Honestly....

I have always had many internal conflicts with the way I was raised and the way I personally believe. I’ve hidden my feelings and thoughts from many for a long time. It is not that I’m trying to be deceitful, but I fear the consequences that me speaking my thoughts might have upon my life. This is why I have not been open. However, recent events have led me to not be shy anymore. I want to be open with you about the way I feel and why I feel that way. I do not need any of you to agree with my feelings. I would just like you to read what I have to say and continue to love me whether you agree with me or not. I respect every person’s right to have an opinion. Now I am asking you to respect my right to have my own opinion, and I will be open with you for the first time.
As I grow older I learn more and experience more. That is life. My mind and views on many issues change as I change. I feel that I am finally allowing myself to be open and honest with myself, and not hide my feelings like I am ashamed. I was always afraid of criticisms from family and church because I always believed so differently from anyone I knew. I think that by being honest with myself my new self-knowledge has allowed me to become more tolerant and accepting of people and their beliefs. In turn I feel like I am becoming more Christ-like and Christian, whether I am attending church or not.
I would like to share with you my opinion on a few key issues. I am long winded, and will try to keep these posts short. However, they will be long enough that they will be scattered throughout the week, and each will need its own post. Some issues I would like to write about are marriage, abortion, politics, and religion. I know that these are all topics that should never be discussed around those who would like to remain friends, but as a friend I think you should know my opinion. At least this way if I say nothing around the dinner table during a conversation in which everyone is expressing their disapproval on abortion rights you will know why I am silent.
I ask you to please be open-minded as I share with you my opinions. I will try very hard not to offend anyone and keep my posts fair. However, if you feel like I have offended you I am truly sorry and ask for your forgiveness even before I start. Also, none of these posts, topics or anything said in these posts are aimed directly at any one person or group. This is exactly how I feel if I knew no one.

Melissa