that sweetness is attractive, and that each person needs to be respected?
Here’s something that made me go ‘huh.’ Someone put me down for using an electric car. He preferred to stick with gasoline… like being a person who cares about the environment and saving money is a bad thing. Huh? I tried to tell him how well it is working out for me. Perfect for running errands. No money spent on gasoline regardless of the price. The way of the future. Clean for the environment. But, why the negative reaction to a positive thing?
As I re-read this post now, I hope it doesn’t come across like a gripe post. But, truly, don’t we all sometimes just shake our heads and say ‘huh?’ I suppose the things that make us feel that way seem like common sense but then – They are tossed aside. They are the things that play in our brain, that cause a pause… That make us just want to say ‘huh’?
Marla’s Musings 