PRAYER AND GOD

Make fun of me if you want but I believe in prayer and I believe in God and I believe in Jesus Christ. The number of times prayer has worked in my life for myself, my family, and my friends is too high to count. I was not born a believer and was not forced into any religion, but came to know some people who showed their faith by their actions and words.

HOMOSEXUALITY

Most of my closest friends are gay (or bisexual), and I love them all. They know I'm a Christian but they also see me as someone who's not going to judge them and not going to spread hatred that many churches unfortunately do. Sometimes I want to cry when I see churches spew hatred from their mouths. Yes, I do believe God loves everyone. It's hypocritical for churches to isolate homosexuality as a sin... doesn't it say "let the person who has not sinned cast the first stone"? No wonder no stones have been cast.

BEAUTY

Looks matter. Especially on the first impression. But they never last. All the people I've ever fallen in love with were ones who I didn't notice physically at first, but after I saw their spirit and their attitudes, I started to love them, on the inside and out. I've met some most beautiful people, so beautiful that I can barely fathom it (really). I can only wish they realize how beautiful they are. Also, many people I find beautiful have little or no money, and aren't high on the social ladder. I'm attracted to their simplicity. I'm also attracted to intelligence, wisdom, compassion, gentleness, kindness (when genuine), hard work, and a lack of fear to say one's true feelings.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DANCERS AND ACTORS

I've come to know dancers and actors extremely well. Although I'm not one to classify and summarize, I'd say that most dancers have a special spirit, although some can be quite pretentious, seeing as the entire activity is so entrenched in looks and image. I'd say actors are sometimes hurt spirits who aren't afraid to show and express their pain and vulnerability, something which I find so very attractive and sexy. Who do I relate to more? Actors, because of their willingness to always be themselves. I should say that I am a dancer and an actor.

SPANKING

Here are my views regarding spanking (which was written ages ago):

I don't agree with hitting your own child (or anybody else's child). It's hypocritical and bound to create severe negative repercussions as the child grows up. As a society, we put down violence as a hurtful and cowardly act. But what do we teach our own children when we ourselves are violent against them? (And yes: hitting is violent, no other ways around it. After all, we would be fired if we hit our own bosses and we would be guilty of domestic abuse if we hit our own spouses).

There are many ways of disciplining children without having to lash out one's anger and hit them. For example, refuse to let them watch television or any other fun stuff until they get their homework done. If you show love and discipline to your child, it should work. (It worked with me).

Some people argue that they hit their children because they "love them". In most cases, this is bullshit. I've seen several instances of people who hit their children, and there is definitely not an instance of love shining through. Just uncontrolled anger and temper. I do point out, however, that if a child is so young and does things that could potentially harm him/her (like crawling off a high table), that if hitting is the only way to stop him/her, then it is okay.

I do agree with discipline in general though. I can't stand parents who let their kids be rude or self-serving, and these kids will grow up with an overly-egotistical view of themselves (which can be extremely harmful). I've met several kids whose parents let them get away with anything, and frankfully, it scares me. These kids have control over their own parents, and that is not right.

Finally, I know some of you will disagree with me. We certainly are entitled to our own opinions, and I respect that. It just hurts me to see children get hurt who do not deserve to be hurt.