Rainbow Scarf Project

I am blessed to be a member of the UCC community. It's something I'm proud of. Unfortunately, with 3 rowdy boys I don't attend service very often so it's important to me to find other ways to help out in order to feel I am an active member of the church community.

Spreading awareness is a big deal at UCC. Whether it's about bullying or equality for all. We believe in discriminating against no one... at all... for any reason.

The buzz at Peace UCC this summer is the Rainbow Scarf Project.

Heard of it? The goal is to spread awareness about violence and bullying, especially against LGBT teens.

What's the idea of the project? Scarves from many states are headed to Long Beach, CA. Throughout the summer people will wear these scarves. Others will wonder (and hopefully ask) why in the heck these crazy people are wearing scarves in the middle of summer in CA. If asked about it, the one wearing the scarf will explain the project's hopes and offer it to the inquiring mind. If the person accepts the scarf they are committing to take action.

When I heard about the project from my pastor, I knew this could be another opportunity for me to help out. I learned how to crochet a few years ago and a scarf would be no biggie to make.

I searched for just the right yarn. I wanted something that screamed, something vibrant and beautiful. I did find a beautiful yarn and although it didn't "scream" the way I hoped it would, the scarf turned out pretty great. Very soon, it will be on its way to CA along with the many other scarves our congregation made.

The scarves made by our congregation! Picture courtesy of Pastor Kayla

The scarf I made!

If you are in CA this summer and see someone wearing a rainbow scarf, please ask them about it and make a commitment to do your part to stop bullying. You know what... even if you aren't fortunate enough to go to CA or to come across someone wearing a scarf, do something, anything to spread a little love. Any effort, big or small, could mean the world to someone else.

I'd rather spread love

I've been thinking about this post, rewriting this post, deleting this post for about a week. I was having a hard time coming up with the right words. I was back and forth with my feelings. Mainly I was feeling pissed and hypocritical.

I'm pissed because people can be so hateful at times. I'm pissed because way too many people use God as an excuse to be hateful. True Christians don't judge. It's not our duty as a true Christian to judge someone else. Leave Judgement Day up to The Big Guy... who, from what I've heard, forgives all. He'll forgive haters for hating, he'll forgive sinners for sinning. Side thought: wouldn't you consider hatred to be a sin? It's really inconceivable to me how haters go out of their way to express their hate. How sad it must be to live in those shoes. To be so cruel to others who are simply living how they choose to live. To the haters, I've asked before but I'll ask again, how does a person's sexual preference directly impact your life? What is it exactly that draws out your hatred?

I'm hypocritical because while I think everyone has a right to stand up for what they believe in I also want to take these hateful words/actions and smash them to pieces.

My parents are awesome. For obvious reasons (they had me, hehe) but this week I was reminded of something else. Growing up, they did not talk ill of anyone while I was in their presence. They didn't bash or judge people for actions they may not do themselves. They are good, honest people. They allowed me to grow my own opinions. I bring this up because I've seen some pretty ugly things in the last few weeks. Ugly things grown ass adults are doing to their children. Such as, having a 5 year old wear an offensive shirt with the word "f@g" on it. How absolutely disgusting is that?? Really people, we are using our own children to spread hatred? Is it not bad enough we have adults with black hearts, can't we leave our children out of this until they are old enough to understand the argument? Please?!? 

Really though, how cute does a 5 year old look in a HRC shirt...super C.U.T.E.  

"If mom says no, ask mom"

"If dad says no, ask dad"

Oh shoot... was that me being hypocritical again? What can I say... Love Conquers Hate!

Instead of bashing, smashing, ranting and raging, I've decide to continue doing exactly what I have been doing... spreading awareness (with only an occasional outburst). If I put myself out there and spread awareness, I should expect some backfire. If a hater spreads hate, they should also expect backfire. That's just the way it is. If you are open to posting, blogging, talking about your beliefs then you should be strong enough to take criticism. If you are afraid of what your words/pictures may say about you then it's best to keep it to yourself.

To me, there are a few things in this life worth fighting for. Giving a person the right to choose who they love is one of them.