Dear individual,

I do not want to argue. I do not want to debate. I do not want to have my opinions shot down or trampled on because you know something that I do not know. I am writing what I know, what I believe and what I was asked to do. I am not going to lie or say something that is against what I believe. In fact, you cannot ask me to write something that goes against what I believe. 

   Recently I have really been struggling with my writing class. He is liberal, I am not. He shows us videos and has us respond to essays on a similar topic written by someone. The videos I am alright with. Although at times like after watching the Straight Man in a Gay World, it discussion got to be a bit much. One thing that has been reinforced is that I do not know everything. I already knew that. In fact, I am sure I know little to nothing compared to my professor.

   It is not so much the content but rather that I do not know what he is asking for? Or if I want to provide what he is asking for. It is clear that he wants us to be able to express our opinions and formulate them in a manner that can be widely understood. But I do not want to argue. I do not want to put myself out there were I can get trampled on. I am not some courageous lioness. 

   It should be easier then I am making it. Continually I am caught up in someone else's ideals. Or just simply facts, who knows more than whom? Which person is right and what is some extensive lie. Does Global Warming exist? If it does did is cause Katrina? Is Evolution a fact now instead of a theory? Do scientists even know what they are talking about now days or are they just making it up as they go?

   Muslims. I do not hate them. For it is not in my copacetic to truly hate someone. Nor is it in my religion to hate someone. I may not know exactly what they or even others really believe but I do know that I want to understand the person on the inside. Do you have the capacity for blind faith? Or is it simply that as the Dali Lama said something along the lines of, "religion is tainted by our own selfish desires." I must question the person behind every face. If I see a snake I can tell if it is poisonous. But if I see a person, it not so easy. We often write people off because of an outward sign of religion. If we see a woman wearing a Hijab (Islamic headdress), should we fear her? Or should we fear the faceless people who give out death threats.

  I do not want to debate. I want facts, if you can prove something to me then go ahead. But if it is still caught up in controversy in which either side will chomp at the bit for an opportunity to shove their ideas down your throat, then no thank you. I do not want to discuss controversial topics, that is not who I am. I follow what God says, I will not go out asking for a fight unless he prompts me to. 

     How am I supposed to ever feel safe sharing my ideas? 

     I know that I need to pray for boldness.