Relationships
Lies and Truth
Is there any real benefit to hiding our inadequacies, mistakes, or sins? Who does it serve in the end to fill our environment with corrosive lies? Lies have chains that only stretch so far. Once we've reached the end of that chain we are pulled back with a violent whip-lash that leaves us and those within our spheres broken and maimed. What is the true damage in a lie? Is it the power that resides in spoken bonds, or does it rest in denying who we truly are. Can one who is blind to who they truly are ever find a sure place to stand? Why do we lie to our best selves? Is there too much pain? Or is it anticipation? Perhaps we are filled with anxieties of the unknowns of who we truly are? Will we actually like ourselves? Will we be trapped if we look and see, or are we unable to accept our own "un-acceptabilities"? Perhaps there's a notion, or an unspoken pressure, or law from the world that once you've seen yourself you must stay put, slap a sticker label on your forehead, and declare to yourself and the world that this is who you are, and that you require no more looks, time, or reason. In this web of fear it's all to clear that we have hewn the bars of our inward prisons. If the devil cannot keep us from being contented and satisfied with our blindness, then his next course of action will be to convince us that remaining in our assorted ranks and ways will keep us safe, and that any effort to step outside of that norm is dangerous, idiotic, or just not worth the effort. Why did the serpent tell our father Adam and our mother Eve to hide when they could perceive Elohim approaching? Why did he say to take some fig leafs and cover their "nakedness"? Perhaps there was another teaching hidden within the lie communicated by the serpent that was rhetorical? Fear is a powerful motivation to push us to cover our "exposed" places. It seems that the devil was more interested in getting Adam and Eve to fear Elohim to the point of trying to hide themselves from him in a time that they could actually use a councilor and friend- If the devil can win at teaching a false character of God then he does not have to work very hard to convince the sons of Adam, or daughters of Eve to hide from God. There may be a time when we try to hide from our divine self and from God, when our weaknesses or inadequacies are brought into the light. There may even be a time of stepping away, and doing some work so that, like Adam and Eve, we may return to the presence of the divine, where lies disguised as truth cannot be. Walking in the ways of truth- even if it may scourge our pride for a time is much more bearable than continuing to hid and be drown in a flood of lies over time.
By Ari Powellabout a year ago in Pride
Getting to Know Someone – A Lost Cause
Sitting on the subway on a Sunday evening, I witnessed a very intriguing scene. From the very first station, there was a tall man on the train with a striking sense of style. It felt as though his image had been lifted straight out of a music video by an 80s rock artist.
By Nighcat Blackwoodabout a year ago in Pride
Ensuring Fairness and Inclusivity in Women’s Sports
Growing up, I was raised in a faith that taught me to love everyone, regardless of their journey on this earth. My religious upbringing instilled in me the importance of compassion, empathy, and inclusiveness toward all people, no matter their background or identity. In recent years, the debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports has grown increasingly contentious. Both sides present compelling arguments: advocates for inclusion emphasize the importance of equality, while critics raise concerns about fairness and safety in athletic competition. A balanced and equitable solution that respects the rights of all athletes while maintaining the integrity of women's sports may lie in the creation of distinct subgroups for transgender and cisgender athletes. This proposal has the potential to embrace inclusion without compromising fairness, fostering a sporting environment that promotes respect and opportunity for everyone.
By T. E. Doorabout a year ago in Pride
Sam Kerr. Content Warning.
Sam Kerr’s name resonates with excellence, determination, and inspiration in the world of football. Born on September 10, 1993, in Fremantle, Western Australia, she has carved a legacy that extends far beyond her athletic prowess. Kerr's journey from an ambitious young athlete in a sports-loving family to a global football icon epitomizes dedication and resilience. Her achievements on the pitch, her role as an LGBTQ+ icon, and her recent personal milestones, including her and her partner's announcement of expecting a baby, have made her a beacon of hope and inspiration.
By Daniele Limaabout a year ago in Pride
