The frogurt is also cursed

Wizard: Take this object. But beware it carries a terrible curse.
Homer: Oooh, that’s bad.
Wizard: But it comes with a free frogurt.
Homer: That’s good.
Wizard: The frogurt is also cursed.
Homer: That’s bad.
Wizard: But you get your choice of topping.
Homer: That’s good.
Wizard: The toppings contain potassium benzoate.
Homer: <confused silence>
Wizard: That’s bad.

The Simpsons. Season 4 Episode 5 “Treehouse of Horror: Clown without Pity”

I love this exchange. It so aptly describes the feelings I have when I dig deeper and deeper into a situation or an issue and it becomes decidedly more complicated. If your views tend to be more surface level, or your opinions can be expressed neatly in 288 characters, you probably haven’t experienced much of this Homer Simpson level struggle. But jump in because even if the ride isn’t what I would call fun, it’s oh so important.

While I wasn’t really ever the march-for-a-cause type, most of my firmly held beliefs as a 20 and 30-something could have been written on a poster board with a giant Sharpie. Maybe you can relate? There was no nuance, no deeper understanding of consequence (intended or otherwise), or any sense at all of the very privileged way I experienced life in these United States. And while it’s good to be aware – and I’m thankful for it – there are now all these things that keep my brain spinning, some of which even bring out tears when I get in too deep: what to do about the church and LGBTQ issues, why are women pastors such a divisive issue, how can some people be so passionate about abortion but not about children dying in ICE custody (or vice versa), immigration (just all of it), and why aren’t more Christians willing to repent of racism?

Don’t misunderstand – I’m not living in a state of fear or worry. I have a great deal of faith that ultimately God is in control. But most things aren’t nearly as black and white as I once thought, and now that I know that, it’s a wrestling match in my head as I try to work it out. The math teacher in me likes to find solutions and so I’m going to keep at it. And ideally as I start to find new places to land, I can bring some friends along with me. Maybe we can even stop for a free frogurt on the way!