Friday, November 14, 2008

Oh, She's Ranting Again

More on the book soon... I've read more than I've posted about, so I hope to make the time to update you soon. I'm glad to hear that a couple of you have bought the book! I hope it helps us see things in a new light.

I was watching the news earlier, and I have to vent despite the fact that many or most of you will disagree.

I realize I'm just about the only person left in my age bracket (or just about any other age bracket) who isn't jumping on board with a variety of changes the world wants me to embrace, but I don't care. I have kids to raise, and I still want the world to be a fairly decent place by the time they're out in it alone. I don't think it will be a decent place if we continue to look the other way and claim morality is simply a way for us to place labels and judgment on one another. I think there are times we all need someone to pull us back in line. I know I've been there.

I also believe one day I'll be held accountable for all of my decisions--good and bad, and that I'll have a lot of explaining to do as to why I kept quiet and went with the masses instead of rocking the boat when I had the chance, so....here's to rocking the boat and using my voice to say I'M NOT BUYING WHAT MAINSTREAM AMERICA IS SELLING!

**Soap box in place, and I'm officially on it.**

I hate that old-fashioned values are referred to as old-fashioned.

I don't believe in a live and let live mentality. There. I said it.

I think the standard for behavior is sinking fast, and it's hard not to get caught up in it. It's harder for some than for others. We need to remember that a "free for all" mentality means utter destruction for a lot of people.

I think immorality is becoming much easier to justify because we have such low standards as a nation. You used to be able to look at the next guy and feel ashamed if you weren't up to par. Now the next guy is probably a bigger mess than you are which means you're let off the hook and can continue living your life as you are. No need to rise to the standards of a gentlemen or a lady, an upstanding Christian, etc. if the standards don't exist anymore.

I don't think I should have to see girls going wild at every single commercial break when I want to watch a late night movie. I don't want my husband seeing drunk bimbo after drunk bimbo showing her barely bleeped out breasts, and I don't want anyone in my family having to watch two skeezes sticking their tongues in each other's mouths (although I'm sure it's just that they love each other a lot, and they're not sexual deviants...psssh!). I realize this makes me a real old-fashioned stick in the mud, but I miss the days that sleazy behavior was a bad thing. I don't think it should be celebrated and piped into every home.

I joke that Ellen and Oprah are collaborating on a new project--their own revised version of The Holy Bible because I think they've already verbally rewritten it by spewing their beliefs over and over and over again until they've brainwashed a lot of their viewers with their idea of how our world should be. I admit, I still watch Oprah now and then, but definitely not to hear what Oprah has to say. I try to fast forward when the guests stop speaking.

I don't believe the gay right movement is the same struggle as the blacks had in their civil rights movement. I don't even think it's fair to compare the two.

I'm glad we have a black man as president, but I wish it were a different black man.

I still oppose abortion. I still don't feel sorry for women who choose it as a form of birth control.

I still think it makes no sense that we will kill children and say the mother had the right because it was in her body, but we don't kill child molesters because child molesters--as well as murderers and rapists for that matter-- have rights that even the innocent unborn aren't given.

Just so you know, pedophiles meet online and elsewhere so that they can "come out of the closet" to people like themselves. They would like you to know that "like homosexuals" (their comparison, not mine) God made them the way they are. They can not help who they are sexually attracted to. Yes, it has come that far. Did we really not see this coming? Equality for the rights of individuals who are sexually attracted to children. Did you know fathers video tape their own infants being molested to trade with others who believe they are all just "misunderstood" and will one day be accepted just as homosexuals are accepted now?

As I said, I don't believe in live and let live because look where it takes us.

While I'm harping, I don't believe in one man having ten wives. I still define marriage as the union between one man and one woman.

It's been a long time coming, but our standards for morality are slipping as our standards for living a life of luxury rise. If there was any doubt left in my mind, it was removed when our new president was elected. The promise of plumper pocket books won out over absolutely everything else that used to matter and still matters to half of America.

We're the blind leading the blind. Our lives are a mess. Our families are a mess. Our families are broken. Our children are lost. Churches have no idea how to reach the masses because church sense doesn't make sense when you really like the freedom of the secular world. Christians are lost because they-- like myself-- look to the world for answers. When I was drowning in despair, I turned my back on God, made my own set of rules, and I failed miserably just as the world around me is failing miserably.

Someone attempted to help me by anonymously posting something in my comment section like, "Don't look to God for strength. Look to yourself for strength." (Oprah, is that you?) Well, that's what I did, and it got me nowhere. My wheels were spinning for years, and I was going nowhere fast. I am not all powerful. I can not do it alone. When I tried being godless, I've never felt more alone or more desperate for peace and understanding. But I had more than enough anger and bitterness because it had nowhere to go. I had no one to relieve me of my burdens. No one to promise me rest.

In Washington D.C., there are ads running on the sides of buses that say,

"Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake."

Below it there's some picture of an idiot in a Santa outfit and info of how to join the club of agnostics and atheists.

I really don't believe being godless is the answer. I think we're only more confused because right and wrong is not consistent across the board. Maybe it was never black and white, but it definitely wasn't whatever color you wanted it to be.

It's been said that the younger generation is the mess it is because parents were too concerned about harming their psyches and chose not to discipline them. Now those kids are the people deciding what is acceptable in our culture, and guess what? Every thing's okay! Surprised? Me either. Those same kids pushing the limits then--that the rest of us thought were so bratty--are the same bratty people pushing the limits now. For better or worse, they're getting their way because they think they're entitled to it. Ah, the entitlement mentality. That's never ruined anyone's life.

Staying quiet, being agreeable, and keeping the peace so as not to appear politically incorrect is causing our world to go to hell in hand basket. If there's anyone out there actually reading this, and you still see the value in "old-fashioned" morality, I encourage you to find your voice if you haven't already and let people know how you feel. I can't be the only one left who longs for a civilized and morally upright world for their children to grow up in.

**Leaving soap box.**

21 Comments:

  • Whoa... um, happy Friday?

    I agree with some of what you had to say, but maybe I'm more optimistic. I see the world as becoming a better place. I am glad we now have laws in place to protect the innocent (Megan's Law, sex offender restrictions) and that things that used to be swept under a rug are now being prosecuted (Catholic church scandal).

    The world is no longer a "boys' club" where people can get away with doing things and people just look the other way. People now stand up for their rights and the rights of the minority.

    I am excited over the changes that I have seen in my lifetime, and I hope they will continue so that our children will never know a world that was discriminitory, where women earned less than men, and where fat cats with all the money could do whatever the heck they wanted with no repercussions.

    *** putting away my soapbox now ***

    I still love ya, Jenn!

    By Blogger Erin, at Fri Nov 14, 04:47:00 PM  

  • I am with you...

    we are moving farther and farther away from what the Bible and Constitution says...


    like they say in the Bible..

    at the end of days...
    what is wrong is right and
    what is right is wrong..

    seems to be happening in this time...

    hey..
    love that book..
    I see the Queen bought one too!!

    By Blogger Terri@SteelMagnolia, at Fri Nov 14, 05:30:00 PM  

  • Am I supposed to be cheery on Friday? Every day is Groundhog Day in this house. Life doesn't slow down for the weekend. :D

    I agree in that I think we've made great strides with equality, but we still have a long way to go with legitimate civil rights.

    I think we have a whole new "boys club" except it has girls now. I think equal pay is great for women but women's lib has hurt families. Men used to have a crucial role in the family and aren't seen as necessary anymore by a lot of people.

    We're making progress with fat cats? We definitely are watching different news stations. ;D But I'm grateful you see the glass as half full. Here's to happiness and progress! :D

    By Blogger Flawed And Disorderly, at Fri Nov 14, 05:30:00 PM  

  • Terri, interesting that you said that. I have an African American student who voted Obama and already regrets it. He says the more he studies his Bible, the more it seems like Obama is the end for us. I try not to get freaked out by it, but something's definitely weird with the turn the world has taken.

    By Blogger Flawed And Disorderly, at Fri Nov 14, 05:33:00 PM  

  • Wow, that was some rant.

    Yours truly,

    M. Sneed :)

    By Blogger Merle Sneed, at Fri Nov 14, 07:24:00 PM  

  • Great post Jen! And just for a little support, no you are not the only person living out there for feels that way. I'm a 26 y/o Hispanic female and I hate that I am often stereotyped as being part of the "young Latino female" voters category. I most certainly am not. And why not? Because my parents raised me to go to the Bible for answers - not to some empty promises politician My parents raised me to know that my actions have consequences, and it's not up to the government to bail me out of the bad ones. They raised me to believe that my husband and I will be responsible for raising our family - not the tv, not the schools, not popular media, not the government, not the "it takes a village" mentality. It is so frustrating for people to look at this country and think we are now "saved." It's as if some people are looking at this President-elect as the 2nd coming of Jesus and they're putting all their faith in one man. Hmmmmm . . . . Hitler? Stalin? Chairman Mao? Throw the sex offenders in jail and throw away the key. Throw the book at people who endanger the lives of children. And for the love of God, stop defiling the institution of marriage by letting two individuals who, by God' great design, can NOT procreate together, from marrying one another, and from being able to adopt a child.

    By Blogger Kate, at Sat Nov 15, 07:12:00 AM  

  • Jenn-

    This is so refreshing. After having you read me for years, and watch me struggle through school without being brainwashed (and i've had a break, so I'm doing better) It is really great to come over here and get my head screwed back on straight.

    Thank you for being a light.

    JTS

    By Blogger MM, at Sat Nov 15, 06:00:00 PM  

  • I dont have much to say other then..

    If your happily married, why shouldnt, couldnt, someone of the SAME SEX be happily married?

    It is o.k. to have meaningless sex, Just use condoms they are safer, and cheaper then abortions, and birthcontrol.

    There is no reason a man should should be any beter then a woman. "men/man aren't seen as necessary" in my world, because My father told me never to rely on anyone but myself, and if I had to rely on a man then what good am I? It is so important for a woman to be independant now, so she isnt afarid to say what she feels and thinks. Why do we need MEN telling us what to do? Dont we have our own minds and decisions to make?

    you probably grew up with the mentallity of, go to school, find a man, get married, have kids, buy a house, and die.

    Didnt you ever realize that Life to you, is not life to me?

    Im single, 33 no kids, no house, dating, and traveling. My life couldnt be anymore fuller then yours.

    I think you are a wonderful woman, I just also think that before you judge other peoples actions, you should understand their actions.

    By Blogger Marcia, at Mon Nov 17, 01:40:00 AM  

  • MGW and Merry Mama,

    Thank you for posting! It made me smile!

    Marcia--I think you misunderstood my comment about women's lib hurting families. My mom was a working mom, ran the house, paid the bills, and took a more dominant role in the home. Now she regrets it. They've been married almost 50 years, but she realizes he had a role in the family as well. She didn't have to do everything a man and woman did. She could have allowed him to be the man of the house and be proud of his role. So it's not that a man is "better" than a woman, it's just that he's a role model in many ways to our children that are beneficial. His role shouldn't be diminished by an ego maniac woman. It should be respected just as he respects her.

    Since women started burning their bras, we've seen children placed in childcare centers all day long, the desire to make the nice car and house payment exceeds the desire to stay home with the family, divorce has skyrocketed, homes are broken, and children are shuffled back and forth between parents gritting their teeth. Priorities have shifted, and children are paying the price. That's my complaint about the women's lib movement. We thought it would only bring good, and we're struggling to do it all and do it well. We've got to skimp somewhere, and it's usually the family because maybe we'll make time for them next week.

    If a woman wants to be single and independent, more power to her. When my children are in school, I plan on going back to work. I don't have any issues with mothers or women working, but not if it means their families are put on the back burner.

    And you're right about me being raised with that mentality apparently because it's what I've always wanted and brings me a happiness I didn't know before children. I realize I should have been insulted, but I'm not.

    To address your other points, it's not okay to have meaningless sex. I'm not sure what that had to do with anything, but you reinforced my point on women who use abortions as a form of birth control. Condoms are cheaper if you must do the deed with random men.

    And finally, why shouldn't people of the same sex be able to marry? Because alternative lifestyles bring alternative consequences. Make up your own word, make up your own set of rules, but don't use a traditional term and sacred ceremony to define something that is not traditional and not seen as sacred by God.

    When I look to the world, I think live and let live is fine. Ellen is nice. She should be able to be in love. Well, she is allowed that in today's world. She even has children. And then I look to my Bible and realize that's not what God intended. There's got to be a reason he said not to do it, and I'm going to trust him before I trust people of this world and simply the way I think things should be. If the world worked as I think it should, a lot would be different. But I'm not all knowing, and I have to trust that there's a plan that's bigger than my understanding.

    I don't know where I stand exactly on homosexuality. I know I'm confused by it. I have former students who have come out to me. I know if one of my children is homosexual, I won't love or adore them any less. It would be something our family would have to learn to cope with privately. I wouldn't expect the world to change for us.

    I have children to get to ballet, so this is a wrap.

    By Blogger Flawed And Disorderly, at Mon Nov 17, 09:37:00 AM  

  • I'm with ya all the way Jenn. We are the first society in all the world's recorded history to say that same sex couples are normal. That means that we now think that we are smarter and more evolved than EVERY civilization up to now. All of these societies down through history have in fact legislated that it's NOT okay. These same societies that anthropologists have studied the written works of, have been IN FAVOR of civil rights, or all nationalities being equal.

    Saying that two women or two men can raise a child as well as a mom and dad is basically calling these male and female rolls unnecessary. Kids don't need a dad, or kids don't get anything special from being raised by a mom. And the talk shows now show how wrong that is.

    I could go on and on, but my kids aren't in daycare right now, so I have to quit.

    By Blogger headlesschickie, at Mon Nov 17, 05:09:00 PM  

  • While I share your anger and sadness about the moral downfall of society, I don't think we should start by trying to fix the world. Jesus made it pretty clear that because the world rejected him, it'll do the same to us.

    I think we should start with the church. When people think about the church right now, they see a bunch of people who are pretending to be good clean people but are really just like everyone else. They see division, hypocritical judgement, and uselessness. So let's start with the church.

    Are we a people known for our love? Do we put the needs of our community above the need to have a new flat screen TV or a larger SUV? Do we make sure that our widows and orphans (in other words, people who can't help themselves) are supported and cared for? Do we know the people we worship with? Do we eat with them, spend time with them, cry when they cry and laugh when they laugh? In other words, is the love of Christ evident in our daily lives?

    Until we can say yes to those questions, I don't think we'll get very far trying to reprimand the world. I'm not saying we need to accept the world as it is. What I'm saying is that we need to move past moral outrage at the world at large and begin changing the world at our finger tips.

    By Blogger Tom, at Tue Nov 18, 03:35:00 PM  

  • I ran across your blog while searching, like you, for pictures of what my 17-week-old baby looks like in the womb right now. I also was horrified by the aborted baby pictures I found on there. I feel guilty even looking at them, as if I had something to do with it. The sick thing is that people who are for abortion will just push those images out of their heads, because they are so set on giving women the "right to choose". Just like Americans pushed out all the proof that Obama is no good for America, because of his fake promises to give them more money. I really appreciated what you said on your blog. It seems like no one believes those things anymore, because there are too many "Oprah's" in front of America. I have never blogged before, but I think I might start so I can get on and speak my mind about what is right! You must get a lot of hate mail, though...

    By Blogger Unknown, at Thu Nov 20, 02:47:00 PM  

  • When Jesus went to the temple and saw the money changers taking advantage of people wanting to worship, he was angry. He was mad. He threw the tables. He made an outcry against this action.

    I wish I could have your gift of writing. I guess I have to be satisfied with the gifts I do have and use them.

    Anyway, love the post!! I'm sending it to my mother & grandmothers, my friends. It's awesome!

    By Blogger MustangChick74, at Thu Nov 20, 03:23:00 PM  

  • I am so with you on ALL of it-if two same sex people were meant to be 'married', they would be able to produce children without the aid of a sperm bank. Just sayin'.

    By Blogger baseballmom, at Fri Nov 28, 02:06:00 AM  

  • hey Jenny. I'm setting my blog to private and want to make sure I remember to invite you. Could you send your e-mail to missgotwings@hotmail.com ?

    Thanks - Hope you had a great Thanksgiving,
    K

    By Blogger Kate, at Thu Dec 04, 01:52:00 PM  

  • It makes me angry that those of us who are strong in our "old fashioned" morals are seen as intolerant. Society has become a big fat double-standard.

    I'm not afraid to say that although I work full-time outside the home, I feel like I belong AT HOME. Super D is the head of our home, which is why I purposely had "To love honor and obey" in my wedding vows. That benefits Super B more than anything I could try to "prove" as a woman. I can still be a strong woman and be submissive.

    Ok...I'm on my soapbox now. But in a nutshell - GREAT POST. It's great to hear a fellow "old fashioned" woman speak her mind. Preach on sister!

    By Blogger Super B's Mom, at Thu Dec 04, 10:36:00 PM  

  • This is the first of your posts that I chose to read. And now I'm coming back. A LOT.

    By Blogger Danielle, at Sun Dec 21, 03:57:00 PM  

  • I agree with you 100%. I am also a member of the under 30 group and I can not believe the things I am seeing all around me, the morals of others in my generation are shocking.

    I teach high school students and I can tell you future generations are not looking better. Sorry to dash your hopes

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at Thu Feb 05, 09:56:00 AM  

  • Dear Anonymous,

    You're a coward. I wouldn't admit to being you either. And your rant has nothing to do with anything on my blog.

    Love,
    Cupcake

    By Blogger LaFonda, at Wed Apr 08, 11:09:00 AM  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at Wed Apr 08, 11:38:00 AM  

  • Listen "Anonymous,"

    I'm in the middle of emailing my friends about the latest progress of my miscarriage that has literally taken weeks. My baby is dead inside of me, and I'm just waiting for my body to get the message so that it will miscarry. I realize other people's feelings don't matter when you're so full of your own god complex that you can barely see straight, but I'd like to have a little time online to deal with my grief without your insane bullshit popping up every few minutes in my inbox. Go sell crazy somewhere else. I have real heartache to deal with without you spewing your hate. If you weren't so insecure in your own theories, you wouldn't be so desperate to make the rest of the world see things your way. Get a life. And shouldn't you be working...or in class? Seriously, leave me alone.

    By Blogger LaFonda, at Wed Apr 08, 11:53:00 AM  

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