Seems like some folks in Texas are  itchin’ for a fight.(Surprise, surprise)

The fight this time is about security pat-downs at airports. Some Texas state representatives were so alarmed by the prospect of “invasive searches ” by the TSA at airports they decided to act.

They proposed an “Anti- Groping Bill”. HB 1937, a bill that would make it

“A criminal act for security personnel to touch a person’s private areas without probable cause as a condition of travel or as a condition of entry into a public place,”

This little protest created a big headache for airports and airlines. It appears the Federal government is not taking kindly to this little Texas tantrum. The sponsor of the bill Dan Patrick claims

TSA officials had warned him passing the bill “could close down all the airports in Texas,” which he regarded as a ‘heavy handed threat’ by the federal government.

Following a fiery debate in the Texas House , Senator Patrick (R-Houston) pulled the bill.

Some are still crying fowl, suggesting the Feds overreacted  and employed unsavory intimidation to bully Texas politicians. They are calling this yet another example of government overreach going so far as to compare the battle against the TSA to the Texas revolutionary war against Mexico.

Seems like those folks in Texas are still in a fightin’ mood.

A sad day for television as Oprah enters and exits the stage for the last time.

After 25 years of running, a teary farewell met viewers on Wednesday’s final episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Numerous celebrities made appearances this past week to wish Oprah all the best including her own successful career launches Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, and Nate.

Many fans are distraught by the end of a television legend…but don’t worry Oprah owns an entire television network now! Viewers can still catch the inspirational words of Oprah anytime on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network).

And lucky for us, E! News put together a clip of Oprah’s best moments. Make sure to check it out!

Revelation 21:1-4

1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Reflection:
Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come
In my world and in my life
You give me the food I need
To live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive
The people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one
I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place
I look at the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day
So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

- Excerpt from Jon Foreman “Your Love is Strong”

Response:
In today’s passage, we see the church, the bride of Christ, who will be the best dressed, beautifully ready for her husband, the bridegroom Jesus Christ.  Even now, we are being molded to be the most beautifully dressed as we recognize that all we need is in Christ. Let’s ask the Lord to make this a reality in our lives today.  Because of his love and goodness towards us, let’s thank God for drawing us near to Him as He prepares us to be the bride of Christ.

The Queer Center work group would love your input. As QUMBC is in the development stages of the creating a queer resource center at UMBC we value and appreciate all of the wonderful input that you have been giving us, and would like to see it continue. Please contact Alex Downie, the representative Liaison for QUMBC, if you would like to become a part of this phenomenal work group!!!