Deciding Not to Talk about my Religion - ENTRY 1

I would describe myself as more of an observer than anything. Growing up with three older siblings you learn a lot just by observing the actions of your older brother or sister, such as don’t yell back at mom cause she will ground you or always do what’s asked or you’ll be put in time out or don’t sneak out the house or you’ll never leave.

Now being an young adult I still observe not just my sibling’s or family’s actions but the world around me, such as my teacher how does she interact with a new student or my best friend’s behavior around her boyfriend and how it changes or what’s okay to talk about or what should I just keep to myself, and many more.

One of the first things I came to realized that I shouldn’t openly discuss publicly was religion. Growing up first off in the military and going to a public school, you are exposed to all different kinds of wonderful people and their religion. To remember just a few I had one friend who was Pakistan, one who was Muslim, one who was a Christian (like me) and an uncle who was openly an atheist. Of course being close to each one I got to learn their cultures and religion just by having a sleepover at their house and finding out that one friend had a room dedicated to worship while the other’s house kept crosses hung amongst each wall along with a drawing of a portrait of Jesus Christ. 

Also by experiencing different kinds of foods and spices that as a Latina I was surprised that I missed.

Living in the United States of America or also once known as the “Boiling Pot” you would think everyone would be accepting of one’s background and their religion, but obviously we’re not unfortunately. We are so judgmental towards one skin color, religion, sexuality, personality and much more; which scares me dearly.

I feel like since I was exposed at a young age to different cultures and religions and having a personal relationship with each made myself have such an open and loving mind. I truly accept everyone with love and compassion and am very confused why others choose to show anger or resistances and judge one for something they can’t change about themselves.

Some people associate or stereotype a black man to be untrustworthy or undereducated or Muslims with terrorist or Latinos with low income and not to be able to speak English. There have been many times in my life where because my name is Yasmin Perez people assume that I know Spanish and get taken off guard when I tell them I don’t. I speak English and would love to learn Spanish one day.

Talking to someone about religion is like walking on hundreds of pieces of little Legos scattered amongst the floor. If one is not as opened minded or has bias towards one or many religion you will not make it across the pile of Legos without a few scratches and bruises. You might even fall over completely leaving defeating and hurt. 

Something as simple as “God Bless You” could start a heated conversation amongst strong and narrowed head group or a single individual; so people just say “Bless you” once someone sneezes. (If you sneeze more than three times though don’t expect a Bless you or God Bless you from me because I don’t have enough blessings to give. Lol)

I’m happy to tell someone about my religion and beliefs if one asks and that I feel I’m not going to be shamed or belittled. I’m happily a Christian and there’s nothing wrong with that. There’s nothing wrong with any other religion as well or any good person. 

I just wish that everyone would welcome everyone with love and compassion just like me, but I’ll be foolish if I thought that it could become reality. Some people are not as accepting and you just have to treat them with kindness even though they might treat you with the opposite way. Be confident in who you are and what you choose to believe in and this wouldn’t bother you. Be accepting and loving everywhere wonder.

Alright that’s too much talking….for now. I’ll check in with you later. For now let me know what you think. Bye, Bye!