8 Reasons to Stand Up for Your Beliefs
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Last week mega-church pastor Joel Osteen and his wife Victoria appeared on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight to discuss everything from faith and charity to wealth. Unsurprisingly, his biblically-based views on homosexuality accumulated the most attention. Osteen stated, “…homosexuality is a sin.” He went on to note that homosexuality is one sin among many and he has no desire to “bash” homosexuals. But, that wasn’t enough for Morgan, who obviously felt differently, as he continued to press the issue as if Osteen’s perspective would change. It didn’t.
As our world changes, for better or for worse, fewer and fewer people seem to stand by their core values—whatever they may be. In the case of Osteen, the normalization of homosexuality turned his once socially-norm Christian beliefs into words of controversy. Yet, instead of faltering to the pressures of Morgan, and society at large, he stood his ground with grace. For those who live according to the same doctrine, his actions invoked strength.
Only a small percentage of people have the tenacity to live life in black and white, most prefer to straddle in gray. It takes courage to believe in something wholeheartedly because it also means you disbelieve in something else just as much. There is a level of accountability that comes with such vigor and no one wants to be judged. But, would you rather be judged as a person of substance or half-heartedness? The ever-sparkling gay figure skater Johnny Weir expressed it best when he simply recognized Osteen’s comments as his freedom of speech and beliefs. Regardless of what anyone may say or think, these are several reasons to stand up for your beliefs:
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1. Respect
It is better to stand for something rather than nothing. People have more respect for someone who stands by their words than a person whose opinions blow with the wind.
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2. Inspiration
Oftentimes, taking a stand means standing out from the crowd. Your strength could be the inspiration for someone else to take that step. Who knows, you may be the spark to catapult a great leader.
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3. Sense of self
Maintaining your own methods and opinions allows you to think freely and develop a unique identity. Your beliefs are representative of the authentic you. Don’t be a phoney.
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- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
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4. Integrity
Doing what is right because it is right has fallen by the wayside these days. To hold your ground and live in conjunction with your morals and values is something to be admired. At the end of the day, you will be able to look in the mirror and feel good about yourself.
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- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
5. Self-confidence
Allowing others to dictate what you do or don’t do believe or don’t believe eats away at your self-confidence. Your opinions matter. Popular or unpopular, trust your instincts.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
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- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
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6. Independence
You should always be able to count on yourself to stand up for who you are and what you believe. We can’t expect others to do for us what we won’t do for ourselves.
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- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
7. Change
We serve as examples for our agendas, so it’s important to be the change we want to see in others. If we don’t live the words we speak, how can we expect anyone else to take them seriously?
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
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- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
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- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
8. Personal success
Half-hearted efforts do not breed success. Follow the convictions of your heart without hesitation.
Want to know more about LaShaun Williams? Check out her blog Politically Unapologetic, where she shares thoughts on pop culture, love and life. Follow her on Twitter @itsmelashaun.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
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- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene