Politics, Religion, and Other Topics That Make You Popular

Alternate title: What Speaks Peace, But Produces Chaos?
Made for TV Movie Title: So I Married An Atheist

My husband recently "came out." No, he's not gay. He somehow thinks that would've been easier. He has just embraced Atheism. He is in no way trying to minimize the bravery it takes to be openly gay - even these days. He was just terrified to 'spill the beans.' He never really hid it, just didn't talk about it until recently. My sister also came out recently, and yes, I do mean in the 'gay way'. :)

I think it is wrong for anyone to hide anything about themselves. It's ridiculous and harmful. I never thought of myself as having anything hidden. That is until I wrote this post for suicide awareness day. There I was, scared to talk, scared to share. But I ended up doing it anyway. If it helps anyone realize they need to speak out loud about their thoughts - so be it. If not, at least I got it off my chest. Oh, the stigma surrounding mental health issues! Kinda makes ya feel like hiding in the dark, in a closet perhaps?

It's just pitiful! Let's take popular battle ground #1: religion. If you're a person of faith - you're probably into 'spreading the good news', if you are a person of science - you are most definitely of the debating-the-facts-and-brainstorming-problems variety. But more often than not, this topic turns into people feeling the need to defend their stance or cram it down your throat because you're wrong if you disagree! What ever happened to *meaningful* discussion?

Popular battle ground #2: politics. Here's the thing, when you live in a democracy and you have a voice in things, then it is absolutely essential to talk. To share information, to discuss the who, what, when, and how of things. Not to sling mud, form anti-groups, boycott, or (and here's the kicker) choose ignorance & political apathy because you're afraid or disgusted by your options. Even politicians themselves have stopped talking about their own ideas and just focus on tearing down the other guy.

Other topics that won't have you winning a popularity contest: parenting (especially the baby years!), environment, mental health, sexuality, I have even seen lengthy debates over what is and isn't okay for comedians to joke about [spoiler alert: nobody agrees on what is 'off limits'].

Listen up people, it's not going to get better unless EVERYONE can realize these 4 things:

1. If your faith, thoughts, and opinions are rattled by someone else not sharing them; then your faith, thoughts, and opinions weren't that strong to begin with.
2. You'd want to be loved & respected for who you are, not in spite of it. So do the same. This is HUGE for family strength. People are hurting themselves because they'd rather have that pain than face their families finding out one thing or another about them. Don't be a part of the hate, hiding, and hurting.
3. The world (I'm looking right at you AMERICA) will never know true freedom until people stop plugging their ears and building their walls. Seriously. True freedom dictates the same rights be available for ALL. If you want to be free to think and feel, it stands to reason you'd let the next guy have the same dignity.
4. When you start labeling yourself never forget: each label is just a part of the whole picture that is uniquely and wonderfully you. And that applies to everyone.

Last thought of the night: The Dalai Lama recently shared this thought ---> All the world’s major religions, with their emphasis on love, compassion, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness can and do promote inner values. But the reality of the world today is that grounding ethics in religion is no longer adequate. This is why I am increasingly convinced that the time has come to find a way of thinking about spirituality and ethics beyond religion altogether. I wholeheartedly concur. We can move to better understand ourselves across all borders. We can take care of each other without prejudice, so that no one has to live in fear or shame.

Written thoughtfully and with love,
By an all inclusive to-a-fault, lukewarm Democrat, believing in God but definitely not in the conventional way, nonreligious, science loving but questioning, supportive wife of an Atheist, mother of 4 very different individuals, who has battled PPD & anxiety and is out of the dark an staying put!!