Today's Hot Topic

Today, the Supreme Court is considering two cases regarding gay marriage: California's repeal of Prop 8 and a case involving the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
I've been watching people on both sides duke it out on social media today, and both sides are guilty of intolerance. This fact does not surprise me as over the last four or five years, our society has reduced itself to the level of finger-pointing and laying blame with nobody willing to be tolerant of anyone else's position and trying to find some common ground.
With all that being said, I'm just going to state my position.
First of all, I'm probably the only person who has a middle of the road position. As Dennis Miller says, Gay marriage is about 536 on my list of political and social issues that need to be resolved.
In my opinion, leave Prop 8 alone. A select group of citizens should not have the right to have the courts overturn a decision that was voted on by a majority in a state. That's legislating from the bench, and the Supreme Court needs to stay off that slippery slope.
DOMA, on the other hand, is wrong. The Constitution is silent on the right to marry. That should absolutely be a decision made by each state. To further say that if a state allows same-sex marriage, those spouses are not entitled to the rights afforded other married couples is wholly unconstitutional.
By now, I'm sure many of my devout Christian friends want me to expound on how homosexuality is wrong. Well, allow me to disappoint you. God hates the sin but loves the sinner. God also does not differentiate on sin. Humans quantify sin. Sin is sin is sin to God. Homosexuals are not viewed any differently than how I was perceived when I lived with Owen before our wedding. I'm still a Christian and still part of the body of Christ.
I do believe Holy Matrimony is a ceremony that must be between one man and one woman. Under the eyes of the law, however, heterosexual couples get married in civil ceremonies or even get "common-law married." Are those unions less legal than church-ordained ceremonies? In the eyes of the law, no. I have also never seen those such couples ostracized by churches. What's wrong with allowing civil unions between two citizens with full rights of any legally married couple? Who does that harm?
In my opinion, legal marriage is a states-rights issue. When states decide to allow it with no condition on gender, full legal rights should be accorded to all their citizens.
The federal government has no right to order churches to perform marriage ceremonies that go against church doctrine. Any reading of the Constitution should make that clear.
My only plea is to think about where you stand on this issue. Are you imposing your personal beliefs on others despite whether you are for or against same-sex marriage? Stop it. All Jesus wants us to do is to treat others the way we want to be treated. We were not given the right to judge others, even though we are quick to do so. We are to order our lives to have Christ show through us, but judging others is not our job. If you judge someone's sexual sin, they can judge your gluttony, your lack of stewardship, foul language, or whatever sin you battle. Remember, all those things are equally bad in the eyes of The Lord.

Time to Revive

While I had the best of intentions to blog previously, I did two posts and quit. I was in the midst of a massive pity party, and I had to straighten myself out. That is a long work in progress, but it's time to get back to this.

I thought for the longest time that I had nothing of interest to say. The truth is, I probably don't have anything terribly interesting to say. I do, however, love to express my thoughts and feelings with writing. Even if this exercise ends up only being an online journal for me, hopefully, my mother and my children will enjoy reading it now or in the future.

I have also felt drawn to express my opinions in this matter after I read a post by Chris Sorensen last week. I actually wish Chris blogged so I could share his thoughts with those outside of Facebook -- which yes I can do, but not from my phone. If you are of a conservative bent and enjoy getting an honest analysis of our economy, particularly as it pertains to home mortgages, I would strongly recommend you subscribe to Chris on Facebook.

These are Chris's words that stirred my soul last week:

In 1984 one of the goals is to reduce language, for if the language is small and simple, it becomes much more difficult for the masses to “Rise Up” (Hat tip: Dr. Travis Fox) due to few capable of writing in an eloquent manner designed to stir man’s soul and even fewer who are able to read, comprehend and articulate what was written in the first place.

Sounds far-fetched? Perhaps, but how does your teen communicate? They use their Iphone and an ever decreasing vocabulary made up of abbreviated words and incomplete thoughts.

Use your Internet Browser and search what students in the 1700’s and 1800’s had to know. Then compare this with today’s students. It will shock you. Sure, more of the population is getting 'some' education, but in this effort to educate the masses we have dumbed down our educational system to a point in which we have now begun a nose dive in the world of academia.

So guess what? I do have some things I want to write about. I may not stir souls, but even if I give my own soul some breathing room, I can live with that.

I'm not setting out to become the most-read blogger; to make money; or even to start fights. This blog will be "Seinfeld" in nature . . . it's not about anything other than what I want to record in written words. I do promise when I write about political issues I will issue disclaimers so if you know you disagree with my politics you can just skip reading what I have to say that day. I'm not looking for debates, so Internet trolls can just move along. I'm going to say my piece, and if you hate it, don't bother reading me again. I won't tolerate personal attacks.

The title of this blog, Cloudy Reflections, is a tribute to my first journal I began at the age of 16, simply called "Reflections." I incorporated a play on my maiden name because I am sure clarity will not be a mainstay of my posts; I will probably ask more questions than clear up my perspective on issues.

If you decide to join me as I muse and ponder, you have my gratitude and welcome. Have a Blessed day.