Tooting my own horn

Growing up in a small, rural South Georgia town doesn't really allow you the opportunities as living in a large city would.  In fact, it doesn't give you many options, period.  Some people move away and never look back, while some (like me) are "stuck" here indefinitely.  This town has its ups and downs but as I have said many many times before, my family keeps me here.  I couldn't imagine my child(ren) growing up and not being able to see my parents whenever they wanted and even me for that matter.  My Mom is honestly one of my best friends.  She and I always have so much together.  Of course, that hasn't always been the case but after you have a child of your own, you find a completely new respect for your own Mother.  I was very very close to my Mam-Maw growing up (my Mom's mom) and have always said that I hope my child(ren) will have the same bond with my Mom as I have with Mam-Maw, who will be 90 years "young" in January.  :)  Where am I getting at with all this you ask.......well, what started me thinking was this:  For someone that has lived in a town like this my whole life, I am SO proud of the person I have become.  I don't judge people based on race, religion, sexual preference, etc.  There are two things that have happened recently that made me reflect on this.  One of which being someone in my life whom I love dearly is the biggest homophobe I have ever met.  I honestly respect everyone whether or not they have the same views and/or opinions as myself.  Therefore, have enough respect for me and my opinions.  I don't force them on you and try to change yours.  Respect is such a simple thing and free thing you can give someone but for some you would think it was the hardest thing to do.  I wish there would be a day where everyone could see people for what is in their hearts and souls as a PERSON as opposed to their "label".  So what if someone is gay or straight??? That doesn't change who they are in the slightest.  You and I are NOT put here on the Earth to judge anyone.  Secondly, is this whole Dove Church Quran burning thing.  WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?!?! How can people be so idiotic?? I am a Christian and believe that Jesus died for our sins and I know without a shadow of doubt that I am going to Heaven.  With that being clarified, I also believe that EVERYONE has a right to believe what they want.  I know that we as Christians should preach and worship and spread the word of God but if someone is as devoted to their religion as we are to ours, who are we to try and change that?  For a pastor to hold a day of burning the Quran is just despicable.  I just wish people could place themselves in other's shoes.  How would he feel as a pastor to know that an Islamic pastor held a day of burning our Bible? Or for homophobes, how would they feel if their sons or daughters were gay? People just need to step back and look at life from another perspective.  Just because you think you are right, doesn't mean you are.