A Reason to Smile

Take the time to laugh! Not at people but with them. Laugh out loud.
Take time to appreciate life, thank God for the sunflower.
Find a reason to smile.

FROM LIBERAL TO CONSERVATIVE

I once believed that being a Democrat meant I was associating with a group of people who were accepting of every race, religion, philosophy, lifestyle and political persuasion, I was wrong. It took me awhile but I learned that Democrats were intolerant: they reject those who do not support abortion; they are critical of those who do not accept same-sex relationships; they judge women who choose to stay home and raise a family and black Democrats are disrespectful towards black Republicans. Being a Liberal Democrat was the opposite of what I believed.

I became a registered Independent not wanting to associate with either party. I thought in doing this people would see me as fair. And I could present myself as liberal though I was not ready to let go of the stereo-types I had of Republicans. Then one day I heard someone state: ‘People who register as Independents are indecisive.’ I began to evaluate my party affiliation.
During that time I began studying the bible. Though I attended church I did my own research, something I recommend everyone do. I had to adjust my political beliefs to conform to what I believed.
Years had gone by since I had voted for my first president (Jimmy Carter). I was interested in what was going on in the world so I listened to talk radio but it made me angry. Every night I watched the news and became frustrated. Even the church I belong to did not bring me hope. I changed the channel and left the ‘black’ church for a multi-cultural church, I voted for Bush! I have been a registered Republican for over ten years now and I have no intention of changing party affiliation.