God Saves From Hell

I saw a sticker on the back of a wheelchair yesterday that said that. The only problem I found was that it didn’t exactly say who God was saving from hell.

It was a day of religious messages for me yesterday. In the span of a couple of hours, I also saw shirts that read Jesus thought of you and I feel a sin coming on. I was in stitches after the second shirt, as I love the messages with religious overtones. I am still looking for a large t-shirt that has Jesus coming out from behind a couch. I forgot what the message was, but I will know it when I see it.

I love having discussions with people about fate versus free will. The only time God (or whomever is in charge of this place) has a choice is when we are born or when we die. There are those times in between that are called fate. I am still a little skeptical about this whole free will stuff. Take for example the way that we sometimes avoid near fatal accidents or do all the right things to land the job we have always wanted. People almost always make the statement that God played a hand in it. My argument is that if God played a small bit in avoiding the hospital or earning a billion a year, what other roles does he play in our life. Sure, I could make choice A or B, but they are all going to lead down the same road as a result of God’s will.

I had a discussion with my relatives during Thanksgiving dinner. My mother is a devout Catholic and I love to ruffle her feathers once in a while. I think I used this rationale in some discussion we had about death. My mom is a little dogmatic in her approaches to religion, so I like to have a little fun with her ever so often just to see what she says.

I am thankful this year that there is not that strong values coalition springing up for the elections. I am almost a little grateful for Reverend Wright and John Hagee for their views. The religious zealots have now turned their attention to same sex marriages this year. Every time I hear one of these people get up on their soap box, they always have to make the argument that it will affect the children. Politicians and religious zealots sadly love children a little too much sometimes. I am of the opinion that a same sex couple can do what a nuclear family does, provide love. I have seen it in same sex couples time and time again.

I am amazed that we still live in a society that frowns upon same sex couples. The incident last week at Safeco Field in Seattle, WA was appalling. I seriously doubt that the couple was putting on a show, it was someone who showed intolerance toward fellow man. Hmmm, I wonder if I could make the argument that it is not their choice to be together, it is God’s.

I think I am ranting, I sound like I am ranting. It is Hillary’s fault. Don’t suspend, just drop out. It is pathetic to see someone not accept that they lost. It is like a team that goes 162-0 in the regular season and then loses in the first round of the playoffs. Barack’s camp played the game better. Now take your bats and gloves and go home. 2012 is only 4 years away. I am tired of the negative campaigning, but know that it will be only intensifying with the help of FOX news and all those other fanatics. I dare them to stick to the issues, I just dare them.

I talked to my mom today and she was saying that Barack is her man. I didn’t ask her when she jumped on the bandwagon. Last time I could remember, she was a huge Bill fan and thought that had transferred over to Hillary. She fits the older, white women vote that is owned by Hillary. I wonder if I should call Barack and let him know that they can change their minds.

I got to see Firme perform in downtown San Jose for Music in The Other Park. I haven’t see them play in about three years. It was nice to just take in a live show. I began to then think about the one song this week that really stood out for me. I really think it was Oingo Boingo’s “Out of Control.” Danny Elfman was the lead singer of Boingo, one of my favorite bands. He now does music for The Simpsons (yes, the theme song) and mostly Tim Burton movies. I catch myself singing this song, even in public. The lyrics are as follows:

Everyone says sooner or later you’ll reach the end of the line
When things get rough some think it’s easy to jump the ship . . .
You decide

I say–don’t throw it away
There’s about a million reasons why
Though you’ve heard them all before
And you’re getting very tired
Lay your head on my lap and I’ll sing you this lullaby

CHORUS
Don’t you know
That everyone around you
Has felt the pain you feel today
You’re out of control yeah–and you want someone to tell you
When you wake up in the morning it’ll only be a dream
You’re out of control . . .

There’s a cloud-rollin’ overhead and it seems to rain on no one else
There’s a black sun–casting a black shadow,
and I know you feel so all alone
You’re out of control–and you want the world to love you
Or maybe you just want a chance to let them know
That you live and breathe and suffer
And your back is in the corner and you’ve got nowhere to go

Nothin’ for nothin’–everything’s right at your fingertips–for a price
Who ever said that life on this planet would ever be paradise
I say–don’t throw it away, you’ve got too many things to say
If you throw your life, if you throw away your life . . .
THe world will never be the same

CHORUS

You’re out of control–and you move without direction
And people look right through your soul
You’re out of control–and you want someone to tell you
When you wake up in the morning it’ll only be a dream
And I wish that I could tell you, it’ll only be a dream