Tragedy Spawns Hypocrisy
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
I try to avoid getting on my soapbox (my husband might argue this!), but there are times when I cannot remain silent.
Henry Virkler once said, "Temptation often comes wrapped in the form of something beautiful, something that appeals to our senses and desires. It is often necessary to think twice before we recognize that a beautiful object or goal (at times) is really sin in disguise." Mr. Virkler was right on point, especially regarding today's view of what is right, wrong, moral, immoral, acceptable, and unacceptable.
Folks, the left is apoplectic and attacking the Parental Rights in Education bill, FL HB1557 (22R). This bill prohibits teachers from leading classroom lessons on gender identity or sexual orientation for students in kindergarten through third grade. It also bans such classes for older students unless they are "age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate." What is the problem?
These days, being a Christian parent is complicated enough, with alternative lifestyles celebrated and normalized in cartoons and movies. It is confusing for our children to learn about sinful behavior in church teachings and then be told through media and school that it's acceptable. How can this contradiction be explained? How can we, as parents, teach our children to be faithful to God and His teachings when sin is glorified by their teachers, peers, members of Congress, and our President? It takes temptation to a new level.
You might say I'm phobic or hateful towards those with alternative lifestyles. I'm not. I hate the sin, not the sinner. We all have personal struggles and battle temptation every day, and sometimes we win, sometimes not. When we lose, we are called to repent - not justify our actions and demand the world to turn the wrong into a right.
As Russell M. Nelson wisely said, "Sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin in the sight of God. His doctrine is not ours to change.
About the Author
Patti J. Smith is a devoted Catholic and pro-life advocate. She shares her journey from a life of sinful excess to redemption across the country, including pro-life conferences, to members of Congress, at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., and the Walks for Life in San Diego and San Francisco. She has been a guest on several radio shows, including Immaculate Heart Radio and Radio Maria. She also appears in two documentaries, "The Sidewalk Chronicles" and "Hush."
Patti writes Christian devotionals. One of them, "Redeemed – Rosary Meditations for Post-Abortive Women," is used at healing retreats and written in a way to be used by all denominations. Her most recent release is "And God Still Loves Me – A Story of Hope and Healing." She has also had articles published in the National Catholic Register, Life News, and the Southern Cross.
She is a retired background investigator, has a son, step-daughter, eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. She lives with her husband, Michael, in Defuniak Springs, Florida.
