This Blog - Post 775

This blog has been a blessing to me. I can express myself as I wish. I have met new friends through it and I had hopes that it would further my writing audience. However, I can't say that has happened. Some of you have been very supportive.  Facebook has made it possible to post my blog and get many comments and encouragement.

After 775 posts I'm losing steam.  I used to plan my blog week and collect my thoughts and ideas, awake at night with an idea, or scribble away at my lunchtime.  I constantly looked for inspiration and photos to use.  Originally I posted several times a week - then about twice a week - then once a week - and now I find myself going longer than that.

This blog was a way to generate an audience, as well as hopefully sending some inspiration your way.  I have two novels that I spent years writing. I have a poetry chapbook that was published by Pudding House - but there is no market for poetry and most people won't take a chance on my novels - even some friends and family.

So I am left with the self-expression component.  I still need that, but not as much as I used to.  I understand if I do not put effort into this no one else will.  I guess I'm saying THANK YOU if you are reading this.  And if I have something to say I will still say it, but it may only be two or three times a month.  If you are loyal enough to check in - I appreciate it.  If not, I understand.

Black Dress

The black dress had a singular sound and feel,
the Audrey Hepburn dress, the clerk said, and it was sold.

A wide décolleté draped with a wavy collar framed my cleavage.
It wrapped around my ribcage like a baby's swaddling

pulled me in tight and feminine, the swishing skirt flared
to my calves with the urgency to twirl.

The rhinestones on the cuffs and swinging from my earlobes
matched the ones on my shoes and around my neck.

I opened my handbag to check on the two cotton handkerchiefs
I had been given, then I momentarily put my carefully made-up face

in my hands, but caught the tears before they marred my visage.
I moved down the aisle in a happy trance and sat down

to watch my son begin the life I had always dreamed for him.

Coexist

The Biblical Teachings About Marriage

The Bible does not teach marriage as being between one man and one woman in a covenant of exclusive, spiritual and legal mutuality as well as an expectation of sexual fidelity. This is why Jesus was so clear in challenging the excessive and repressive practices of civil marriage that abused women and which were sanctioned by the all-male priesthood.

Clergy preaching that the Bible, in the name of God, defines marriage as between one woman and one man are wrong.  Further, the hostility, self-righteous bigotry and condemnation of gay and lesbian couples that their "priestly"comments enflame are examples of the very same religious bigotry that Jesus challenged 2000 years ago.

What the Bible really teaches is the importance of a loving, committed relationship that liberates the heart and soul from the power of hate, loneliness and despair.

Are we not all entitled to have such a relationship recognized and protected by law? I believe such a relationship is already blessed under heaven.

The Rev. Kenneth Chalker
Senior Pastor of University Circle United Methodist Church in Cleveland, Ohio

(Taken from an article in The Plain Dealer June 9, 2012)