I’m going to be 60 this summer. It kind of makes me laugh. Time goes by fast, and I feel like I’ve only recently started finding my voice. Maybe I just needed to live a few things so I’d have something to say.

I’m tired of being disrespected. I still feel that i am treated like a child. I have not said what I really want to say because I haven’t wanted to hurt anyone’s feelings. The same people have hurt me with their words many times.

I grew up in a narrow minded culture where we thought we were right, and everyone else was wrong insofar as they disagreed or differed from us.

28 years ago, I left that judgmental institution and have never regretted it. Not even for one second. For me, religion is the opposite of spirituality. Dogma is unkind. Religious fundamentalism is abusive.

The point is, I don’t need anyone to approve of what I do or what I say. I sure don’t need anyone to tell me what to believe.

If I tell you my plans, please understand that I am not asking for advice. I don’t welcome your criticism.

I’m not going to do things the way you do.

I’m not.

I think a lot before I act, and I have my own trajectory.

If my dream sounds like a nightmare to you, please keep it to yourself.

I don’t want to be like you.

If I grew up with you on the mission field, I’m pretty sure I don’t share your political or religious views. I still consider you a friend. Our friendship was not based on politics.

Having said that, I won’t abide a platform of intolerance and hate.

I don’t see many of the people I knew as a child. It might be fun to see childhood acquaintances.

I still want you. I don’t need you.

Use your words. Don’t quote the Bible and call it your opinion.

I’m not going to pray out loud with you, and I’m definitely not going to sing hymns. It’s just not me.

What I really like to do is sit by a bonfire, talking late into the night. I like deep conversations, and I like to laugh. I love my kids more than anything.

It’s time for me to cast off fear and say the things I feel. Not to hurt, but even if it hurts.

I want my words to be compelling… inspiring but not sweet… kind but not easy… honest but not necessarily comfortable.