Erika+G’s+2017+OpEd+Article

==== As I have grown up in this millennium, I have been preached the ideologies of acceptance, tolerance and peace. I have been told that their is freedom to believe and identify as anything that I wish to be. Unless, of course I am an unspoken double-standard. Within this world's aura of freedom and self-expression, I still feel however that I am not completely free. It is "shameful" and "ignorant" for me to respectfully disagree with this worlds standards, simply because of my convictions made by my faith. I can "be different" and express myself however I please, but to not agree with or support a movement I am suddenly a hateful person with no tolerance. To this day, I don't understand why one person with beliefs as strongly as mine towards something opposed to my beliefs, can be put upon a pedestal and praised for being different. I don't understand why when being asked if I agree with a certain standpoint and respectfully disagreeing, I am suddenly looked at differently instead of being lifted up for my individuality. Their is nothing that I can do about Christians who have misinterpreted certain teachings and fallen into self-righteousness, nor make up for the completely twisted acceptance of hateful statements driven by ignorance. However, I can be the change. I can be the catalyst that shows that the truth of my faith. To, love, accept, and have peace. I believe that if our "non-judgement" society was to consider the millions of faith-based people, who are good people who simply find their hope in faith. If they were to look above the picket-holding, self righteous few, I would not be a double-standard. I would not be afraid to lose friendships because of what I believe in, or afraid to disagree. I would not feel humiliation when my faith is mocked, and cursed at. I would live in a free land. ====