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day 41: whatever tickles your fancy

Today I've been moved by this picture. It is a deep insightful picture for so many reasons and has caused me to think some heavy thoughts.

1. Finally there is proof that humanity is inherently good. That might be an odd thing to say, but lately I've been thinking about it and my view of people in this world is dismal. Everyday I see selfish people who are rude and only care about themselves, And  I know some people might say, "Well, of course, Michelle- you live in LA." Don't worry it happened a lot in Utah too. And don't even get me started on the comments on articles. But, it seems like every time I lose hope something like this happens that restores my faith a bit.

2. Sometimes I think that this country needs a good revolution. Before you call the mental hospital, let me explain. I think that it brings out the worst in people, but it also brings out the best in people. We need more "best" people showing up. I think that sometimes we all get too set on the regular everyday things and don't really think about how lucky we are. We are all so absorbed in the world we live in that we don't stop and notice the complacent state we're in. We except our government to do everything for us- and even when they don't we don't really care- we might complain to someone, but would we ever take the time and effort to bring about change? Would we be like the people in Egypt that are now saying, enough is enough, or even are we being like our Founding Fathers, who didn't care about the tax, but the principles behind it and decide to take a stand? We don't have that passion anymore.

3. We have it good. People might call us names if we were to knee down and pray in a public area, but you wouldn't be risking your life to do so. You wouldn't need a human shield to protect you while you worship. As a somewhat persecuted religious minority I will say that even when people HATED me for being Mormon never once was my life, even remotely, in question. I mean I know a few people whose car got keyed- but really what is that compared to life?

4. Passion/Faith- These people are passionate, first about their beliefs- they wanted to practice it even if it meant death. That is Faith in what you believe. Second they're passionate about religious tolerance. If you read the article below the picture it talks about how a few months prior the Muslims did the same things for the Christians of Egypt. They're passionate in believing that it's okay to worship, wherever and however you want.

5. Brotherhood. These men were willing to give their life for their fellow countryman. That is a bond. That is a brotherhood- that is putting someone else before yourself. There is an emotional reaction for all when they hear that because, deep down, every one knows what that means. It's the ultimate sacrifice, and these people are doing for people they probably don't know too well, or even associate with that much. They're doing it  because they want to practice what they believe.

So now I have to internalize it- would I do that- would I be willing to lay my life down for another because my belief in tolerance is so strong? Would I be willing to step up and say that I've been taught that the worth of even one soul is so great to God that my life should be used to protect it? I sure hope so- and I know that we'll all be okay if we're willing to at least ask ourselves those questions.

Comments

Unknown said…
like. a thousand times over, like.
we need more people thinking like this. i've thought a lot about it lately too (specifically the revolution part...must be the politicians in us)

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