DADT

The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell last year had many people up in arms, but, I'm still not entirely sure why. It's been a non-issue. But I'm sure there are thousands of micro-issues that have been dealt with. I imagine there are a lot of words out there on this subject, but as a Chaplain I think how we treat others is a matter of integrity, and discriminating against others because of a sinful lifestyle doesn't make any sense. If you tried to kick out every Soldier that had a flaw or a past, you wouldn't have many soldiers to choose from. There are a variety of Soldier lifestyles that I disagree with, but I still affirm each and everyone that puts on the uniform as a Soldier. I believe all Americans who are willing and able to serve have the right and honor to do so, and there are a variety of poor choices that Soldiers make that do not affect their ability to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. That is their freedom and right. The same rights that allows us to worship in whatever way we choose.

I was reminded of this issue because of another story in this video. It will probably get mixed reviews.



I'm not writing to say this or that about homosexuals, but I found myself surprised to agree with the commentators (not that I would ever agree with Santorum or the Pope). But the point that I loved was that what we need is people who are intentional about child-rearing. Anyone that is willing to sacrifice and love a child and raise them as a valuable member of society, that person should be allowed to adopt. Their orientation, or personal likes don't enter into it in my mind, cause we're all sinful.

I share the sentiments of Keanu Reeves in Parenthood when comments on how people are required to get licenses for handguns, dog ownership, fishing & hunting, but somehow, anyone can make a baby. SMH.

My Face

So, disclaimer, this is not any kind of a attempt at self-pity, and I don't want compliments or have low self esteem. This is just something that I have realized over time.

Recently I took a phenomenal personality survey called the Enneagram, and you can too

take the test here and read more about it here

My lowest score was in self-perception, the 3, and as with all things, I think there is a connection between how I am perceived by others and how I look. I am often stunned by the passage in James that talks about a man who looks at his face in a mirror and then walks away and forgets what he looks like, cause I have that same problem. I consider myself to be average looking. It's hard for me to believe people when they compliment me on my appearance. I do not think I'm ugly, but I definitely don't think I'm good looking.

I have one of those faces. Everywhere I go, people feel like they might have met my face. People that are good at remembering faces don't usually remember my name. I have met two or three people that look just like me. Apparently there are a lot more. Even people that remember faces will forget my name. I blend in and can be immemorable to the ways people have conditioned themselves to remember people.

So, I don't really think that I like my face. I mean, I don't really feel like I know what i looks like right now. But maybe that's the point. As I learn about the enneagram, like most self-help scenarios, it pinpoints the deficiencies and strengths, emphasizing balance and maximizing. I've learned that I steer into problems, and really, we need to steer into the road ahead, and overcome the potholes.

So I will look in the mirror every day until I know what I look like, and respect my own personhood. We all have the right to our own face.