Learn First...Judge Not

I am not a news watcher, and I do not understand the Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). I need to learn more. Church denominations and businesses are standing against the RFRA. It is not the entire State of Indiana, who approved and enacted it. I have family, friends and other fine folks in Indiana with Hoosier Hospitality, who are not in favor of it.

It was chilly last Saturday evening in Seattle. I only own a couple of sweatshirts one is a red with Indiana in white letters and the other is my Purdue hoody.  I innocently pulled out the red sweatshirt and not thinking of the possible reaction. I live in a diverse neighborhood, where the majority is LBGTQ.  As a handful of derogatory remarks were made directly to me. I headed home to change my sweatshirt. Instead of changing my sweatshirt, I sat down in my living room and reflected on the remarks.

Today the sign about the Easter Bunny and Indiana placed outside of City Market was posted on Facebook. I decided to stop by Northgate Mall and have my photo taken with the Easter Bunny because I felt hurt and disappointed in behavior and words this past week. I do believe in people and in their compassion, love and acceptance of others.

I am not sure if my Indiana sweatshirt will be worn soon or kept in the closet. I am planning to wear it to church on Pentecost since it is the only red piece of clothing I own.

Let’s learn and make moments teachable, not unreachable.

Today’s Reflection:  “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” –Matthew 7:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)