Religiosity in the South

I will call upon the Lord

For He is worthy to be praised.

So shall I be saved from my enemies.

I will call upon the Lord.

A familiar song to me. A church song sang around the world. Also a sign of religiosity that I sometimes dread.

After I was unable to secure scholarship funding or adequate employment I was forced to move home. I was living in southern California, the land of carefree ex-hippies who do not hide their hippy past in the name of religiosity. No amount of religiosity will get Los Angelenos to cover up who they truly are. Sure the older adults who were in their twenties during the hippy, carefree seventies have families and are now settled into their careers. But a carefree vibe still actively regenerates their spirits. Trips to the local pub without care of who in their neighborhood or church will see them walk into the pub. No fear of their religious parents catching them kissing someone of the same sex in public.

I am not here to give a political rant. I am here to say that it‘s been hard to adjust to moving back to the southern section of the United States. Daily talks of racial stereotypes, unacceptance of political or social differences, being afraid to admit to those you love that you are broke. Sadness tied to fake religiosity. I feel like I’m in an alternative universe. We weren’t afraid to admit the truth in Southern California because there are several chances that someone in your inner circle has been through a similar situation. Someone help!

God will help. He had a reason for bringing me back to Florida. I trust that one day He will provide all my needs. In the meantime I’ve had these suggestions thrown to me about my current predicament.

Become political. After a lengthy conversation my little sister said that I should change what I do not like about the social climate by involving myself in politics. I tend to vote closer to the Republican Party for most ballots. However, I am not thrilled at the extremities to which Trump has ascended his political throne. Design contest for the border fence? We are talking about human beings. We as Americans don’t need to glorify the wall. I’m not interested in direct political party involvement now. Non-partisan companies will always have my heart, however.

Pray. Religiosity tells me to pray. The same religiosity on one coast says that my tight clothing is sinful and that on another coast believes my tight clothing is normal. I decide that there are decent, non-argumentative people in the west coast and a few in Florida. (I’m just being honest). And my religion says to follow God regardless of the hypocrisy of some. Covering up sin instead of admitting it and moving on is not the kind of culture I want to be around.

Anticipate change. Without a vision the people perish. Set goals for the future. Stay positive. You will begin to act based on what you feel while you are positive or negative. Things will happen. Everything that was promised to you will be delivered to you. Your dream will happen. You will not be embarrassed.

If you feel yourself in a similar situation or just move from coast-to-coast be cheerful! The best is yet to come!