So hearing about the Duck Dynasty craziness made me think of something that happened to me many years ago that I had all but forgotten until today.

Many years ago, I was hurt deeply by something someone said in Aaron's family.  It was something I never thought would affect me like it did.  

At almost the same time and when she heard of it a young woman stepped up out of no where and completely shocked, surprised, and awed me in the way she took it upon herself to defend us.  I was amazed and humbled, but not nearly as when I saw her again in the flesh.  

I remember we hung out as a family and friends one night and out of the clear blue, when we were semi-alone she grabbed by the arm and gave me a long and fierce hug and whispered in my ear, that she loved me and loved how I made her brother feel.

What she and her brother, Aaron, my boyfriend do not know, is that sometime later when I was alone ( I am old school like that) I thought on what she said, this young, devout Christian woman, and softly cried my eyes out.  Why?  Because I was happy, no, because I was sad, no.

Because she gave me hope that the entire world is not filled with hate, that the people who call themselves Christians are not all full of hate and that in there somewhere, people are inherently still full of love and acceptance.  Some have just lost it, misplaced it, put it away, whatever, but it is still there somewhere, like a spark or small light waiting to be found.

Beth, I have never forgotten what you said to me and will carry it always.

Merry Christmas one and all!

J

So not to be outdone, someone else, newfeelingtimes, made a great Dove like video using men.  And the outcomes... you have to watch to believe.

I want to start this blog with a warm and thought provoking article re-posted from Upworthy.com

Beautiful Than You Think

Or we can just skip right to the video here:

I am not ashamed to admit, when I watched this in its entirety, I did get a little choked up. 

 While not trying to draw a direct comparison with the women, I can honestly say, as being a gay man and growing up in the south in the 80s and 90s, my self esteem and self image was horrible.  I played sports, did everything I was supposed to do to fit in, be cool, etc... but always felt the outsider...

As I grew older and "wiser?" I eventually learned a simple lesson about myself and life.

You are beautiful in everyway that matters and nothing or no one can take that away with you.