Religion

I am going to vent a little here. I am certainly not trying to offend anyone, so if I do, I am sorry. I feel this is a very personal issue, and everyone has the right to choose what they want to believe. As long as you are not hurting anyone, why should it matter? I am probably asking for it, but here I go anyway.....

A few years ago, there was a boy close to Tanner's age that moved into the neighborhood. I was tickled, because there has never been any kids in the area for him to play with. My excitement did not last long. I soon learned that Tanner's little friend is a hardcore bible banger. Now, there is nothing wrong with that, unless you are causing someone else agony. Tanner wanted to go with his friend to "Wednesday night", so I let him. I didn't see any harm in that. A little church would not hurt him. It started to become a regular thing, and I thought it was good for Tanner. Little did I know.

One day, Tanner told me that his new friend had said that I needed to wear more clothing. It was 100 degrees out, and I had on a tank top and short shorts. So what? I just shrugged it off. Then, Tanner tells me that his friend said it was very bad for him to have this large inflatable Budweiser race car hanging from his ceiling. I thought to myself, it must be because he is home schooled. He just needs to get out more. Right. Apparently one day when his friend was over, he saw a beer bottle on the table and made some comment to Tanner. About a week or so later, Tanner went with his friend to "Wednesday night" again and he came home and was really embarrassed. I asked him what was wrong and he told me that the teacher had asked him some question. I can not remember the exact question, but it had something to do with family. His friend, told the Sunday school teacher that he came from a bad family because they drank beer. This enraged me. Not only was Tanner embarrassed, but I think some of the things this kid was telling him, he was actually starting to believe. I had had it, and I told Tanner that he did not have to play with him any more if he didn't want to. If his friend came to the door again, he could just tell him that he was grounded or something. I then had to explain to him that he did not come from a bad family and that it was okay for people to have an occasional beer. Everyone in his extended family has had a beer from time to time, it is not that big of deal. I had to tell him not to believe everything he hears, especially when it came from that boys mouth, or from anyone in his family. All of this because of one stinking beer bottle.

Tanner's friend did come back to the door. When Tanner got done talking to him, he came in and said that his friend left crying. I asked him what he said to him, and he told me that he told him he couldn't play with him anymore because of what he said about his family. Oh boy, here we go. I admit, I thought it was a good thing that the boy knew he crossed the line, but I also knew that I would probably be getting a phone call from the parents. And they were the obvious ones to blame for their child's ridiculous thinking. I was some what right. I actually got a knock on the door, from his dad. His dad was apologizing for what his son had said, and that they did not judge people like that. Right. Where was he learning these things then? I chatted with "dad" for a bit, and then we agreed that it was okay if the boys still wanted to play together. I thought that may be he would talk to his son and educate him on what is okay to say and not to say. It was painfully obvious that he did not. Soon this boy was telling Tanner that he should not be going trick or treating because it was the devils holiday. Oh my. More and more followed, and I think I had finally convinced Tanner to let everything his friend say go in one ear and out the other. I was so relieved when Tanner came home one day and told me that his friend was moving to Texas to build a large boat. It gave me a huge chuckle. I knew these people were over the top, but now they were going to build the ark. Thank you Jesus!!

I thought my days of anguish were gone. Not so much. Tanners little friend was back in town this weekend for a visit. He came to the house and Tanner and him took off for the afternoon. When Tanner got back, I asked him if he said any bible banging things to him. Stupid question. I all ready knew the answer. He asked, If he still went to "Wednesday night"? Did he go to Sunday school? Did his family go to church? Since this was not enough, the mom also asked Tanner if his family went to church. She thought we were going to start and why we hadn't.

FYI--Not that it is any of their business, or anyone else's for that matter, but I am in the process of becoming a member of a church here in town. Yes, I was raised in a church and I do believe in god. I do not think that you have to go to church on a regular basis to be accepted by god. Didn't he send his only son, to die on the cross to forgive our sins? Apparently, he loves all of us, not matter what we do. I have not murdered anyone or caused anyone great harm. I would like to think that god is proud of me and thinks I am a good soul. Only he knows how I truly feel and I see no need for me to have to prove it to someone else.

I told Tanner that he does not ever have to answer someones questions about religion. Of course, I also had to give him a little of my super advise.... I told him next time, tell them you worship the devil. Of course he wouldn't, but we got a good laugh. And no, we do not worship the devil!


If you are the type of person who is very religious, super! Shout it out! Just don't freak out on other people. If you are not, well, that is super too. It is your right. Your religious beliefs will not offend me, as long as you are not judgemental of mine.

Sorry for the long post. Hope everyone had a super nice weekend, without wet basements. GOD BLESS!