Ironically my Atheist friends always complain about how hard it is to be atheist in America. I laugh at them, lovingly of course, because it seems ridiculous. Nonetheless, it is something they feel, and a lot of other groups feel (i.e. gays) and I think it behooves us to make an extra effort not to become the persecutors when we make our stand, as is a popular activity for many proclaimed Christian politicians and other media personalities.

11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling This isn't something I think to pray very often. I was wondering if his calling was something specific Paul was referring to like "answering the call of faith", or if if was speaking of calling in the way we think of it today as a sort of specific individual plan that God desires for our life.