Opinonated? or annoying...

I'm starting to realize how annoying it is when people complain all the time. Sorry to whoever had to endure that from me in the past.

I fully believe that everyone is entitled to their opinions, honestly I do! How do I know mine is right if I'm not challenged by yours? It's even great as far as religion goes for me.

Religion
My church back in middle/high school use to be made fun of because it had no windows. People would say, that church is a cult (literally because there was no windows) and I use to get super offended by that. First off, just to clarify, we didn't have windows, because glass is expensive FYI but I digress. I began thinking, well a.) how do I know that what I believe in is right and b.) what if I was in a cult! People in cults rarely know and what if I was brainwashed! So I absolutely loved looking into other religions and figuring out the differences between mine and theirs. I looked into famous cults and even did a research paper in post secondary on them for my sociology class. I got to interview a couple that had left a cult and really learned so much. It was fascinating and quiet creepy. You see part of a cult is not being able to question leadership and authority. It's blindly accepting everything they say, or be punished. Well as my dad and other can attest, I NEVER accept things and I ALWAYS question. So I appreciated everyone's criticism because it helped me really look out for what I was raised into. Did I believe in God because my dad was a Pastor and blindly accepted it, or did I take him on as my own personal God? I never wanted to be foolish in these important matters.

Open Dialogue
You see, when people question things like my faith or my political stance, I honestly enjoy it. Not in a "I want to prove you wrong way" but in a "okay let's talk about this". I'll admit I don't know everything about either subject because there is just so much too know but as long as people are respectful I don't mind talking or expressing my views. I try and do the same for other people too. Listening to their views either raises questions that I now need to answer for myself or solidifies why I think a certain way.

Disrespect
Which leads to my post today. I find it completely okay to disagree with leaders, or to express opinions every once in a while of annoyance, it's understandable. Eventually though, you need to buck up and accept. I admit that I didn't vote for our President and don't agree with everything he does, BUT he is MY President, and as such, I will treat him with the respect he deserves. He has a huge role in leading our country. So, I get annoyed when people are CONSTANTLY disrespecting people online. Seriously grow up! It doesn't scream "Respect me and my opinion". If you have any desire to make a difference in this country, you need to realize that people can go back and look at every, and anything you ever did or said, and they can and WILL use it against you.

Disagreeing
So in conclusion, let's disagree! Seriously! But make sure that the people whose opinions you want to win over to your side, your not ticking off. They will start turning their ears anytime you start to talk and then your voice is lost. Keep the dialogue open, honest, and respectful. ;) You'll grow and learn so much more from other people.

Aight I said my peace and now I feel better.

P.S. Cute old man!
Leah and I helped out an old man the other day! He was walking up the stairs of the subway, fell backwards and we ran over to help him out. He was seriously the cutest man! Martin was 87, hunch-backed like none other and we had to walk him over to the side so he could have a smoke. He needed to go over one street and we obviously weren't going to leave him at this point. So he held TIGHTLY onto either of our arms as we walked. We were definitely those SLOW people walking in NYC, but people could see why, we got some smiles for our good deed and learned a lot about him. I should have gotten a picture of this precious man! That could be me one day and I'd want someone to have helped me out. Just thought I'd share