givingthanks

Today my family had our Thanksgiving dinner (comes on the 2nd monday of October in Canada -we invented it first). There were a number of firsts this year: First year with a nephew, first year with 2 married siblings, first year dad turned 60 (birthday today as well), and first year the topic of homosexuality dominated much of the conversation.

It all began on the way to church this morning, when dad asked of our opinion on the new policy at the Royal Bank of Canada. Employees are "encouraged" to place triangle-shaped rainbows next to their desks to show that they support freedom of individuality, and will provide a safe haven for GLBT citizens. The problem comes when one chooses not to support such a campaign. Freedom of religion is very much threatened in this instance, and therefore impacting freedom of another's individuality.

It moved on to my brother in law discussing how he worked to get someone fired from his workplace, whom he and most of the other employees knew had just been wed to her wife in late summer. She was a horrible worker, and those who worked with her knew that, but the other members of the company blamed him for getting her fired due to his personal convictions and faith.

We then added an example of my sister and her new husband visiting toronto, and his brother showing them around downtown. She noticed a cool looking facade and mentioned that they should go in there, met by laughter from her hubby and bro in law.. then followed by the informing that it was a gay bar, and pointing out the rainbow sticker on the front. After that incident she kept her eyes open and was saddened to find the stickers placed on most of the buildings in that area. Other sis added her similar experience of downtown vancouver, and then the conversation finally moved to other things.

I can't remember what exactly; I wasn't paying too much attention after all that was said previously.

Later in the night we watched Saved!. I had the pleasure of watching much of the filming, as it most of it was filmed within 30minutes of my house, and I was sure I would marry Mandy at the time (filmed it in 2002, took 2 years to get it released). For those who haven't seen it, it takes a big bite out of Christianity, and spits the remains back on itself. I, myself, think it is a very, very good movie for Christians to watch and to seriously consider the messages being given. The rest of my family didn't see it that way, apart from my younger sis. I like her and I'm pretty sure she has an idea of my personal opinions. Anyway, they simply saw it as a blatant satire of Christianity, and as sending the message that all Christians are psycho lunatics, and that God is a feeling you must find within yourself. Way to miss the point of the movie.

Which reminds me. Earlier in the day, in church, the pastor talked about Worship (as part 1 of the 40 days of purpose). Something got me thinking about love, and for the rest of the service I was trying to figure out a sign I could anonymously put on the bulletin board. I was thinking of "God is love" and then underneath is a nice big row of rainbow, and in white letters on top "so why aren't you?"

I wonder how long it would stay up before anyone noticed it wasn't simply a pretty picture of a rainbow. I won't actually do it. Not yet, at least. Not until I know who I am and what I stand for (or who......... come on, i couldn't resist.)

Still on the topic of Christianity, I have been working on reading my bible cover to cover since late-summer. One time in church the pastor asked how many had actually read the entire book, and I could count the number on my hands. It is absolutely depressing that so many people don't even have the desire to personally get to know their own religion. Regardless, last night I finished the book of Deuteronomy... the point where Moses finally reaches the promised land, and gives God's chosen people his final instructions before he dies on the mountain-top (was forbidden to enter). It was interesting because it coincided nicely with my embarking on a new frontier in my own life, and I managed to find a number of parallels and applications in the writings.... as many often do.

On this Thanksgiving, I am thankful that my feelings, my troubles, and my soul have allowed me to search for answers and to search for God: an idea that so many of faith seem to overlook. I choose not to follow the herd off the cliff. I choose to follow the Shepherd.