Would I stand firm for my beliefs?

I know it seems funny but, yes... my Sunday Afternoon Tea posts do bring about the need for some to stop reading what I write. I completely understand... I did use to pay attention to numbers but after three years I've learned people come and go and there is a core group of "friends", some whom I've come to know their names and others who are still anonymous. VPPs... Very Precious People. :)

I slept in quite late this morning and went through three cups of coffee to wake up. That is proof last night must be the final Nyquil night. The sound sleep has been worth it all. One of my all time favorite movies was on TV all morning so I curled up for a little more sofa time watching Exodus as my head became less fuzzy... it is a long movie.

The theme from Exodus has been second on my spring-summer Play List for awhile. The book was one of the first placed on Stephanie's "Summer Reading List" in her early teens when we lived in Iowa and it has long been one of my favorites. Oh yes, I know it is a romanticized version of the re-birth of the nation of Israel in the 1940s but it had a profound impact on me... it always does. It makes me think.

Do I care so much about anything that I would give my life to a cause? I'm not talking about protecting my children as a mother bear stands watch over her cubs. Also... even though I've been very involved in causes in the past, I have never had to give up more than time and a little convenience to stand for what I believe.

We have seen a little persecution here and there... especially as homeschoolers. Mostly the usual rolled eyes, smirks, and pitiful glances from those who think we are daft. Once in awhile, there is a comment which usually begins "How can someone educated believe...".

Just recently we again had to stand against the elitism of the University to prove an education has taken place through both homeschooling and two years of classes at a (gasp) community college. Each time Christopher scores well on one of their tests, I have very un-Christian thoughts and I must repent all over again. :)

However... I've never had to go to war for what I believed. My life has never been in danger for my beliefs. I've never had to give up freedom for my faith. Prison has not been the result of my Christianity as it is in other nations. Walking the path Christ has set before me has never caused me to give up a meal...

Watching Exodus from the comfort of an air conditioned house... viewing the scenes in Iran as dinner is being prepared in the Crock Pot... wondering about the life of Believers in North Korea or Saudi Arabia... how would I compare?

Perhaps an unexpected benefit of homeschooling has been the experience of a little persecution here and there... as one who has already gone upstream from the norms of society and would certainly qualify for the Department of Homeland Security's "fringe group" list... would I be willing to give up all to live what I believe?

It is worth thinking of as I watch an old movie as well as new videos taken on cell phones. As an American, would I risk my life for my vote to count? As a Christian... would I vote according to my Statement of Faith or my checkbook? Would I give up everything? Would my children... my grandchildren? Will there come a time a line will be drawn in the sand in this country?

Thankfully today we can ponder such questions as we garden... and cook... and bake... and are free to educate our children at home and attend the place of worship we choose.