I started writing this before voting day, and now I feel this is even more important to be said in public. I believe in one God, I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe in the Holy Spirit, I believe in the forgiveness of sins, I believe in life everlasting, and I believe in the sacrament of marriage. I will not apologize for my beliefs. I am tired of those saying that if you believe what I believe then I am full of hate, which is not true. Jesus asks us to love everyone, even our enemies. I am tired of hearing from those who are supposed to be representing ALL of us on the city councils, school boards, and school systems saying they want to support ALL people. When in fact, they only mean all people who believe what they believe.
So many in this community believe the same things I do. But they cannot say those things in public because they have businesses, neighbors and friends that would judge them. They must appear impartial. I feel the need to say something because I can. I used to worry more about my opinions impacting my children negatively, because I have seen it happen. But they are a bit older now, and hopefully, they can stand up for their own beliefs.
Many in this community are so focused on including the minority and appearing politically correct that they are excluding many of their neighbors. People judge and hate those who disagree with them while touting to love and accept all. That hypocrisy upsets me, and it should upset you too. If someone claims to be a Christian but then spews hate, I’d call them out on it. But in our society, it’s commonplace to hear all the hate towards conservatives, Christians who believe in marriage between a man and woman, toward people who don’t believe that teaching young children about sex and gender identity is a good thing, and even hate towards those that feel flying the American and Iowa flags should be all our city flies because that is what unites us all. The narrative gets twisted concluding that because we disagree with your lifestyle then we must hate you as a person.
It comes down to this: I don’t expect you to change your values for me, so don’t expect me to change mine for you. I also believe we can get along and work together despite different beliefs and values. You don’t have to believe what I believe. And I don’t have to believe what you believe. But we do have to be neighborly and get along. I honestly believe that people are inherently good, want to get along, and everyone wants to live their life the best they know how. I welcome conversations about our beliefs if there is respect and honesty both ways. I am not offended by honesty.
Those in leadership positions in our schools and acting as our representatives in our cities do need to make decisions based on everyone, not just the loudest and most extreme voices. I hope you all are true to your promises to listen to everyone, get the facts, and act in the best interest of all, not just those you agree with. All of us need to live with the impacts of the decisions you make.