Labels

As with most things I like to share I haven’t completely thought this topic through. In fact I don’t know if I will ever feel 100% comfortable with the idea of labels. This year is about more than being healthier but understanding the world and why people think the way they do, right from wrong, judging others for their right/wrong and so much more. My job has been the main source of these thought provoking moments. Honestly, the recent Alabama abortion law is what has triggered this thought process. Do you remember my blog where I stated I hate the word hate? Well, this states (Governor’s) decision has brought so much hate into the social media realm that it makes me sad as well as reflective on my own beliefs. I wonder how many people will stop reading or become immediately angry when I tell you I am Pro Life.

THIS IS NOT A HATE BLOG! AND I AM NOT CONDEMNING PRO CHOICE.

I woke this morning to Facebook and Instagram being full of venom on a law that actually does not affect these people. None of the individuals that shared their distaste for the Alabama law do not live in Alabama. I would highly recommend if you are so offended by the law to live elsewhere. In fact maybe stay above the mason dixon line. Just a few rankings/facts in regards to Alabama, where I was born.

• Health Care 46
• Education 50
• Crime 45
• Economy 45
• University of Alabama #35 for Medical Schools and #25 for Law School
• Auburn University has graduated 6 NASA astronauts, the head of the Kennedy Space Center and the nation’s first and only class of undergraduate wireless engineers
• Many historical landmarks for the Civil Rights Movement reside in Alabama
• Home of the best damn football program ever

So let me ask you, what do these facts mean to you? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. If you do not live there and your children are not subjected to their education system or their health care system then this is not your problem. If you are so politically motivated that your bleeding heart extends that far south, try reaching out to help those in need. If you are so opposed to the abortion law then set up organizations to support the women who will be affected. Why are you venting about your body if your body resides elsewhere.

Now, I have labeled myself a pro lifer. But I do not hate or dislike my pro choice friends. Have you really thought about each of those labels and what they mean? I have no intentions of taking away anyones rights be it male, female, a member of the LGBTQ community (yes I know what it means do you?) adult, teenager, child, infant, baby or fetus. We all have the right to choose but what about those who can not choose for themselves? I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins so that one day I can be granted into the Kingdom of Heaven. When I die I do not want to look in the eyes of my creator and explain why I supported or turned a blind eye to the murder of his babies. While we are debating this topic can you (pro choice) understand that it is about so much more than just a woman’s physical body?

You, my pro choice friend. I do not think you put zero value on life. I think you want autonomy, control of your body. It’s someone else’s beliefs being pushed onto you and for that I am truly sorry it goes down that way. But when we vote doesn’t someone always loose? Am I really so wrong for wanting the winner to be the baby?

I wish we did not need labels because the labels are rarely ever accurate to who we really are. My last blog about being a feminist pointed out the fact that I want women treated equally but I am not a feminist because I do not believe in the extremes they go to for their point. I am not a supporter of their tactics. I am a Conservative but I believe an all gender single stall restroom is necessary, if you love someone marry them, I will call you a woman if you want me to even if you have a penis. These are just the most recent topics I’ve been confronted with. I was raised in Alabama, where even if we don’t understand your ways we will love you and pray for you. That doesn’t make us ignorant just kind. There is no other state that has a song like “Sweet Home Alabama” or a magazine called Southern Living that refers to southern qualities such as politeness, kindness, helpfulness, charming and charitable. Maybe they are behind the times but are the current times where we really want to be?

My prayer for you and this blog, Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that this blog is well received with the intention it was intended. I pray that those reading this are able to see people and not labels and stop referring to someone by their label as if it were a negative. As we move forward I pray we can find common ground and answers to the questions that pit us against one another. I pray for guidance over our leaders, patience in our followers and the ability to know when to lead and when to follow. Please continue to open my eyes and see things as you do and communicate with love. Thank you for each person who has influenced my life and each one that reads this blog.