Life is categorized by moments where history and everything we seem to know is shifted around us. In the modern and outspoken society we are surrounded by, there seems to be a general consensus that there needs to be a change in our nation and the world. However, there are always two sides of the story. Both side's desire that moves the world forward can also cause it to come to a screeching halt.

I live in Mississippi and have grown up a believer in Jesus Christ, and there are already some presuppositions you are creating about my beliefs and my attitude. For some, I am already a biggot, a conservative who does not budge and a bible thumper. I am here to first say that I am a person who has faith and beliefs, just like all of us believe in something. My faith is simply firmly rooted in Christ and his redeeming love.

As the news and social media has already informed you, there was recently a bill passed in the Senate known as the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This act, as pictured below, seems like a step backwards in time, but there are elements to this Restoration Act that must be considered.

First, the Restoration Act in relation to churches and private facilities is nothing new. Private facilities are not public domain for a reason and therefore can retain their own regulations. Logically, this makes sense as it always has. For example, if I am not a Christian, I probably should not expect to enroll in a private Christian university and complain when they require me to take courses such as chapel which I knew were required when I applied. Another example without Christianity, I would not enter into a mosque and expect them to conform to my beliefs, knowing the fundamental beliefs of their private place. There should be a respect of a private facility and their regulations, just as there has always been.

Secondly, a public domain and business is just that. As a public business, you are open to serve the public: all of the public. There is no way to pick and choose who you can classify as those in the public you are available to serve and not to serve. As a business, you are here to serve and to serve faithfully.

Lastly, for the body of believers, my church has taken on a mission statement and I think it moves mountains and exemplifies how we should believe and love. " We are to carry the transforming love of Christ to every longing heart." The word carrying was selectively chosen because just like if you were carrying a disease, there is nothing you can do but spread the disease naturally. The love of Christ should shine out of you like radiant diamonds. To whom? To every longing heart, as created beings we all have a longing heart for Christ. It is seen in the fact that we are all searching for something to fill and satisfy our hearts.

For those believers who own a public business, you are in a special place in your life. This is a time where you can exemplify the love of Christ by serving those who need you. You can both serve and love those do not believe or live the same life as you without condoning their lifestyle. We live in a world that is seeking for conflict and confrontation, but we are here to point people to the love of Christ. It is time we love our neighbors as ourself once again in the way that Christ did. We are all sinners saved by grace and we are to live out the transforming gospel daily.

Here is the bill so that you can test what I say and do your own research and not just rely on the opinions of others.