Today, as I scrolled through twitter, I came across a news article that I had briefly seen mentioned earlier in the day. Long story short, a lady was outraged because a walk-in-clinic doctor refused to write birth control prescriptions due to her religious beliefs. She had taken all the required steps by law to make that decision, she posted a sign clearing stating so, and she had a list readily available for anyone that was in search of said prescriptions. The news station's article and footage made it sound so terrible that an individual could chose not to hand out something she believes is wrong. Afterwards, they posted a poll online to ask viewers "Should doctors be allowed to without medical medical services based on personal beliefs?" Really world?!? Are we losing the right to make decisions according to our own beliefs?
I began to wonder; are there any other job where the law tells you that you must go against what you think appropriate? Well apparently when you google "jobs lost due to beliefs" there are countless stories of individuals being fired/dismissed/let go of due to their personal stances on specific matters. I thought we had freedom of speech? At least in North America... I suppose we only have freedom of speech if it avoids conflict. However while one individual disagrees with my faith, I am not allowed to disagree with abortion because it might offend someone... so it all depends which side is "less offensive" (<-also very debatable!) I really am not one to thrive on conflict, instead I run from it! I hate arguments and I hate yelling and I hate people being mad at me. With that being said I hate complacency, and entitlement more. And I know at times I am guilty of both, but I really am trying to learn!
Most people say the want the next generation to "stand up for what they believe in" well unless they are seeking out wisdom from God's word, Godly mentors, their parents, youth leaders, and digging for themselves, do we really? We might just end up with a generation of kids believing that if you aren't heard or no one cares then it's fine to cut yourself, or to contemplate suicide, or to go shoot a dozen people at your school. We need to encourage a tougher, but merciful generation. Do we not want them to care for one another, but challenge one another to be responsible for their own emotions and actions?
Clearly, I am at a loss for what this world needs... but I hope I can figure it out a bit before my sweet -almost- four year old starts saying she needs me to solve her problems. I am pro-work it out! Who knows, if we forget to teach our kids to get out of the way when a car is coming, they will think it the car's responsibility to get out of their way. Super bad example, but I needed it to lead into my story of the week about entitlement! Slash it totally reminded me of this and I thought it the perfect example!
Last week (on my birthday nevertheless) I was driving to my parent's house, I was later than I had hoped. I was about to turn onto their street when two young boys between the ages of 12 and 14 slowly started to stroll into the middle of the street. They were very intentional with their speed, stopping directly in front of my van. One pulled out a cellphone the other continued to the sidewalk then walked back. Clearly he was feeling more guilty and knew right from wrong... the other I have no excuse for! They stood and chuckled to each other, occasionally looking over at me but trying to avoid eye contact. Meanwhile I stared at them, remaining calm on the outside but wishing I had the guts to pull right up to them. After a good three minutes, the one with an inch of common sense encouraged his buddy to get off the road and I graciously continued to my parents'. Emotions were a blaze! But on the bright side, I learned a valuable lesson. Parents need to teach their kids the world does not revolve around them! Life sucks, not everyone will wait patiently while you j-walk on their birthdays!
