Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

A Memory Comment On Freedom Of Religion from 2019


VickySGV

Recommended Posts

  • Admin

I posted this reflection on my Face Book page in 2019 when today's date was Ash Wednesday.  Some of it is from my spiritual reflections, and other parts are from my legal studies and History / Public Administration background.  It is also possible I posted this or parts of it here back then.

 

<Omitted- picture of me with an Ash Wednesday ashen cross on my forehead.>

 

MY FREEDOM OF RELIGION Ash Wednesday 2019

 

Shortly after noon today I knelt at the altar rail in one of my church homes where I had gone without anyone compelling me to go there or participate in the service where the image of a cross was made on my forehead by a priest whom I allowed to touch me for that purpose and no other. The mark was made on my forehead where I was comfortable with it being drawn by the priests thumb. This was my outward sign of my inward and freely thought out intention to spend time in the next few weeks taking a special look at the world around me, and how I take part in being a human being who is a good neighbor, who cares for my environment, who cares for people I will never meet but yet whose lives I can make better in many ways. In short, I have accepted a freely given invitation to revisit those parts of my spirit that will be more than reading one book at bed time. I am free to make these re-visitations using tools and means of many spiritual traditions and perhaps now and then actual Prayer.

 

You are free to find this useless, silly, non-productive, possibly blasphemous to your beliefs and many other things. You are free to contemplate and meditate on service and justice in your own ways and possibly end up in your spirits at different places than I will. In return for my freedom though, I am responsible to respect your freedoms of religion and spirituality. I am responsible for listening to you and perhaps disagreeing with you when you may be on a course of harm to others around us. You too have that responsibility if you see me about to needlessly harm others. There are other grave responsibilities that I have in exchange for the freedom I exercised today and those too will be looked at in the coming days. An underlying principal of the law here in the U.S. is that every right has a duty / responsibility that is as equally burdensome as the right Is uplifting. I need to look and accept that as much or more than I need to declare my rights and shout down the rights of others.

 

I am free to tell you what is on my heart but I am not free to impose my beliefs on you by use of force, cajolery, any kind of threat or proclamation of damnation. My disagreement with you does not constitute oppression against you and I will take affirmative steps in your favor and not sit by if true oppression in the form of laws favoring one spiritual persuasion or group over another. Where it is evident that some wish to have rights over the burden of responsibility I will oppose those actions since they will lead to oppression of all.

 

Have a blessed Lent or other time of reflection on your freedoms and responsibilities

 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
7 hours ago, VickySGV said:

I am free to tell you what is on my heart but I am not free to impose my beliefs on you by use of force, cajolery, any kind of threat or proclamation of damnation. My disagreement with you does not constitute oppression against you and I will take affirmative steps in your favor and not sit by if true oppression in the form of laws favoring one spiritual persuasion or group over another. Where it is evident that some wish to have rights over the burden of responsibility I will oppose those actions since they will lead to oppression of all.

 

I particularly agree with this paragraph.  Well put Vicky.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

Link to comment

Nice writeup, and I pretty much agree. 

Link to comment
  • Who's Online   6 Members, 0 Anonymous, 106 Guests (See full list)

    • KymmieL
    • Nicole D
    • Astrid
    • GlitchedSalvation
    • Rhonda234
    • Andrea Jean
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      78.1k
    • Total Posts
      734.9k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      10,674
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Lisa_E
    Newest Member
    Lisa_E
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. jenerosity
      jenerosity
      (63 years old)
    2. Jolene_Rounde
      Jolene_Rounde
      (39 years old)
    3. Lucyloo
      Lucyloo
      (30 years old)
  • Posts

    • Ivy
    • ChloeL
      This is really sad but I'm not shocked it happened.   I have been lucky that people around me (parents not included) who are aware that I am transgender (not all do but some do) have generally been very supportive.  But I also attend a support group on occasion and a few of the transgender girls around my age have had it really tough, and I can see that depression really takes over. I have tried to be a friend to them but the need to feel confirmation that you are doing the right thing is there, and for some people, if they don't get a little affirmation it makes them slip away.   Before I met a few good trans friends but was battling with my parents not being accepting, I was feeling that way too but I feel lucky a few people made the effort to pull me up and show me I was important to them and going down the right path.  That's why it's important to have sites like this so people can connect because we are all in a tough situation, especially lately and we all need each other!     I thank you all again for putting this site up and keeping it going!!  😽
    • Marcie Jensen
      @April Marie, I hadn't considered the elimination of Earmarks before. You make an excellent point. Thank you.
    • April Marie
      I have very similar feelings to yours @Marcie Jensen- until the demonization of political opponents ceases we will always be engulfed in emotional rhetoric.   I actually pin the collapse of Ds & Rs having any incentive to work together to the elimination of Congressional Earmarks in 2010. Prior to that, each side had to give in order to get and that kept our system close to the middle and eliminated the need for emotion. Bringing home the bacon to your district meant reelection.    When earmarks were eliminated there was nothing but political ideology left to center one's argument around and failure to find common ground gave strength to the extreme wings of each party...not wholly unlike how terrorists recruit acolytes by promising "their way" is the true path to what is right and good.   And so, each side attacks without fear and demonizing those who appear different is an easy way to engender distrust, outrage and secure votes and support.   Just a few personal thoughts.
    • Natalie21
      I have noticed that I tear up more and have a wider range of emotions. Same here I am happy with all the changes I wasn’t born with.   I knew that I’d lose muscle definition and I was ok with it and I did like the fat redistribution on my legs at first, just like you did.  The reason I’m a little uncomfortable about it now is that my legs are thicker than most my cis female friends, and I keep growing down there.   
    • Marcie Jensen
      You're right. There aren't. Although in Luke 4:21 Jesus says "Physician, heal thyself." That's about as close as it comes.   Separation of Church and State derives from the establishment clause in Article 1 of the US Constitution and was included to prevent something like the Church of England being formed and to prevent religious discrimination. 
    • Marcie Jensen
      Before I begin, I will say up front that this will likely offend some folks and will probably get me censured. For that I am truly sorry, however, as a person of conscience, I feel I have to speak up. And, for the record, from what I've learned, these laws are abominable and I don't approve of them one iota. Make no mistake about that.   Still, I must speak up. I firmly believe that medical decisions should be between doctors and the individuals concerned, and in the case of minors, parents probably should have a voice as well. I'm not sure about the latter, but I'm willing to listen.   That said, there are a number of things I find disturbing about many of the comments being voiced here and in other threads and I will explain my reasoning as it does no good to simply say something without explaining.  To begin, name calling, specifically referring to individuals and entities by name calling is counter productive and only makes a case for change more difficult.   For example, referring to the state of FL as "the Reich," a particular governor or media personality as "Reichsfuhrer,"  "Goebbels," "Minister of Propaganda," or even changing the word "[email protected]" to "unhealthy politics" does nothing but alienate and anger the other side AND it gives them ammunition to use against us. I truly understand the anger. I truly do and I want to rail against them constantly. But I refuse to sink to that level. Frankly, it's reminiscent of third grade schoolyard antics.   I would also point out two things about the media in the United States. First, most of the media has a singularly liberal/progressive stance on virtually every issue. There are very few exceptions to this; Fox News being the most recognizable. The second point is even more stark: when the entirety of the "free press" marches in lockstep, IT IS NO LONGER FREE. It then becomes a defacto propaganda ministry; an organ of the government, if you will. That's not something I particularly care to see.   Also, for the record, the same comments apply to conservatives as well as liberals and progressives. The plain truth is that both sides have become so polarized in their thinking that any room for rational discussion is either nonexistent, or is becoming so.    Now, to be sure that I'm clear, I'm NOT a fan of Tucker Carlson or Bill O'Reilly before him. Nor am I a particular fan of Rachael Maddows (sp?) but, I will defend their right to spew whatever they want no matter what I happen to think of it or how offensive it is.   And yes, @Carolyn Marie, your point about the GOP's stance on social warfare issues is not only exceedingly well taken, but applies to every political party in the world. It's also the most cogent point raised thus far. You're also right about how long it's going to take in terms of damages for things to change. I'd say about 40 years given the number of conservative federal judges Trump appointed.    Now, am I frightened about the future? You bet I am. And not just about health care issues. But shrill commentary and name calling are not the answers. In the novel (not the movie) Starship Troopers, the late Robert Heinlein made the comment that governments exist only as long as they are functional and serve the needs of their people. We are at that point right now. The evidence is all around us, this is but one battlefield.   Once again, I apologize to all and sundry for my bluntness, but it needed to be said plainly. These laws are, imho, unconstitutional, unenforceable and just plain stupid. We don't need to stoop their level, though.
    • Katie23
      There is a new term that is going to be used rather than gender dysphoria. The new term is gender incongruence. I have to wonder how the courts are going to act on policing those healthcare providers who provide care for gender incongruence. I also have to wonder the Republican _____ Ministry of Health plans to search the private healthcare records. Notwithstanding their attempts to prevent someone from caring for those with gender incongruence, it could be interpreted as a restraint of free trade in preventing a healthcare provider from providing care that is endorsed by multiple medical associations. I am pretty sure there are no healthcare guidelines in the Bible. I am pretty sure there is also some small phrase in a document called the Constitution that talks about separation of Church and State. That may prevent the Bible from being used as a guide to healthcare law. 
    • Ivy
      Unfortunately this is not hyperbole.   On another note, they guy is obviously connected politically, so I doubt there is hard time in his future.
    • Katie23
      I am not sure where this is best suited, but a young woman by the name of Kayleigh Scott died. Her death was reported as a suicide by the Denver Post (https://www.denverpost.com/2023/03/24/transgender-activist-united-flight-attendant-kayleigh-scott/). Kayleigh was a flight attendant for United Airlines who came out in 2021. It is tragic that someone this young died. Even more tragic if they felt killing themselves was the thing to do. Very, very sad. I hope she is finally at peace. Sincerely Katie
    • Katie23
      Until we get the entirety of the free press, as well as the public to finally say enough is enough, we will be sitting here like ducks just waiting for the shotgun to go off. The Republicans have the equivalent of the ____ Ministry of public enlightenment and propaganda pumping out false reports over and over again, reinforced by the Fox iteration of Joseph ______. We are talking about a news media empire that had no problem reporting false stories about the last national election, and then supporting a revolt. Even when being caught red-handed, what does the new Speaker-of-the-House do? Let's turn over all of the media we have to our minister of propaganda, Tucker Carlson.    So we have a national media organization spouting off lies on any topic of their choosing. Nobody considers that Fox could be lying about the kids who want to detransition. Nobody seems to notice or care that all of the leading agencies around the world recognize our right to transition. Until we have a tsunami-level of support calling out every lie being fostered by Fox, we are continue to be slandered and banned at every turn.    Everyday I see us losing ground. It is disheartening. 
    • Katie23
      Okay, you got me on that, so I suppose if it is a Federal charge, the guy will threaten more civil unrest in the name of his ex-supreme leader. I have zero faith that these alleged perpetrators will ever face any penalties. They will probably come up with a section in the Bible that endorses Covid-19 relief fraud. It is the chapter right after they condemn us to death for being trans. 
    • Katie23
      Well, you are going to lose muscle mass for sure, and you may notice you are a bit more fleshy in the thighs. I was on a great low fat/low carb diet when I started to see some great change, and I love the changes in my legs and thighs. With that said, we are all different. You will see a soft layer of fat all over, and it can feel great. You are not going to have the same muscle definition you had before. Sit back and enjoy the changes! I love every one of mine.   Not only the softness but the sensations are incredible. Have you started to tear up at the little things? When I feel all the things I feel it makes me yearn even more for wanting to have been born this way.
    • Allison_Marie
      You go girl!! 
    • Natalie21
      I know this might sound dumb, but I’ve been shocked with how my bodies been changing. Maybe I had some unrealistic thoughts about how my body would change, but as the estrogen has taken effect I’ve been becoming a lot thicker than I expected in my legs not just my butt, and not just the regular amount . I was suprised as no one in my family is built like that and again I wasn’t expecting that as I’m not really heavy, I’m just very big 6 foot 4 inches and 215lb.    I like being curvy it’s just that it’s not just my butt getting the fat it’s all of my legs. I know I’ll probably get even bigger as it’s only been 6 months on estordial.   I’m not gonna lie I feel a little weird as I’m still an athlete and can lift the the same amount as I did before. It’s just  I’m no longer athletic looking compared to males which I knew would happen, but even compared to females I am just starting to be very big and jiggly everywhere even though I technically weigh like 8lbs less than pre transitioning.   I’m not 2nd guessing transitioning, I’m very happy. It just feels really different.   Is it normal to feel like this?
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...