Sunday, June 28, 2015

My apologies.... and a warning.

I posted an inflammatory status on Facebook yesterday (actually two, but who's counting? lol).  My husband sweetly and gently pointed out that I may not be helping matters... causing more divisiveness than unity.... then he gave me a kiss, a pat on the head and then headed off all by himself to deliver water to the homeless.  Have I mentioned that I married an angel??

Anyway.... as I gave thought to his words, I realized he was right.   I wasn't helping unify anyone or anything, and that was wrong of me.  So to my friends who ended up coming on my FB page and getting into conflict with others who didn't agree with them because I starting an inflammatory thread with my status..... I apologize.  TRULY.

Please don't misunderstand me.... I don't regret what I said.  I still stand by my words.  But in my frustration, I didn't think through how my words might come across and it back-fired.  I guess that is one of the dangers about social media.... many times the "tone" or intent of your words doesn't come across accurately.  Misunderstandings abound.  Nothing gets accomplished and no one walks away feeling satisfied.  That isn't healing or helpful.... so again.... I apologize.  

Now here is my warning:  I'm on a journey for truth.  I'll admit I'm questioning things I have been taught all my life.... and things I have believed for years.  So far in my journey, as I have looked for answers to my questions, some of my old beliefs have been reinforced... but many have been turned upside down and all around.   So, if any of you has a low tolerance for someone in search for a better connection with God, someone who is desperately trying to learn how to love people better, and even learning to love myself a bit better in the process, you might want to hit the "UNFRIEND" button now.  Or at least the "UNFOLLOW" option which one of my children already said they have done!  LoL

will try my best not to post inflammatory statuses.... and I BEG of you all, if you choose to comment on anything I post, please be respectful with everyone else's opinions, especially if they don't line up with yours.

A friend of mine, Randy Smith, posted something this morning that I thought NAILED what is going on in our society right now.  We have lost the ability to have EMPATHY for anyone who doesn't see things the way we see them.  They suddenly become "the enemy".  Everyone is on the defensive, feeling their "rights" are being trampled upon (see my earlier post on June 24th for my feelings on your "rights") and the conversations are getting louder and meaner with each passing day.    I'm going to try my very best not to add to the noise that gets us nowhere on social media... but I don't want to stand by and not say anything when I feel strongly about an issue.

So... I'm going to speak up more.  But I will try to use my voice as a tool for unity somehow instead of causing more division.  Matthew 5:9 says:  "Blessed are the peacemakers"... and The Message translation of that verse says this:

 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family."

I truly DO want to be a peacemaker.... but I beg you all to offer me grace if I somehow cause any strife while I search for my own peace of mind, and peace with my God.  Thank you for your understanding... and for all your loving comments towards me, even the ones who don't agree with me, but are passionate about their TRUTH.  I don't have all the answers... and I know I never will.... but I'm seeking.... and searching.... come along if you dare.  :-)

Love you ALL....
M

2 comments:

  1. I'm coming along for your ride. I'm kind of in the same situation. And I'm also praying that I can continue to keep my mouth shut when people are talking around me lately....otherwise I'm going to need to invest in a big ol' role of duct tape. For my OWN mouth. ;-)

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    1. Ok girl... we will muddle through this together! :-)

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