DEAR ABBY: I am a gifted, introverted, Christian 13-year-old female with a strong sense of right and wrong. I disagree with some things my parents condemn as sinful.
I want to support gay rights and animal rights. My mother, in particular, takes the Bible literally, while I am more open. I want to take action to support these causes I know are right, but I'm afraid she will be angry.
I love my mother so much, Abby, and this makes me so sad. Please help me. -- MS. KITTY IN TENNESSEE
DEAR MS. KITTY: Please don't be sad. Instead, be patient. There is no way to change the thinking of someone who takes the Bible -- or any holy book, for that matter -- literally. Do what you can now, but you may have to wait until you are older and on your own to become fully active in the causes you feel are important.