Dump Starbucks?

Don't mess with my coffee!

If you've listened to the news at all today, I'm sure that you've heard a discussion about Starbucks outspoken CEO Howard Schultz telling off a shareholder. (You may click this link to send him an e-mail expressing your desire for his company to remain neutral on the gay marriage issue.)  Essentially, he said that if folks are not in favor of gay marriage, they can sell their shares and invest their money elsewhere. This comment was reportedly greeted with cheers. While I completely disagree with his opinion, I support his right to voice his beliefs.

I wonder if a CEO would even be allowed to make similar comments supporting traditional marriage between one man and one woman.  How long would it take the ACLU to file papers for a hate crime against him or her for voicing the values promoted by their company.  I don't understand this double standard that is supported all under the guise of "equal rights".

Last year, I signed the Dump Starbucks petition when the company came out in favor of gay marriage.  The petition states, in part, that I refuse to buy any Starbucks products or financially support them.  This was a total no-brainer for me.  I strongly believe in the "put your money  where your mouth is" philosophy.  I have since brought this up to friends who claim to be in support of traditional marriage and the general response is, "But their coffee is the best and I can't give it up." What?!? How is a cup of coffee worth betraying your principals?

Perhaps I am making too big of a deal out of this, but it just rubs me the wrong way.  How can you profess - I'm pro-marriage - in one breath and then - Don't mess with my Starbucks - in the next? I'm sure that this post will rub a few of you the wrong way, but I'm truly trying to understand.  I'm not the best with words and often get myself into trouble attempting fraternal correction. However, if this company stands against a core belief of mine, how could I justify supporting them in any way other than praying for them?

The bible is full of advice on how to deal with those who are participating or supporting sinful activities.  Basically, we are to withdraw, turn away from, and reject those who live their lives contrary to the gospel.
     * Withdraw - 2Thes 3:6, 2Thes 3:14-15, and 1Timothy 6:3-5
     * Turn Away - 2 Timothy 3:5,7 and 2 Timothy 4:2
     * Reject - Titus 3:10
This is not easy to do and quite honestly makes me feel uncomfortable.  It is easier to just "go with the flow" and pretend that it is no big deal.  But, it is what I am called to do...like it or not.

God Bless!

Heather :-)