What are you growing in your garden?

I read…a lot.  Either here online or actual books.  It’s always been a way of escape for me, stretching the boundaries of my mind, entertaining me, educating me.  Sometimes though, the things I read or see just floor me.  They fill me with a sense of confusion.  What are we doing?  Just what type of humanity are we cultivating? As a gardener of sorts, and having watched masters growing up of grandparents who paid attention to the land and their crops, I make sure what I put in my little plot of earth actually will thrive and make the area a better place.  So it is in our personal lives.
I’ve watched the news where yet another shooting has taken place..this time at a Sikh temple, killing 6 and the shooter being taken out by a police officer. 7 people losing their lives because of hatred and ignorance.  Sikh’s are often associated with Islam because of the dress, but they have different view points. The reasoning for this tragedy hasnt shown itself yet, but will as the dust clears. So. much.ignorance.

There was also a news story I’ve read, and also watched on the local news of a predominately white church that a black couple attended would not allow them to be married there.  Wait.  what? You won’t allow two people who attend the church(but are not members) to be married there even though the preacher you paid agreed to it because of their race?  Do you not realize what year this is? Do you not realize what this does to the faith you profess? Even after they were married at another church down the road(the south is littered with churches at ever street corner) by the pastor of the first church, the pain and humiliation caused by those who claim to be of a faith of love will be hard to erase.  It’s been said that as a white woman I would not possibly understand..perhaps not..but I sure know stupid when I see it. I can see how human beings are denigrated and reduced to less than human.  I have eyes to see the fear, rage, pain, sorrow on the faces and in the hearts of those forced to undergo such ignorance.  I also read energies and can feel that pain.  So while I may not have endured that particular point of stupidity, do not insult me by telling me I don’t understand.  There may be injustices in MY world you wont comprehend on anything more than an intellectual level either, but I wont discount your right to feel empathy for another human being and reach out with a hand of kindness.

The more I look around me at the hatred spewed by those who profess love and faith, it always amazes me that its the exact opposite that comes across.  It isn’t the majority but the select, prolifically  vocal who tilt the view askew, making it seem like one is looking through a kaleidoscope and nothing seems as it should be. Do they not read their own book?  In Isaiah 61:3 it tells them to become as the tree of righteousness in order to glorify god. To be righteous, would be to follow the edicts of their faith, that includes the main commandment to love their fellow man as themselves in order to reflect the love of god.  Seems more than a little contrary to some of the messages I have been hearing as well as seeing around me.  I know that many in the pagan world do not follow any such rules, but how about if one is claiming to be a connection of universal energy…could you not make a case of treating your fellow humans with respect .  That means if they choose to not live as you do, believe as you do or even look like you, you treat them as you wish to be treated.  Even if one doesnt follow a christian path, that one commandment transcends any faith..We are ONE race..HUMAN.  and as such should make a directed effort to act accordingly.  If your mama didn’t teach you any manners, try cultivating some.  You don’t like your neighbors skin tone, either accept that they are different or move the hell out of that particular place.  But dont expect others to respect you if you arent willing to reciprocate.  Life is short.  Try experiencing it without judgments, racism or ignorance.  You might actually find it more peaceful.