The last couple of weeks have been filled with powerful lessons for me. So powerful, in fact, that I feel 100 times stronger than I did in mid-October.
I've stood up for people (several, in fact) who do the right thing, and in turn I've been bashed. This has been by a small minority...it's just that those few have big mouths (or big keyboards). In the past, I was such a people-pleaser that even if one person disagreed with me it would bother me, and for much longer than I should have let it. I had this thing about people liking me. Now, that's not to say I don't still want people to like me, but I realize not every single person on earth is going to agree with me or want to be my friend. And that's perfectly OK. It doesn't mean I'm a bad person if someone has a different opinion. I just agree to disagree and move on.
I got hit with several instances of this in the past two weeks, and I did have some moments where I overthought it. Of course, I prayed about it. In no uncertain terms, God told me I was doing the right thing and to not let any negativity bother me. I've also learned that working it out in the gym (instead of torturing my mind) feels awesome and makes me stronger in more ways than one. God does not want me to fold like a cheap tent when criticized - He wants me to pull whatever decent advice I can from it, and stand strong in my beliefs.
So with that in mind, I ask that we please all respect each other even if we don't agree. I have no problem if someone doesn't share the same thoughts as I do; the world would sure be boring if we all agreed all the time. I've only had one instance of nastiness happen on this blog, with the others coming in other forms. If you have a differing opinion, think before you say or write it...post something intelligent that makes sense and isn't just attacking me or someone I speak or write about. We all deserve respect.
Also, I do know that no matter how nicely I ask this, there are some people who just can't handle offering their thoughts without telling someone else how stupid they are or attacking. I feel sorry for those people, but I will not let them get to me. I suggest that all of my friends do the same - take eveything said to you with a grain of salt and don't let it break your spirit.
Oh, and if you leave a scathing remark and sign it Anonymous...I get a good laugh because you are too afraid to voice your anger without being real. I delete nasty, negative comments posted this way, because if you can't even put a name to it you don't really deserve a response.
So here's to agreeing and disagreeing - respectfully! :o)
2 comments:
I couldn't agree with you more! And, if I didn't agree with you, I'd say it nicely!
More seriously though, I agree that if someone makes the decision to bash something or someone, at least be named and counted. To do it anonymously is a cop out and they deserve to have their comments deleted.
I don't shy from a debate, even an argument, but I do if those disagreeing with me are only speaking to have themselves heard and have closed off their ears. None of us have all the answers, and arguing and disagreeing can be beneficial, allow us to learn something we didn't know—if we are open to it; if we will listen, and be respectful.
Thanks for the post, Marie.
Thanks Kat! I agree 100 percent...differing opinions can be helpful, as long as we all respect each other! :o)
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