Love Me If You Can

It seems as though Country Music has been speaking to me lately. The last several posts were spurred by Country songs. This one has been nagging at me for some time. I love the song "Love Me If You Can" performed by Toby Keith. Most of his songs touch me close to my heart. At least the heartfelt ones. Even some of the ones written in jest. But this one in particular, this one hits a vein. The chorus of the song goes,

I'm a man of my convictions
Call me wrong, call me right
But I bring my better angels to every fight
You may not like where I'm goin'
But you sure know where I stand
Hate me if you want to
Love me if you can

There's a story to be told of how this song relates to my life. I am a man of my convictions. I believe what I believe. I don't necessarily claim to be right. But when I state my position on a matter, there is no doubt where I stand. I don't waste my breath with useless words. Does that make any sense, given that most of my blogs leave you drained simply because you have to scroll down so much? But it's true. I don't bother saying it, if I don't mean it. Again, I'm not saying I'm always right. I'm not even saying you couldn't change my mind. Or that I couldn't change my own mind. But when I say something, I mean it. That being said, I agree with the points made in the song.

I pray for peace, and understanding. But I understand the necessity of war.

I sometimes feel, after going 'round and 'round, that we should just agree to disagree.

I believe that one of the most important parts of being in this country is our ability to speak our mind, express our beliefs and opinions, without the government persecuting us. But I do worry about what my kids are exposed to.

I also believe that when you open your mouth, you better be prepared for the repercussions. I believe that your free speech should be subject to the scrutiny of those you are speaking to or about, but that it shouldn't be silenced, maybe just ignored or countered.

I believe that as an American, we should be free to protect ourselves, our families, our property. But we should teach those who look up to us the right way to do so.

And I believe that Jesus looks down on us. That God sent Him to pay for our sins. That when we ask God to forgive us, when we search to be more like Christ, that our lives will show His Love to those around us.

That being said, what I've really been pondering listening to this song in the past is, "What are my convictions?" What do I believe is right? I know my basic principles. "Repect God, Repect yourself, Respect Me." But what does that mean. How are my principles applied to my daily life. I've tried for some time to find my position, point by point. So here, I'll try:

I believe that each person on this earth is free to make their own decisions. But they are subject to the consequences, foreseen or not.

I believe that each person has a choice. In every circumstance, there is a choice. But it is your responsibility to find the alternative solution.

I believe that everyone should be free to worship whomever they chose, however they chose. But don't take my liberty to do the same away, because it offends you. Your religion doesn't offend me.

I believe that our elected officials should be free to allow their religious beliefs to guide their decisions. If you don't like it, run for office.

I believe that every child deserves a life. But the government should not tell a woman what to do with her body.

I believe that killing an pregnant woman is double murder. Yet I find it ironic that she may take the life that God has placed inside of her.

I believe that animals should be respected and treated as a gift from God.
But I will continue to be nourished by those that are placed here to provide such.

I believe that every child should receive proper health care. But I don't think I should pay for it, or the salaries of the hundreds of people the government needs to oversee the process.

I believe that our children need to be better educated. But there are plenty of amazing teachers that go unnoticed, unappreciated every minute of every day.

I believe that teachers are underpaid, and under supported. But they need to be paid for teaching, not being a teacher.

I believe every person should put pride in their work. But they should be paid what they're worth.

I believe that the press, the media, the celebrities should be allowed to express their opinions. But they should not be given any more of a platform than the man living under a bridge.

I believe that those individuals may still chose to use their platform. If they do, they should be held to a higher level of scrutiny.

I believe that man living under the bridge should find a job. But he should be cared for and helped by those individuals or private organizations that can help him.

I believe we should find ways to help those who need it. But we should teach them the skills to succeed on their own.

I believe all levels of government should be held accountable to the services they provide. But realize some of those services are necessary.

I believe it doesn't take a Village to raise a child. And definitely not a state or a nation. Rather a mother and father. Together, supporting each other.

I believe we should all love our neighbor, and our enemy. But understand that we must protect ourselves, our way of living, our security.

I believe we need to be secure. But should not give up the things our forefathers worked to achieve.

I believe no soul should have to die for our freedom. But would be proud of any child of mine that chose to fight that battle.

I believe we should stand behind those fighting for our freedom.
If you disagree, feel free to stand in front of them.

I believe that my ancestors fought for freedom from England to provide the opportunity for you and your ancestors to experience freedom. But that freedom should be achieved by the laws that govern it.

I believe that freedom under our constitution is an entitlement due any citizen of this great nation, by birth or by naturalization. But that freedom must be respected.

I believe that we all have culture, ancestry, religious beliefs, ethnicity. But we are all Americans.

I believe we should cherish our ancestry. But the flag we fly should carry 13 red and white stripes and 50 stars.

I believe we should all fly that flag in respect, every day. But we should respect the sovereignty of other nations.

I believe that on our soil, that flag should fly above all others. But that we shouldn't hold it above God.

I believe that God is our One True God. But am willing to let you believe otherwise.

I believe we should all bow down to Him. But if you don't, I will love you as He wants me to.

I believe that if you don't believe in Him, you will not be saved. But if I am wrong, only I and the other 1/3 of the world's population that will suffer the consequence.

I believe that I love each one of you. The friend. The spouse. The parent. The child. The family member. The person I have yet to meet. And you can "hate me if you want to." Or you can "love me if you can."

God bless each of you. And may we all be firm in that which we believe to be true. Bless those who have fought, here and abroad, against friend and foe to provide those freedoms for which we all enjoy.