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Freedom on the Inside- 8-17-16

Cory Bosarge

Cory Bosarge

Social Media has brought our entire country to a dangerous state of panic. The horrifying images we see when we turn our televisions or computers on, sadly, aren’t new to our society. Social Media has just enabled us to witness all of the atrocities our world has to offer. As a society we tend to put a label on everything. Twitter’s # is a perfect example of such labeling. The internet can be a very cruel place. It is full of bullying, scams, sexual harassment, and much more very unsettling behavior. With the freedom to voice our opinions, fight for our rights, and believe as we wish. We, as Americans, have a duty to consciously stay united as a society. Unity can only be accomplished through understanding and understanding can only be gained by placing ourselves in another’s shoes. I am a very firm believer that some things in our society need to change. Many would agree, and add that the only way we will see change is through love. “Love,” certainly has a broad meaning in our society today, but I would like to break it down a little further than clicking a heart shaped icon on your BFF’s Facebook pic. In order to love we must first and foremost be able to forgive. In order to love we must put our selfish ways behind us and learn to put others first. In order to love we must be meek in stature. The Bible says in Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” So many people have their own opinions about what is right and what is worng, and yet we fail to question how something affects the person standing next to us. Animal activists lashed out at a zoo’s decision to fatally shoot a gorilla that was dragging a human child around. Some may question the parent’s competence, but I do find it difficult for anyone to question the chosen outcome. If a human child’s life is at risk there shouldn’t be any question that the animal must be put down. However, if I place myself in an animal activist’s shoes I could make an argument that the zoo’s security measures should be better. If so, the entire incident may have been avoided. I urge animal activist to place yourselves in a mother’s shoes; watching helplessly as your baby is being dragged around by an animal that could easily kill him at any moment. The LGBT community is made up of some of the bravest people our country has to offer and I applaud them for fighting for their rights. This is America and no one should be discriminated against for their sexual preferences or orientation. However, in that same constitutional right is the fact that everyone also has the right to their own religious beliefs. There is a very tricky line here and so far neither side is willing to budge. I urge both sides to place themselves in the other’s shoes. I urge the LGBT community to take into consideration a couple of thoughts. Not everyone is comfortable with sharing a bathroom/locker room with someone who is transgender and there is special concern for children. The sad truth is; while it is highly unlikely that someone who is truly transgender would pose a threat to a child in this situation. There are predators in this world that would take advantage and inappropriately use this law. Is that something that is worth the risk? Likewise, I urge those with strong religious beliefs to be more understanding. Just as you have the freedom to worship as you wish; the LGBT community has the freedom to love, live, and worship as they wish too. The freedom of choice is what makes our country so great. It shouldn’t take mass tragedy to get us to stand behind our fellow Americans. Police brutality is a sad, but very real matter our country must deal with and the sooner it is dealt with the better. Police officers are supposed to be the people we teach our kids to trust; not people they should fear. I urge police officers to take a deep breath and trust your training. You can’t afford to discriminate, profile, or excessively abuse your authority in the heat of the moment. Likewise, I urge any and all civilians that may be stopped, detained, or questioned by an officer of the law to remain calm and respectful. The Bible says in Romans 13:1, “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God.” All of this is why we must learn to love. This is why we must forgive. This is why we must put our own selfish desires on a back burner. I have never known a human life to be taken without heartbreak. Regardless of race, occupation, sexual orientation, or creed. We are all human and we all have people in our lives that love us. None of our individual wants, needs, or beliefs can supersede anothers. I urge everyone to take this journey of love, healing, and forgiveness with me. #ALL Lives Matter. Cory Bosarge #124952 C.M.C.F. 3C-2-C-zone Bed #267 P.O. Box 88550 Pearl, MS 39288-8550

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