Beware of Darkness
Yesterday I took part in an election in an organization I’ve belonged to for nine years. I knew there was a person in power who is an admitted homophobe; she actually wanted us to put a note on the new membership page saying we would read no gay or lesbian material. The board voted that down. One of her more ridiculous comments was “all gay writing is porn.”
So we, the other members of the board, had to do some educating–about what gay literature is and is not, about civil liberties, and about how she was kinda asking us to break the law because she thinks it’s a sin to be gay.
This morning, after a night of reflection and reading, I resigned from that organization because this person remains on the board and with the election shaking out the way it did, I had little hope she would be ousted any time soon.
The irony is I worked in harmony with this woman for eight years before she began making racist and homophobic statements to not just the board, but to me privately. Be careful who you befriend, my friends. Sometimes they are hiding a darker side. I’m not sure why her darkness has started seeping out now, but I am sure that I want no truck with it.
So I’m done with that volunteer position on which I spent so much time and energy and moving on to better things. Hate has no place in my heart or my life.
How sad that there are still people who think along those lines in this day and age. I’m proud of you for standing up for your own convictions. I am sure you have better things to do with your time. ☺☺☺
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Yes, Patricia, I do actually. I have a book to finish!
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Love that quote from Anne Lamott that Cindy left. Right on the money. ☺☺
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I’m immensely proud of you too for all the work you put in over the years I have known you, despite being dreadfully unappreciated by some people. You are such a 100% giver in everything you do and you have always had everyone’s best interests at heart. I am honoured to call you my friend xx
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Autumn you have always been a sounding board for me and I appreciate it xox
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Cindy, I don’t blame you. I am disappointed in that organization as well. It is amazing how one fear-filled person can infect a larger group. I am finished with that kind of “religion” and those who follow it. I am reminded of a favorite quote from Anne Lamott:
“You can safely assume that you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” ~ Anne Lamott
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Gotta love that Anne Lamott, Cindy 🙂
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Good for you Cindy! I agree with you wholeheartedly and believe there is no place in this world for bigotry and hate toward any other person. It is so sad that one person can spoil the great work being done by a group of many. You started a new chapter in your life and this is just one of the doors you have to close in order to explore other avenues and adventures. Bravo to you and Amen sister!
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Hi Rhonda!! I find the older I get, the less I can abide people who chose to hate in the name of religion.
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Good for you. I had to drop a friend over a racist comment. She was a fairly new friend but I really liked her, we did a lot together, and it was a shock to discover this, to confront it and painful to part ways. We can’t be friends with everyone.
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Nicci, this was for sure painful but you’re right. Can’t be friends with everyone. 😦
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