I apologize for generalizing...

Thurl Bailey gave the invocation for the Republican National Convention today. He's an example to us all. It was sincere and heart-felt. Thurl Bailey, a former NBA player, is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

There was an article in the Deseret News about his invocation. I don't usually comment on news articles online...but the 13 comments I read left me with little choice. Not only did I comment here, I needed to blog about my frustration.

I apologize for categorizing "Utah Mormons" too generally at times. And I do it often. So that's something for which I need to be better. There are solid Utah Mormons that are an example to each of us. But generally speaking (and I apologize...again...in advance) Utah Mormons drive me crazy (family and friends excluded, of course!). For many reasons I don't need to share in this venue. But I want to share this thought with you because I think this particular reason is true of most people.

The reason: people, in general, are close-minded and see the world only through their eyes. And, for the most part, people will hear what they want to hear, see what they want to see, believe what they want to believe...regardless of reality and truth. It's an intolerable "innocence" that eats me up inside.

Case in point: so the article is on Thurl Bailey and his invocation. Of the 13 comments I read, 12 of them emphasized how wonderful it was that the RNC would open with an invocation; questioning whether or not the DNC did the same last week. Do you know the answer?

OPEN YOUR EYES, PEOPLE!!! Please, open your eyes. Be informed. Don't blindly follow tradition because that's the way it's always been. Don't believe something because that's what you've always been taught. Don't take a stand unless you know why it is you need to take that stand.

While I feel that, generally speaking, the Republicans are more sincere when they pray, or when they quote scripture, or when they say the pledge of allegiance, or when they talk about patriotism...the Democrats did, in fact, have an invocation and benediction at each of their sessions last week. Please be educated about what "the other side" is doing. You're doing more harm than good if you don't.

One more quick item to back my claim (in case I've offended any Utah Mormons reading this :)): I was in Utah a few weeks ago and had an emergency run to Lens Crafters to get contacts. Turns out the optometrist is a member of the church. We had a pleasant conversation and we started talking about church history since I was from the east. He asked me where Nauvoo, Liberty Jail, and Palmyra were...among other church history sites.

Here's my point: if you're a member of a church--know the history of your church; if you work for a company--know the history of that company; if you're an American--know the history of your country--know the basics about how your country works--don't vote unless you've taken upon yourself the duty to be an informed citizen. It's a right and privilege for which thousands upon thousands of men and women have died.

Lesson for me--as a Christian I need to be better at growing closer to my Savior...worshipping The Father in His name...being obedient to His commandments, etc. Now that I have used this blog for a little self-reflection myself, I want you to know that I'm not on a soap box. I'm not trying to put myself on a pedestal. These are my thoughts...raw and unedited.