This may be a long so I apologize now.

We are now over a month since the overturning of Roe V Wade by the Supreme Court.  I purposefully did not speak on the topic because I didn't know what to say.  What can I, a man, say about the issues and feelings that women are feeling about this decision? I was sent an email afterwards about not including or mentioning the subject in last months newsletter.  Their opinion on the subject was expressed through a piece written by a woman on Reddit about how she feels and this person said, this was how they feel. I have to say I respect her words and what she shared, but I have to say honestly, I was a bit speechless on what to say last month as a reaction.

I am in a position that whatever I say, people will either like or dislike what I would say on the subject. I as a minister/counselor/teacher have to not only take into consideration the people this effects but to those who it may be a celebration because of their beliefs.  I can tell you what spirit has said on the subject many times and have heard from various people what was said, but, it still won't fix nor for some, be enough. I understand the shock and horror and positions people take on the subject, but as a spiritual person, I have to also consider taking responsibility of actions and inactions.  We are all at fault for electing people that do not consider the population as a whole.  We are at fault for trusting the illusion and not really seeing the reality. When it comes to unity, we as a nation are so divided, we should be called the Divided States. We have seen those who fear others lash out in a variety of ways, just to make themselves feel better.

Having sisters, nieces and friends who are women, I am concerned for their futures. My one niece breaks down in tears when she speaks or hears talk about the decision. I can't say what is right or wrong because I myself am questioning even still living in the U.S.   The constant ugliness that is being brought forward by both parties who seem to be the really only controlling groups along side the churches that are some how, though there is suppose to be a separation of Church and State, want to rule our lives, our bodies, who we love and how we want to live. If you don't support them or their beliefs, you are an outsider and I would rather be an outsider that be included as supporting this ugliness. 

We in Maryland can vote in the primaries. As usual either Dems or Reps are the choices on the ballots, no Independents, which I am. I don't claim either party and so will wait for the election that includes them. I just couldn't do it. I have to say, I have a choice to pick or not pick who represents me and yes, not voting during the primaries, I don't have the right to say anything about the people who "win," but I will go to the polls and look at those choices and decide then.  

I can say time and time again, "Take this as a lesson, see the good, this has to mean something in a bigger way we just are not seeing right now," but even I am questioning what kind of nation this is. I am human after all.  I practice everyday to do no harm, even if it is words, but I also will not people continue to harm me with theirs. If you I choose what will or will not be my flag to raise. I choose who or what I will get behind because I have choices to do so but one thing I will not practice is hate. In my opinion I don't like what is happening, but look at history and it is filled with moments like these.  We have to decide that we can make a difference but also, no government or person has the right to tell you whether you have rights or not. We are all the same even if we are different genders and races. We are all humans.  When we work harder to be examples of what humanity is and fight against what it isn't we can make the changes and elect the people who will work with us instead of us, working for them.

Be kind, be loved and especially be strong. These times will change, we just may have to buckle our seatbelts and put on crash helmets for the ride to come. If we are smart, we will all move through this part of history, ugly as it may feel, stronger together.

Have a blessed August,

Steven