Thoughts After Officiating My First Marriage

It has been almost three months since I wrote the post, The Wedding Officiant (The Path: Wedding Officiant).  One of the weddings never came to be, another possible gay wedding went south when I informed them that gay marriages were not recognized in Mississippi.  I was willing to perform the ceremony, but I think the lack of legality put them off.  I hope the cancelled for the right reasons, but one has to define "right" for one's self.

I think this was the problem in my own marriage.  We had a civil ceremony at the courthouse.  No promises of fidelity or lifelong commitment to God, or our friends; no "holy" in the matrimony.  It was an exercise in paperwork that made our union legal with plenty of wiggle room for bolting at the first opportunity.  She tried to bolt for fifteen years and I was either too thick headed to see it, didn't want to see it, or was too stubborn to let it go.  Whatever the reason, I think I took the idea of marriage to be more holy than she did or, maybe, she was just a realist.  Being brought up a Catholic and a Sicilian, for me, divorce just wasn't an option.  Wrong again.

And this has become the norm for marriage in this nation.  Actually, if we are to believe the stats, marriage isn't even occurring anymore.  Marriage has been replaced by living together and having children out of wedlock.  God bless atheism?  Maybe.  There is also a lot of the CINO community out there (Christians In Name Only) that have opted for a different path and lost their core belief along the way.  Again, no real promises to each other, friends, family, or God.  No promises by either of them to the child of being there for them, doing the right thing, being a role model during their formative years.

"What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again: there is nothing new under the sun."

-- Ecclesiastes, 1:9

Marriage, like so many other core values in our society has become outdated, kind of like patriotism, tolerance, celebrating diversity, and so many others.  These are all solid values once held dear by the progressive elements of our society, the values which progressives have turned their backs on.  As with the empires of Rome and Greece, even religious and spiritual morality can't save society from the destructive path it is traveling.  Jim Nelson Black, When Nations Die, lists ten things that can bring society to a point of collapse:

          1.   Increase in lawlessness

          2.   Loss of economic discipline

          3.   Rising bureaucracy

          4.   Decline in education

          5.   Weakening of cultural foundations

          6.   Loss of respect for traditions

          7.   Increase in materialism

          8.   Rise in immorality

          9.   Decay of religious belief

          10. Devaluing of human life

He goes on to explain that as few as three or four of these would be enough.  Any of these sound familiar?  I highlighted just the four I deal with in this post.  Three of these are the foundation of a solid marriage and family.  I leave the "decay of religious belief" up to the reader as many atheists would argue this point, and I have to agree there are exceptions to every rule.

Jim Bramlett, author and radio personality, on his site Choices for Living, says the following about Dr. Black's list:  "Aiding the breakdown of decadent cultures was a philosophy of 'change for the sake of change.'  Dissatisfied with traditional authority, the cultural elites turned their backs on values and traditions as old as the nation itself.  Tragically, according to Dr. Black, the United States is the first nation in history where all ten symptoms are present in one society at one time!"  

Please visit Jim Bramlett for more opinion:  

http://www.choicesforliving.com/spirit/index.htm

As for the couple I married on my birthday?  Well, it wasn't his first, or his second, but three is supposed to be the charm and, at their age, it will probably stick.  Their friends and family seem to be of good, southern, spiritual stock so they have the right support surrounding them.  The groom had difficulty making it through the vows he had written due to tears which evidenced, for me, this must be the right woman for the rest of his life.  Her concern for him as he worked through it was good evidence for the same on her end.  All in all it was a fun afternoon.

But, the ceremony left me feeling concerned for our future as a nation, a society, and a people.  We choose to focus on divisiveness, as seen recently between the lesbian Houston mayor and the pastors bemoaning homosexuality.  We have become, worldwide, a people of, "why can't you be more like me" instead of celebrating the diversity of whom we all are.  It is worse when we use our religious and spiritual morality as a sword of intolerance and unforgiveness.  Where is the love in that?

It is no secret comedian and talk show host Bill Maher is not my favorite atheist.  He takes atheism to all new heights of intolerance and bigotry.  He decries God as hateful and cruel.  He does this because he uses the Bible as evidence for his opinion.  Well, here Bill and I have to agree.  If you read the Bible it is easy to see from whence his opinion comes.  But what if the Bible has it all wrong?  What if there are those of us that believe in a kinder gentler God?  Well, Bill would probably say that is proof we are ignorant and deluded.  If Christ were to appear before Bill, he would find a way to justify his insanity.  Bill Maher is another member of the Society of the Perpetually Discontent.  It is unfortunate that he wants to drag everyone else into this pit with him, but that is the world we live in.

Whether marriage is between atheists, Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, it should be entered into for only one reason - love.  What you come into a marriage with, is what you leave with.  If there is business in the marriage, then a contract had better be forthcoming if you expect half when love isn't enough.  The house and property had better be in both names, as should any accounts, for the same reason.  There should be no reason for vindictive lawsuits.  Law should dictate what percentage of each person's wages go to the support of any child, remembering that it took both parties to produce the offspring so both are responsible for the support; there will be no suing for more.  It is what it is.  Material wealth in a marriage is a business and should be handled as such for the protection of both parties in the event of hospitalization, death, and threats from outside.  Everything else is supposed to be about love and commitment.  If you don't have love, it is just a business partnership with the benefit of meaningless, conjugal, nighttime activity.  

Don't be too surprised when the "business" partner brings someone else to the party.

"The moral code of Heaven for both men and women is complete chastity before marriage and full fidelity after marriage."

Ezra Taft Benson (1889-1994), American farmer and religious leader

This quote from Ezra Benson is what one would expect from the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints.  Unfortunately Mr. Benson lived long enough to see Mormonism fall prey to the same ills of vice and divorce afflicting the rest of the religious world.  With all of the baggage people carry with them, and into a relationship, fidelity before marriage is a bit insane unless you've known the person your entire life.  Being an American Farmer, around the turn of the 20th century, that was one community where knowing someone else from birth would have been prevalent.  For the rest of us, not so much.

"Maybe that's what it all comes down to.  Love, not as a surge of passion, but as a choice to commit to something, someone, no matter what obstacles or temptations stand in the way.  And maybe making that choice again and again, day in and day out, year after year, says more about love than never having a choice to make at all."

-- Emily Griffin, "Love the One You're With"

So, maybe Emily Griffin and I are right.  Maybe it all comes down to love.  Maybe the need for that piece of paper we call a wedding "license" is just a legal necessity after all.  How can government license you so you can "legally" feel?  They can't.  The only piece of paper required, if you just have to have one, would be from two witnesses saying you have made vows before friends, family, and God (if so desired).  Otherwise, just tell each other how you feel and accept each other for the rest of your time here on Earth.

Of course, if you decide to leave... you're still screwed.  But, then, that's what you get for lying, right?

Note from Pastor Tony, the founder of the Congregation for Religious Tolerance, as well as the author and editor of "The Path," the Congregation's official blogsite:  

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion.  It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other.  An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion and debate in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth.  After over twenty years as a military intelligence analyst, planner, and briefer, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.
  

Frank Anthony Villari, Pastor

The Gay Christian

"When it comes to gay Christians, there's one question that causes more debate than any other:  Does God bless gay relationships?  Or are gay Christians called to lifelong celibacy?"

--Gay Christian Network, The Great Debate

And the debate continues.  But doesn't the debate go deeper than this?  It has been my experience that just mentioning new evidence that proves the Bible may not be everything Christians think it is can get me condemned to hell for all eternity.  I mention gays around these same hard core Christians and a fire starts in the back of their brain that you can clearly see through their eyes.  When they open their mouth I'm blasted back with a seemingly endless verbal onslaught of hellfire and damnation which usually ends with, "The only good homo is a dead homo."  A debate?  God blessing or not blessing a gay relationship would seem a trivial side note to any discussion with these people.  The right to exist or not would seem more to the point.

I walk away from these one-sided verbal spankings secure in the knowledge that my Christianity is more understanding, forgiving, and loving than theirs will, in all probability, ever be.  They dutifully go to the building they refer to as a "church" to pay their money for a place in heaven, listen to the minister pontificate his latest "interpretation" of the good book, and rely on him to bless them for hate and intolerance of their fellow man.  I hesitate to point out, to any person of color, that it wasn't so very long ago that African-Americans had to attend a chapel for "their kind," as they weren't allowed to worship with white folk.  And, as history keeps on repeating, we learn nothing.

Matthew Vines, author of God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships, points out what Jesus says, in Hebrews 8:13, about the new covenant making the old one obsolete, "Now what is growing old is ready to vanish away."  Matthew also points out that all shameful activity mentioned in the New Testament is "lustful," with no mention of love, commitment, or faithfulness.  Mathew Vines makes a reasonable case and gives us a taste of it in a short video found at the attached link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmp6lLct-fQ&feature=player_embedded     

Marriages are breaking down all around us; families becoming single-parent struggles for existence; children growing up, or not, without good, solid role models.  People are getting married for a legal piece of paper and forgoing any ceremony of "Holy Matrimony" that might require a statement of faith and a promise of forever in the presence of God.  Yet we condemn the gay community for wanting to do the right thing.  Churches are struggling to keep their numbers up as the young flee in search of alternate spirituality or no spirituality at all.  And we condemn the gay community for wanting to do the right thing.

We believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians are full participants in God’s kingdom, and that the ways of holiness and the ways of sinfulness are equally available to them as to others. Recognizing this, we strive to live holy lives, turning to prayer, Scripture, and the leading of the Holy Spirit to discern God’s will.

-- Gay Christian Network, Our Statement of Faith

Children commit suicide in adolescence as they are struggling with gender identification and find little understanding.  We would be led to believe this gender struggle is due to their years of unchecked, rampant experimentation with the gay lifestyle at the ripe old age of eight, or ten, or twelve; this propensity to be gay is a learned attribute and not genetic or a chemical imbalance.  God, forbid, that would just be too easy.  Oh, and let's not forget my all-time favorite, "It is a sickness and we need to treat it."  I haven't heard of many in the community running to the clinics for help with their "malady."  

I'd like to see us take a different approach.  Let's try practicing our faith in a God that doesn't make mistakes.  Let's try the saying, "What would Jesus do?"  I had someone accuse me on Facebook, just the other day, of interpreting the Bible so the message was different; different than their interpretation?  Again, my tilt is not based on hatred and an unforgiving attitude.  These would be the same people that have never touched the Qur'an but just know all of Islam must be destroyed as they are all guilty for the atrocities of the heretics in their midst.  They refuse to believe Islam is a religion of peace that also claims Abraham, recognizes the Virgin Mary, and praises Jesus as a great prophet sent from God, that Muhammad was given the Qur'an by the Archangel Gabriel, and much more commonality than difference.

3:5 It is He who sent down upon thee the Book, wherein are verses clear that are the Essence of the Book, and others ambiguous. As for those in whose hearts is swerving, they follow the ambiguous part, desiring dissension, and desiring its interpretation; and none knows its interpretation, save only God.

-- Qur’an (Sura 3: The House of Imran)

And, even as radical Islam desires dissension and interpretation, so does Christianity continue to desire dissension and interpretation, now with sights seemingly set on the LGBT community.  Their goal?  It would seem they want nothing less than continuing to deny them the gentle love, understanding, forgiveness and tolerance of Jesus.  How sad is that?

One of the questions put forth in the Gay Christian Network website is, "Why identify as Christians if so many Christians are anti-gay?"  I like their answer:

If “Christianity” were like an exclusive club or some kind of “religious movement” we believed in, this site probably wouldn't exist. Modern-day Christians don't have a very good reputation when it comes to showing love to gay people. In fact, some of the most hate-filled people of our time use the name of Jesus to justify their hateful attitudes and behavior. Why would we want to be a part of that?

But Christianity is not a club or a movement. For us, it’s a completely life-changing experience of God, rooted in the teachings, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have been changed in such a profound way that the word “Christian” describes an integral part of who we are, not something we could choose to disassociate ourselves from if we wanted. And even if we could, we wouldn'twant to. We are happy about what God has done and continues to do in our lives!

Jesus modeled true Love for us, and God gives us the power to share that Love. But each of us is still a work in progress. We are only human, and sometimes we make mistakes. The people who make up the Christian community are not perfect, and they can be susceptible to the misconceptions and prejudices of the rest of the world. Sometimes our fellow Christians don’t treat us with the love of Jesus, and of course that hurts. But we forgive them for that. After all, we don’t always act lovingly either.

I have to ask myself, "Who is the tolerant Christian here?"  It might be just me, but it seems like every time the Christian faith hammers someone for being different, the victims show more of that tender love of Christ than their detractors.  An extreme example of this would be those saints that died at the hands of other Christians for not renouncing their "faith," or beliefs.  Such faith seems to be what holds the Gay community steadfast to Christianity.  I, for one, applaud them for their temerity.   

I have written much in support of the LGBT community.  I wish them all the best as they move forward.  I would hope that more will display the values I have read on the Gay Christian Network site.  I would hope, and pray, that straight Christians will do more than just pay their Bible lip service and actually practice the sweet love of Jesus Christ.  Historically this has proven not to be the case.  Even the Vatican still struggles with the issue of homosexuality, even though Pope Francis has politiced for a kinder gentler viewpoint.    

But then, this is all just an opinion.  I could be wrong.

If you would like more information concerning the Gay Christian Network, please follow this link:  https://www.gaychristian.net/index.php? 

Note from Pastor Tony, the founder of the Congregation for Religious Tolerance, as well as the author and editor of "The Path," the Congregation's official blog site:  

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion.  It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other.  An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion and debate in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth.  After over twenty years as a military intelligence analyst, planner, and briefer, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.
  

Frank Anthony Villari, Pastor

Thought for Sunday, October 26, 2014: Islam and Misconceptions

The abortion that was the 29th Annual, NYC Muslim Day Parade notwithstanding, peaceful Islam continues to take it from all sides.  The organizers of this parade should be admonished severely and whether we see a 30th parade or not rests squarely on the left wing shoulders of NYC's bleeding heart mayor.  This parade was not representative of Islam any more than ISIS, Hamas, the Taliban, or al Qaeda are representative of the peaceful religion they continually shame with their violence, murder, suicide, rape and so much else, all in the name of Allah.  They should all be ashamed.

We still live in a world of ignorance and bigotry, and we still insist on repeating history because of it.  If you were taught history, which is a crap shoot in today's educational curriculum, you may have been informed of the Japanese internment camps during World War II.  Not the prisoner of war camps, the ones we used to put the loyal Americans of Japanese descent.  We took away their homes, businesses, and freedoms out of our ignorance and growing bigotry.  And, yet, the American spirit was not to be denied.

Young Japanese Americans wanted to prove a loyalty that should have required no proof, but such was the honor of these people.  The Nisei volunteered for combat duty in the 100th Infantry Battalion.  This group of Hawaiian National Guard led the way to the creation of the all-Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which became one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history, and the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion which liberated survivors of the Dachau concentration camps.  No, the American spirit was certainly not to be denied in these patriotic Americans.  We stripped them of everything, and yet they would hold their heads high and give that which was not asked for; proof that we were wrong.

And, it would seem clear; we continue to prove we have learned nothing from this history.

I constantly find myself on the frontline of war ongoing in the United States.  It is a war of misconception and hate against a group that may be undeserving of it.  Try doing word association among your own friends and family.  Ask what their first thought is when you say "Islam."  Then ask my favorite question, "Why?" 

Before we go hanging American-Muslims in the town square, burning their businesses, or busing them all to internment camps, maybe it would behoove us to learn something about common misconceptions of Islam and Muslims.  I found a good, succinct listing at the following link:

http://encounteringislam.org/misconceptions.

Common Misconceptions about Muslims:

(My comments are after each line item, but read what the site has to say about each at the link above.  I was pretty certain about what I'd find if I looked at the answers for each item, so I have given my answers without looking.  See how close I came by going to the link above and checking out the answers for yourselves.  I run the risk of having a bit of egg on my face.  What do you have to lose?)

1.   Muslims live in the Middle East.  You really have to have your head seriously buried somewhere not to here world news and know everywhere Islam has spread.  Indonesia, Europe, the U.S., Russia and most of Africa enjoy the Islamic faith.  

2.   Muslims are Arabs.  See answer to Item 1, above.  Really?  I was not aware Arabs had a big colony in the Philippines, or Nigeria.

3.   Muslims don't believe in Jesus and aren't interested in him.  But they are one of the three major Abrahamic religions.  They not only believe in him, they acknowledge the virgin birth and revere him as a prophet and messiah.

4.   Muslims worship the moon and a Moon-God.  "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his Prophet."  This is repeated time and again.  People really need to start listening and stop farting through their pie hole.

5.   Muslims support violence and terrorism.  We believe this only because our western media no longer reports the news.  Islam is constantly speaking out against the violation of the Qur'an by these terrorists and heretics.  Our news media only reports what fits into their, or the governments, agenda.  No news there.   

6.   Muslims are engaged in Jihad (war) against us.  Trick question?  The word "jihad" means struggling or striving.  The Arabic word for war is "al-harb."  Jihad is not a violent concept, nor is it to be used as a declaration of war against other religions.

7.   All Muslims are the same and all are either Sunni or Shi'a.  There are many sects of Islam, these two are the most prevalent, and many are as varied as the cultures they represent. 

8.   Islam oppresses women.  So, there are a lot of women in free societies that we can only assume are masochists?  I don't know of many women who would willingly convert to a religion that will treat them like dirt.  This "oppression" we hear about is almost always driven by cultural laws and customs.

9.   Muslims are ignorant and don't value education.  Gee, let's see... math, astronomy, medicine, experimental sciences, all of which made great strides due to Islamic contributions.  Again, we only learn what we're taught in our schools. 

10. Muslims place little value on women, family life, and children.  Oh my goodness!  See Item 8, above, and extend it out.  This isn't rocket science people!  Muslims pretty much value their women and children to the exclusion of all but Allah. 

11. Muslims are archaic with little value for culture and the arts.  See Item 9, above.  Without a healthy respect for culture and arts you will find it very difficult to have any advances in math, astronomy, medicine, etc., etc., etc..  Islam is noted for their romantic history of colorful stories and poetry.  There is a rumor that Islam was ultimately responsible for the final destruction of the Library at Alexandria.  I will not attempt to defend against such slander, but, if they were responsible I think it would only be after they took all knowledge of any value safely from the building.  

12. Muhammad was the founder of Islam, and they worship him.  This one is tricky for me.  They consider both Adam and Abraham to be Muslims, Adam being the first of them all.  However, being the first Muslim does not mean that Adam declared a religion of Islam.  Someone had to put a name on it and I'm not clear who that someone is.  I'm sticking with Muhammad on this one. 

13. Muslims are lying about Islam being peaceful.  See the answer to Item 6, above.  I find it very interesting that the Qur'an refers to Jews and Christians as "people of the book" who should be protected and respected.  So, Israel is at fault here... why?  Christians are being murdered...why?  

14. We never hear Muslims speak against terrorism.  See answer to Item 5, above.  No more comment necessary.  I recommend a visit to #notinmyname, or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfYanI-zJes for more information. 

15. Islam is growing faster than any other religion.  Wrong again, Buckwheat!  Do your own due diligence on this one.  I think you'll find the numbers are skewed.  Is Islam growing faster than mainstream Christianity?  Probably, but this is like putting a number to the jobless in the United States where those that have stopped looking for work or are no longer pulling unemployment are not factored in.  Many have left mainstream Christianity in search of a better path to Christ.  These numbers are not factored in.  When you look at a stadium filled to hear Joel Osteen, it is hard to believe Christ is on a downward slide.  Oh, and I doubt anyone is counting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christian contingent of in all of this number crunching.

Note from Pastor Tony, the founder of the Congregation for Religious Tolerance, as well as the author and editor of "The Path," the Congregation's official blogsite:  

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion.  It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other.  An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion and debate in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth.  After over twenty years as a military intelligence analyst, planner, and briefer, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.
  

Frank Anthony Villari, Pastor

Morphing to a Better State of Being

As an introduction to this post, I offer up a short note from an avid reader:

 Good beautiful Sunday morning Tony!  As I leave [Bob] to sleep a little more I am having my coffee, reading The Path, writing, and realizing that being happy is really a choice, a state of mind that we can choose to be in when we open our eyes every day.  Feeling loved is a most amazing feeling!

 You mentioned the word "morph" in today’s sermon.  And yes, The Path is MY sermon, so there.  People always say that people don't change, but we do. Maybe "morph" is a better word than change. People grow. We are capable of changing ways, habits, and beliefs. Understanding is important, but acceptance is the key to tolerance.  Only when we accept that we are "different yet all the same," maybe then we can be tolerant. 

The fact my friend finds "The Path" worthy of consideration, humbles me.  She humbles me often, as I witness her deal with life hands her.  I have watched, and listened, while my friend has journeyed down the latest fork in her path.  She has encountered some bumps and bruises, and she has initiated change to simplify her life and solve issues.  She has sold her house, changed jobs, and she has discovered a "work in progress" - a significant other.  Of what she speaks, in her message to me, she has learned in the school of hard knocks.  She doesn't seem to act humble, but she will probably be the first to deny that she actually knows as much about life as she does.  What has helped her along her path?  She reads and listens, debates and is able to admit error.  She goes it alone, yet is able to ask for guidance.  She has found the best use of the internet - finding sites and motivational speakers that offer her positive ideas and reinforcement on living life and dealing with roadblocks and issues it throws in front of her.  But, is she right in what she says about change?

I'm going to share someone, in my own life, whose words of wisdom have guided me since I was a young airman.  He is gone now, a tragic loss to mankind.  I stumbled upon Leo on a television special, probably PBS, when I was in my early twenties.  He was discussing love, and happiness, and relationships.  I was laughing, and then crying, grabbing for the tissue box because I could stop the emotional rollercoaster, the truth I found in the words he spoke.  If I could name one person in this world that has had the greatest effect on who I have become, other than my parents, it would certainly be Leo Buscaglia.  

He appeals to the very young and old alike.  His love is boundless.  He was not an ordained minister, and one wonders why not, yet we realize he is, and always shall be, a "minister of life" to those who care to listen.

I want to share with you a link to a short video of him.  Along the right side of this site, you will find many more clips to choose from.  Please take the time to come back and watch those clips as well.  Bookmark the site and purchase his books.  He is worth having in your life.  Even though he is no longer with us, he has left us a legacy of information, understanding, and love, that can change the world: Leo Buscaglia: "The Time Is Now".

Leo taught me about change, this sense of morphing from what we are into what we are supposed to become; caterpillar to chrysalis, to butterfly.  Crap to manure, to fertilizer... for seeds yet to grow; change being the only true constant in the universe and creation the one true miracle.  I forgot his words during the years I watched my marriage dissolve, as I was fighting a losing battle, trying to hold it all together.  I was so much better than this, and I had so much more to offer to so many others.  Why do we fight battles against those we love when they don't love us?  Because we're selfish, or because we care.  Maybe because we're afraid... to let go.  Change is inevitable, so why fight it? 

I believe that you control your destiny, that you can be what you want to be. You can also stop and say, 'No I won't do it. I won't behave this way anymore. I'm lonely and I need people around me, maybe I have to change my methods of behaving,' and then you do it. 

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.

-- Leo Bucaglia (1924-1998)

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

The Congregation for Religious Tolerance (Updated 10/17/14)

Side Note:  The page views for this particular post have doubled, from the first year's count, injust the past six months.  Most of this interest has come from overseas, primarily Europe.  France, Ukraine, Turkey and Romania account for the majority of these hits.  Why the sudden interest in the Congregation?  It might be due to world events as people struggle with their tolerance.  It is hard to not blame many for the acts of the few, especially when the few number in the thousands.  But, then, Germany was just a small country run by fewer Nazis and they almost took over half of the world and the Island of Japan almost took the other.  The reasons are not as important as the fact that someone is searching for answers.  To this end I felt it was prudent to bring this post back to the forefront.  I will continue to update it from time to time and put it closer to the top of the growing list of posts.

I contemplated the Congregation for Religious Tolerance as I was writing what was to become my first post, "My View: Religious Tolerance." I felt my reasons for a "congregation" were sound then, and feedback tells me my reasons are still sound.  As the blog approaches 12,000 pageviews, I've had few "comments" but e-mails and conversations have been positive over the first eighteen months, and I have humbly accepted thanks from several for guiding them forward.  We do what we can with what God has provided.

This is, and probably will always remain, a work in progress as is evidenced by this update of the original posting from June 14, 2013.  I am a firm believer in a statement by Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher 500 years before the birth of Christ, "The only thing that is constant is change."  I welcome any and all constructive comments and criticisms that might better the end product, whatever that product morphs into.

Why a "Congregation," and not a church?  I feel the meaning of "church" has been corrupted from the meaning Jesus originally gave to it (He mentions the word only twice in His teachings I believe), and even though religious scholars say they understand it does not refer to a building, well... ask yourself, where is your church located?  Matthew 18:20 tells us, "For where two or three are assembled in my name, there I am in the midst of them."  A "church is defined as a congregation, not a building.  And the church Jesus spoke of was to be built on the "rock" of Peter as is described in Matthew 16:18, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it."  

There are no members in this Congregation.  If you follow my posts you are already a part of something greater than yourself, and I feel this may be an odd concept for many.  You are a member of a species that has an insatiable appetite for something more, yet they know not what or, more importantly, why.  The moment you question your long lived system of belief, you become one of a multitude that are raging at the machine of organized religion for their seeming greed, conflicting beliefs, hypocrisy, and especially because of the fear of God they intentionally instill in us.  They do this by using the Bible as a weapon, and if you believe this sacred scripture was written by fallible men with probable agendas, and collected into one book by other fallible men with probable agendas, and then used with great effect to rule the Christian Church by yet other men with obvious agendas, then yes, it is a weapon.  It is a weapon historically used to ensure servitude and healthy tithing to a physical "church" and, more specifically, to the egotistical leaders of the particular organized religion.  But, what of the sweet love, understanding, and forgiveness that was Jesus Christ?  What of the loving Father?  Questions, questions...  

I'd like you to follow the blog, but do not be a follower; be critical, but with an open mind; mentor, but do not lecture; teach only if asked; always share, and gently guide others onto their own path, assisting them in order to smooth the surface and remove obstacles blocking their way.  And, for heaven's sake, have an opinion!  I believe that God helps those that help themselves.  You cannot put someone on their path, but you can help them define it.  The rest is in their hands.  They can stand on a street corner with a sign asking for money, or they can take a helping hand and pull themselves up.  You can't save the poor from their lot, only they can do that, if they really want to.

And, as for standing behind a pulpit, I'd much rather sit and talk.  Well, okay... maybe I get on the occasional soap box.  I return to Matthew, as I think he states it best in 23:8-12:

"But do not be called Teacher (Rabbi); for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Messiah. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." 

 I quote the Bible often, even though I have issues with the Good Book, and I go into that further in many of my posts.  But I think the lessons, the message the Bible offers, create a good, solid foundation for laws and morality.  Does this detract from other religious texts?  I'd say, absolutely not.  Most religious texts seem to have the same general moral, and spiritual, philosophical belief systems.  Understanding this, one wonders why we go to war and kill each other.  This for me is a mystery answered only by understanding man's greed and pride.

I am keeping the Congregation fundamentals simple with two easy paragraphs and a few quotes:

Mission Statement:

The Congregation for Religious Tolerance promotes the idea of religious and spiritual tolerance through education, understanding, fairness and compassion, conversation and debate, while allowing everyone to peacefully follow their own spiritual beliefs without oppression or discrimination.

Philosophy:

1.   Tolerance may not necessarily extend beyond religious beliefs to include some religious  actions -- particularly those that harm or harass others. 

2.   Religious tolerance is a fundamental right in a democracy.

3.   It is incumbent upon all of us, at the end of the day, to protect those that cannot protect themselves and to stand up for the peaceful rights of others.

Quotes:

I use quotes throughout my posts.  I find the thought processes of other fascinating, especially those of the classic philosophers and statesmen whose ideas are as valid today as they were before the birth of Christ.  I will also be quoting Master Yoda, Winnie the Pooh, and Star Trek as I tend to think new ideas can be found in the most unlikely of places and tend to bring their own brand of "revelations" to our ever changing world.

"Tolerance is the posture and cordial effort to understand another's beliefs, practices, and habits without, necessarily, sharing or accepting them." 

-- Joshua Liebman, social critic

"The more people come together, the more borders will be opened and people and opinions get together, the more un-renounceable tolerance will be a fundamental part of our social life. Without tolerance there is no religious liberty, no freedom of conscience and no freedom of thought." 

-- Dr. Thomas Klestil, President, Federal Republic of Austria

"Those who see the variety and not the unity wander on from death to death." 

-- Upanishads

Note from Pastor Tony, the founder of the Congregation for Religious Tolerance, as well as the author and editor of "The Path," the Congregation's official blogsite:  

It is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion.  It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other.  An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so.  

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions, and then engage in peaceful, constructive, discussion and debate in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth.  After over twenty years as a military intelligence analyst, planner, and briefer, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.  

Frank Anthony Villari, Pastor

Do We Fear Death?

To die—to sleep,

No more; and by a sleep to say we end

The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks

That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation

Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;

To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub:

For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause...

William Shakespeare, "Hamlet" (3.1.64-98)

"For in the sleep of death what dreams may come..." And, when we finally approach shuffling off this mortal coil, must it give us pause? Do we go quietly into that good night, or rage against it? Do we move toward the light, or not?  Must it give us pause? A recent conversation placed this topic in my mind, and I couldn't shake it. Again, God presented me a topic for a post, in typical fashion, for truly mysterious are His ways.

"I think most of us suffer from fear "of" ignorance, not "from" ignorance.  I doubt these children are ignorant.  It seems children tend to handle death better than adults.  I'm not so sure children fear death inasmuch as they fear the unknown.  Even with faith, the truth of the afterlife still eludes us.  We fear our ignorance.  But that’s just an opinion." 

The above quote is mine and was the gist of my response in that recent conversation.  But, it got me to thinking about our fear of death.  For a child, if death is presented in the context of "the great unknown mystery," would it ease the passing from this plane to the next?  If we knew, with some certainty, what waited for us on the other side, wouldn't that knowledge have more of an effect on this fear of death?  Children do seem to handle death better than adults, but then, maybe it's because they weren't given the chance to experience the fullness which a long life offers.

But, I come back to: Is it really a fear of death, or is it a fear of the unknown?  I mean, we change residences and friends as we move from here to there, across the country and the world.  Moving great distances is a "worrisome" proposition for most of us, more than a scary one.  We usually have some inkling of what is waiting for us, and we know, with some certainty, we will be alright.  If we didn't have any clue what we were getting into the move would almost certainly be scary.

Is it fear of death or fear of the unknown?  If we knew we were going to be alright, if we had concrete proof of an afterlife, we would not have to fear the unknown.  It would be worrisome, for sure, wondering if we took care of everyone, and everything, before we passed to the other side.  This is why, I believe, we don't fear death as much as we fear the unknown surrounding death.  It seems the only time we are truly prepared for death is just before we die.  Is this because we resign ourselves to the inevitability of our death, or do we get some subconscious "spiritual" message telling us there is really nothing to fear?  "Come on in, the water is fine!"

"I've followed you on many adventures...but into the great unknown mystery, I go first, Indy!"

-- Wu Han, "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"

I suppose our view of death is a reflection of our life.  If we lived our lives afraid of everything, we would certainly fear the thought of death.  If we lived a life that made us feel death would be preferable, perhaps we'd fear it less.  But, if we woke up every morning in excited expectation of the next great adventure that life was going to throw at us, how exciting would that be?  With such expectation, when death was finally at our doorstep, would we simply view death as a continuation of our daily adventures.

We are born into this world free of original sin, to be ministers and mentors to our brothers and sisters, humanity, and to continue our long and interesting path to wherever it leads.  If we're atheists, the path may take a bit longer; if the atheists are right, maybe they're existence ends at death.  It takes a ticket to ride the bus, and if you don't buy a ticket...  

"How we deal with death is at least as important as how we deal with life, wouldn't you say?" 

-- Admiral James T. Kirk, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

For the theist, on the other hand, how we deal with life has a direct correlation to how well we handle death; how well prepared we are for even the mere possibility our path will continue.  I, for one, am not afraid of death.  I am afraid of dying alone, however.  I'm afraid of losing my friends.  I am not afraid of the "great unknown mystery" of death as much as I am there will be no next great unknown mystery - it will just end; the atheists will be right.  What a solid kick between the legs that would be.  But, what if I'm right?

Regardless of your belief system, I think the life we live along our path on this plane of existence has great bearing on how we approach the end of our journey here.  Whether we are prepared for life here to end, or for the next great adventure to begin, we must conquer our fear of the unknown and learn to embrace the faith we have in "what dreams may come." 

"All goes onward and outward, nothing collapses,
And to die is different from what any one supposed, and luckier."

-- Walt Whitman

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

LGB, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGBTQIA... and I'm Confused?

"For these people, labels are not only a means of self-expression but also an instrument for self-advocacy and empowerment."

-- Adrienne Sigeti, "Important Truths About Labeling Sexuality" (02/17/17)

This will not be my first post concerning the LGBT community; however, this may be construed as my least tolerant.  I think we all know the acronyms, but I'll run through them again:

LGB:  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

LGBT:  add Transgender

LGBTQ:  add Queer

LGBTQIA: add Intersex, and Asexual
LGBTQIAQ:  add Questioning

LGBTQIAQC:  add Confused

Okay, I'll admit that last one is my acronym contribution.  How long does this acronym have to be?  I guess that depends on the LPD, the "League of the Perpetually Dissatisfied."  The who?  I look at the LPD as a splinter group of the "League of the Perpetually Offended." What in the world would make me think of LPD involvement?  Well, without taking up this entire post plagiarizing Wikipedia, take a ride on these two links and see what you think about trying to please everyone:  LGBT and What Does LGBTQIA Mean?

So, hopefully, you followed the two links.  Hopefully, you also learned something.  What is your opinion of the LGBT community?  I'm not demanding an opinion be acceptant, but I hope it is, at least, tolerant.  I really enjoyed the "Variants" and "Criticism of the Term" sections.  Like Republicans and Democrats, it seems they can't come together on the issue of a name without pissing off some other faction of their own community, the LPD, or the LPO, by leaving others out, offending, or unintentionally disrespecting them.

"I'm as much of a homophobe as Jesus was. The people who are participating in homosexual behavior, they need to know that I love them."

-- Phil Robertson, reality TV star, "Duck Dynasty"

Now, I opened this post by stating it may be "construed as my least tolerant" concerning this community of people.  Understand that my intolerance isn't concerning their desire to be accepted and recognized, for who, what, or why they are.  Even in this last sentence, in my effort to be all-encompassing, I will certainly fall far short of describing their desires and piss someone off.  I try to live without expectations, but the League of the Perpetually Offended perpetually never fail me.  Let's be real about our expectations, shall we?

Author Adrienne Sigeti wrote the article "Important Truths About Labeling Sexuality".  In her article, she states, "For these people, labels are not only a means of self-expression but also an instrument for self-advocacy and empowerment."  This is true for professional people and for leadership; I'm just not so sure this is what you want to say about yourself.  I don't need to utilize a label as an instrument to assist me in being my own best advocate.  Nor do I need a label to use as an instrument to empower me.  I'm my best advocate because I pay attention and try not to take what I hear at face value.  As far as empowerment, I am who I am and if you don't like it that's your loss, not mine.  If you find the need to judge someone, get a pen and a blank notebook and then have a good look in a mirror.  Try to care about who you see.

"I say every slur on the planet - racial, homosexual, everything to do with every ethnic group on the planet - and guess what? I will never apologize for that because I know why I do it, and it is to make a valid point about ignorance in this society."

-- Lisa Lampanelli, actress, comedian

Of all the gay men and lesbians I've met, and there have been quite a few, most of the lesbians seem to have a need to impress me with how offended they are.  I'm never quite sure why they feel constantly offended.  It seems they are content to go through life with a scowl toward men that equates to a dare for any heterosexual, man or woman, to knock the chip off their shoulder.  Gay men on the other hand, unless they're "flamboyantly" gay, tend to blend into the crowd.  They seem more content to fight the good fight without pissing everyone else off.  This attempt to not alienate everyone around you seems to be a much better tactic, in my view.  But, again, this is just my opinion gleaned from attitudes of those LGBT folks I met growing up around Monterey, Carmel, San Francisco and, of course, all through my military and civilian life.  I have never judged their lifestyle, despite attempts to make me do just that, and I will not start now.  So what, then, is my point?

Heard of the case involving the Lesbian Mayor of Houston and Texas pastors?  Check out: City of Houston Demands Pastors Turn Over Sermons and Pastors to Mayor: Don't Mess With Texas Pulpits.

The TPNN article showed up on Facebook, and I have included my comment to that article which is really the crux of this post, to wit:

"This is a two pronged problem. The mayor is a member of the "League of the Perpetually Dissatisfied."  She has a chip on her shoulder because, well, she feels being a lesbian gives her that right.  The pastors, on the other hand, find it constantly necessary to ridicule the LGBT community because they find it hard to come to grips with the fact that their Bible might need some tweaking so we actually interpret it to reflect what it preaches - love, understanding, tolerance, forgiveness, and love.  Yes, I said "love" twice; cop a clue.  We have to stop baiting each other and find some middle ground. The LGBT community is not going away.  How about pastors start preaching about Ebola, and Madam Mayor, how about you worry about if your hospitals are up to the task.  Both of you should just SHUT UP!" 

I took a hit from a fellow Christian on Facebook for the "tweaking" comment.  Her critique evidenced that she focuses on minutia and totally missed the point of my comment when she came back with, "Are you, God, now?"  So, she's another Christian who believes you must be God in order to write scripture, not men?  There is a parable I missed where God, or an angel, hands down the Holy Bible to mankind?  Who received it, originally?  Where?  When?  This is what we always do when faced with obviously correct answers to issues we don't want to address or can't come to grips with.  I suppose I could have responded with, "Are you judging me?"  Christian judgment?  What was I thinking? 

Christian leadership, for the most part, would have us buy into the fact that scripture was written by God through men. Really?  I like to think my God is smarter than to rely on mankind to get it right.  No, I think it is historically evident scripture is inspired by God, by mankind's belief in a supreme being.  Even the biblical stories are coming more and more into question as scholars discover they are more parable than fact.  It doesn't detract from the message, but it does make it difficult to interpret the tolerance, peace, love, and understanding, which were the true message of Jesus, especially when His words are rewritten to forward some warped human agenda.  This kind of misinterpretation is exactly what Islam is facing.  

But, I digress, yet again.

The fact that a person loves one particular person is what is important; the life lesson, whether you are homosexual or heterosexual, is that you not be promiscuous, and true to one person.

-- Loretta Devine, actress 

As I said in my comment, above, LGBT (et al) are not going away.  Right or wrong they will, in all probability, continue to grow as more people accept this alternate lifestyle.  I wish I could find fault with the lifestyle, but I can't.  Is it contrary to the bible?  Depends on your interpretation.  But, if the bible was written by a man with the agenda to quell a rising tide of homosexuality in a society suffering from high infant mortality, this might make sense if the proliferation of religious philosophy was to continue.  If homosexuality is wrong, and I'm not saying it is or isn't, do we constantly hear how gay marriages work out better than hetero, and gay parents show a greater propensity toward parenting and the children evidence they also seem to parent better?

Unless we plan on repeating a dark history by donning white sheets and riding around the nation hanging LGBT members, maybe its time to show some of the quiet tolerance, sweet reasonableness, understanding, and forgiveness for each other, which one might find spiritually.  Maybe its time to live and let live and stop fighting amongst ourselves over philosophical differences that pale in the face of scourges like Ebola, ISIS, and the humanitarian crisis occurring on our southern border.  We need to get our eyes back on target and get our minds straight.  We need to quit being offended by insignificant bullshit that does nothing for us as an intelligent society.

As for LGBT, etc., etc., acronyms, I am confused.  If you can't get a grip on which you identify with, how in God's name are the rest of us supposed to?  Why not try something like A.I.L., All Inclusive Lifestyle.  Oh, but then, gee, hetero would be included in that group as well, right?  God knows that would surely piss off the League of the Perpetually Offended.

Wouldn't it be a shame to actually practice what we preach?  Why can't we just love each other for who, what, and why we are?  Why do we need labels, and why do we find the need to care about labels?  Does Holy Scripture, the Bible, need some "tweaking" to clarify the message?  Probably, I don't really know, and it wouldn't happen anyway.  Organized religion is all about control and money.  It would be admitting organized religion is fallible, man is fallible, and God... well, let's not open that can of worms.  I still have faith.

"No, I am not a homosexual. If I were a homosexual, I would hope I would have the courage to say so. What's cruel is that you are forcing me to say I am not a homosexual. This means you are putting homosexuals down. I don't want to do that."

-- Ed Koch (1924-2013), lawyer, politicial, political commentator

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.