I'm Giving Up People for Lent

Like so many moms and teachers, I'm so angry after yesterday's latest school shooting that I would like to just smack somebody -- the problem is I'm not exactly sure who to smack and what that would actually help.

I do know that if I hear one more person talk about the 2nd amendment, or mental illness, or bullying, I might come unglued. Let's be real, bullying has always been around, the best of us are haunted with mental illness, and the 2nd amendment was written when there was no military or police to protect us and the musket fired one ball at a time.

The manufacturing and availability of machine-type guns are the reason that school shootings are out of control. Period. Anyone that honestly thinks they can counter that, I've given you up for Lent.

And while I'm on the soapbox. . .

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship came out with some ridiculous statement that tells the LGBTQ community that we love you and all of that but please make sure you sit in the back of the bus.

Come on, folks, this conversation is old and boring. If you don't affirm the community, say it, own it. Don't hide behind words.

People that support the recent statement, I've given you up for Lent.

Folks who own their homophobia, I respect you for your honesty and, proudly support your right to be a jerk, but just in case you needed to know, I've given you up for Lent as well.

Since I'm in the mood, I've also given up people that don't pick up their dog's poop and parents that don't read to their children.

I've given up people that want to build a wall and say that African Americans have a chip on their shoulders.

I've given up educators that focus more on test scores than the children that they represent. I've given up Christians who use their beliefs to exclude those they'd rather not spend eternity with.

I've given up people that park in handicap spots when they shouldn't, I've given up sports announcers that say girls basketball, when they would never say boys basketball.

I've given up people who are always late and people who don't have a sense of humor.

I don't think for a minute that this will actually help anyone, but I know I need a break, and Lent seemed like a good time.

The good news is God doesn't celebrate Lent. . . the Divine doesn't give up on any of us. . . ever.
Christ have mercy.