GOD save us from YOUR FOLLOWERS

That was the very first bumper sticker I ever put on my car... let's say, almost two decades ago. Out of all the packers, rainbows, wigs, and glitter in that little LGBTQ shop, that was the item I ultimately came away with. It said everything I needed to say: I don't have a problem with the whole god concept... I have a problem with the people that do horrible things in the name of their god. You don't need to go far into the recent news cycles-- and take note of the context of where I bought said bumper sticker-- to see exactly what I mean.

When I slapped that thing on, I was a bit naive (or a bit dim): I didn't think about any confrontation I may have had to endure. In the Bible Belt. And twice I was walked up to and asked to explain what I meant by that bumper sticker. Fortunately, everyone involved remained civil (the other party didn't escalate and I kept my composure). I was also fortunate that they seemed satisfied with my response and didn't get belligerent or even violent-- doubly so when it was white folks stepping up to me, a Black stranger.

What was my answer? I simply had to Not All Religious People out those conversations. I specified "only the bad ones, and I assume you're not one of them since we're having a rational discussion in a parking lot instead of giving me an asphalt sandwich."

I did have one more incident, and I promise it's a funny one: I was dropping someone off and we were stopped at a red light. A car comes up behind me, and in the rearview mirror I see the driver absolutely losing his shit. It was after I stopped panicking that I realized that he was laughing, clapping, and pointing to the back of my car before giving me a thumbs up: turns out, that bumper sticker made his day.

I thought of that guy in my commute to work today, and I hope he's living his best life.

I also thought of that bumper sticker... and how I'd probably get assaulted over it nowadays. Sigh.