9/11... I Remember. And I Show Respect.

Today, I remember the day that changed the life for so many.

September 11, 2001.

I think about this day, which had to be like any other day.

Americans getting up for work. Or getting up and catching a flight out of town. Thinking about what they'll have for lunch or dinner that day. Looking forward to seeing family later.

And the day didn't end the way anyone planned.

And life as we know it, was forever changed.

I remember those people today. I'll simply have a moment of silence, may even say a prayer and have personal communion here at home.

Today I am a bit disturbed by the level of religious turmoil. Not sure if that's the correct term for it.

Let's just say, on rare occasions I leave out of here early to go to work sometimes, around 5 in the morning. I let up my garage door and I hear the sounds of crickets, the wind blowing through the trees, the horn of the morning freight train, or the sound of traffic on the nearby freeway.

But more often than not, I hear someone saying their morning prayers to Allah.

I don't sneer. I don't jeer.

I am quiet.

I listen respectfully, if only for a moment.

I get in my car and leave for the day.

So, I'm scratching my head at the Pastor down in Florida who wants to burn a Qu'ran.

So, he says he's going to protest the radical faction by doing something radical.

Him of all people, an undershepherd, given charge to guide the guide and grow the souls and spirits of his congregration... I would think he would show a little respect.

I mean, I don't know if he'd like anyone burning the Bible. Why would he want to burn a Qu'ran?
He said God told him to do it.

Sir, does it bring peace and progress? No. It's causing chaos. I shouldn't have to tell him, he heard something from something else. Maybe it was that heavy gassy dinner he had the night before. Who knows.

I just think that's horrible, and it's what's on my mind today, as I watch the Anti american protests going on overseas. It's on my mind as I hear reports of arson of Mosques across the country.

It ought not be so.

Whether you're Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Scientologist, Mormon, Agnostic, Athiest, etc...

I have NO right to hate on you on the basis of your beliefs being different from my own. Something is WRONG with you if you choose to commit violence against someone based on their religious beliefs.

NONE.

You are on your path in life. You didn't wake up believing what you believe just as of this morning. It comes over a lifetime of living, of drawing your own conclusions, of doing what's best for you.

I submit that people who get into religious arguments and uproar don't really believe what they say they believe and are looking for validation.

If you truly believed what you say you believe, there would be no need to berate another for their beliefs.

There would be no need to burn anyone's personal text... their personal owner's manual for how they learn to direct their lives and livelihood.

It's hard enough to stay within your own lane in life, to walk your own path, to learn and grow... and at the same time trying to control other's life walk and growth.

Hard.

I won't do that. I will show some respect.

Especially on this day, when life changed for so many.

It's the least... the very least I could do.