I struggle to come across the right way to phrase my words without stepping on anyone toes. But a good friend said to me, "When have you ever been afraid of being controversial, don't let other people's views censor your writing." It's funny how exactly on point those words were to what I want to write about. If you have ever met me, you know I am a very opinionated person and love to debate about any hot, new topic. Sometimes I think I'm crazy because I see things differently then everyone else, but the more I think about it, the more being different is really fun.
From small conversations to class discussion to the family dinner table, I find myself alone in my beliefs on some topics. For a split second, I get the chance to speak up or be complacent with the norm. The problem lies within complacency -- the person who follows the crowd aimlessly will go no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to find themselves. So, instead of conforming to the ideas of what I am told or what others believe, I am simply me. The more you understand yourself and why you believe what you believe the more fun challenging others becomes.
It all starts with a simple "I respectfully disagree ..."
1. I am a woman.
I have been a woman since birth. However, I would not say I am a firm feminist. I am more of a firm everybody-ist. I believe promoting the amazing qualities of everyone equally. Recently, I have a seen a theme in women speakers at our college chapel degrading men to get the point across, hinting women are somehow better. For lack of a better way to put my feelings, that's bull. In no way should women be portrayed as victims and men as the criminals. Portraying females as victims is a little counterproductive when you are trying to promote equality. If you want to show women are equal to men in their abilities just prove it, stop blaming. The good, old motto "anything you can do, I can better."
2. I am a firm Christian.
I have been growing in faith since birth. I attend a Christian college and get the marriage between a man and a women speech more than you could imagine. I have two gay aunts and one gay best friend. They're three of the most loving women I have ever met. Homosexuality is love. Yes, maybe that love looks different than the type of love you are used to but it is love plain as day. The homosexual hatred by classmates, teachers and family is enough to make me stand alone on this topic. I have heard, "It is a disease, they should be instituted to fix it," "It is because they had a terrible childhood," "That is not a healthy family dynamic for a child to grow up in," "If my kid were gay I would set his sinful *** straight, I didn't raise him that way." We all take away from scripture different verses on the topic, but I challenge you to read this: James 4:12 "There is only one lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy, who are you to judge your neighbor?" We live in a free country under a loving God, so why judgement over equality.
When you hear something that just doesn't sit right with you, something where you lean more to the other side, I challenge you to learn more. Those were just two examples of how I am not you're ordinary Christian college female. I have found that some of the best growth in life comes from being put in an one vs. the room situation. It is easy to talk to people who agree with exactly what you do, but it is fun to get your blood boiling with those who challenge you. Being able to stand firmly behind what you believe especially in tough situations molds you into who you are. Be genuinely original and find your voice and own it.
