An Open Letter

To you, the person who thinks they know me, because I am a Christian and probably more conservative than you (but not as conservative as you think),

I want to write about how there is more to me than what you assume to be true.

I want to write about how I’m complicated and so are my beliefs.

I want to write about how I can agree with your argument but not the way you argue.

I want to write about how even when I don’t agree with you, I will defend your right to fight for your beliefs with my every breath.

I want to write about being multidimensional when you want to make me black or white.

I want to write about how life is a struggle but it’s so so worth the fight.

I want to write about how you don’t make me feel safe to be me.

I want to write about how my beliefs are just as valid as yours.

I want to be able to express my fears and concerns.  

I want to write.

But I don’t know where is safe anymore.

You judge me based on an article or what someone has said.

You assume because I am a Christian I don’t understand.

You think I’m going to judge and condemn.

But you don’t actually ask me to speak.

You don’t want to hear me.

So I am quiet.