We just disagree.

While this week should have been a celebration of the holy and amazing plan of God to redeem the world, issues were put forth that brought dissension. I was astounded to learn from others that there is a thought that love and value come from total agreement with each other. In other words, if I don’t agree with every view you have I can’t be your friend. This shocks me.

A while ago I read on the internet of a mom that “hated those moms that put of their Facebook pages that [her view on a particular issue] is wrong. And how they say all the time they would never do [this thing I condone]. ” ( I did not mention her view on this parenting issue, because I did not want to start a debate on those thoughts.) This statement shocked me. First off, I don’t hate anyone for what their views are on ANY issue. And if someone put on Facebook a view I disagreed with, I would most certainly not hate them.

I have a person whom I consider a friend who really hates and I means HATES Christianity and Jesus. He posts on Facebook all the time how ridiculous and wretched my most sacred thoughts are. And while I absolutely do not agree, I do not hate. We have had the most wonderful and challenging debates that I have ever had in my life. For me they shored up my faith and made sure that I truly had support for what I believe. He paid me the highest compliment once, “I actually think that you are a Christian by choice and not parental brainwashing.” Thanks, I am.

This life calls us to have opinions in order to function. Our lives and thoughts on philosophy shape what those opinions are. When faced with a challenge, like parenting, we must quickly sort out what it is we will do to raise the child or face the challenge whatever it may be. It startles me that if I voice those opinions in an effort to help others, I will be hated for my thoughts. In these areas of debate, question me, challenge me, argue with me, but please don’t hate me.