Jodie, it was a complete surprise to me when you started writing practical life articles as well as spirituality articles. Good for us all that you do.

I am from a long line of Republicans and Irish Catholics. When Richard Nixon was president (yes, that long ago) I was in college. I listened to what women my age were saying about sex and children. As a gay man I realized that I was never going to go through pregnancy or have children. I concluded that what individual women do is none of my business, a very Republican point of view. The responsible thing for me is to be supportive and make wise personal choices in my own life. Relatives were outraged that I would support women who had abortions. I reminded them that the process was basically the same as when a woman miscarries. Outlaw abortion and you outlaw proper medical care for all women. That is counter-productive to the good health and sensibilities of all.

I, too, stepped off the spirituality track a few weeks ago. I was raised in and worked in politics for a blessedly short time. From my perspective, you are entirely on the right track.

https://medium.com/@markjjanssen/hope-and-optimism-25626dcd9dc2