11.20.2012

Hello Wednesday -- Communicating isn't for the Faint of Heart

I'm taking a little break today from the norm to express some thoughts.  We'll see if I do it at all well.

Yesterday, I deleted a couple of comments left on my blog anonymously.  The commenter was being hurtful and not willing to leave their name so I felt it was my right as the owner of this blog to delete them.

They resulted from a thread I started on a forum that, in hindsight, was ill-conceived.  I knew better and did it anyway and now it's done.

I just wanted to state publically, here on my blog, that I do not in any way advocate hatred toward any person, people group, race or any such thing. Ever!  Not even against people who do heinous things that everyone would agree are heinous.  Hate is a terrible thing.

At the same time, I believe in the Bible and when it says a thing is sin, I agree that it is.  I realize and accept that others do not believe that the Bible is, or should be, referred to for direction.  That is certainly everyone's right to believe.  I also realize that to some, my belief in the bible seems foolish.  I disagree, but I understand why you might think that. I, however, cannot change my belief because someone else thinks it's foolish.

My desire is to be a loving human being.  My desire is to accept people where they are at and to enter into relationship with people.  I enjoy relationship.  I enjoy hearing different points of view.  Even when I don't agree, I still am open to hearing how people see things.  I enjoy dialoguing about differences as well.  I want to know people and when I can, touch their lives in a positive way. I don't believe I have ever been able to reach this desire perfectly, but it is something I work at.

I don't enjoy or accept being told I am ignorant because I have a different opinion from the majority.  I don't know anyone else who enjoys or accept that either.

Finally, I freely acknowledge my own sinfulness as a human being.  Both now and in my past.  I've made more choices than I can count that I now wish I could take back.  The fact is that I can't take them back.  I also realize that I will continue to make mistakes that hurt myself and others until the day I die.

I acknowledge that I wrestle with how to express my POV in a way that doesn't alienate anyone.  I don't want to alienate people.  It's the last thing I want to do!  However, I am coming to the conclusion that in the discussion of some issues, it is nearly impossible to not alienate some people.  Mainly because of foundational differences in idealogy.

I acknowledge that sometimes the way I express myself is terribly ineffective and even taken as hurtful.  I hope I'll be forgiven for my failing in that area. I hope that anyone who has felt hurt by something I have said will accept my deepest apology for the hurt.  It was never intended to be hurt.  Truly.

It takes a lot of courage to express ones opinion, especially when it is in the minority.  The risk that one will be knocked down as a result is high.  Some might say I have more courage than sense.  Maybe this is true.  I do not claim to have more understanding than the next person.  I'm trying to grow in my understanding.  Every. Single. Day.  I do try.  I hope those of you who are angry with me can trust me with that.

I appreciate all of you who visit me in my journey through this life.  Thanks for stopping by.


12 comments:

  1. beautifully written, my friend! hang in there... keep shining your light and always rely on your Maker in it all! You never stand alone... and your love for others is very evident. hugs.

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  2. Girl you know i love you and i fully respect your oppinions and your beliefs. I have many Christian friends and while i myself am not religious that is fine. Just keep being yourself after all you are the best at it xox

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  3. You expressed yourself beautifully, Ursula. While you and I come from a very different world view I respect your right to your views and am interested to hear your perspective on things. Holding any moral position is hard especially in this world of anonymous online comment. I think your steadfast approach is to be admired. Deleting anonymous comments is always a good idea. If you don't have the courage to put your name to something I don't think you can expect anything more.

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  4. I am sorry you had hurtful comments on your blog -- it makes me sad that they hide behind the 'anonymous' --- I had that a couple of years ago also -- and now I have 'anonymous' comments on my blog blocked :) This is a beautiful post and I am proud of you for standing up for what you believe in :)

    "For Hate is never conquered by hate, hate is conquered by love." :)

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  5. I agree that you stated your position very well. I don't know what your comments were; but you definitely have the right to express your opinion. I always respect those who are bold enough to express themselves rather than hiding.

    You have every right to delete negative comments from your blog. This is your platform.

    One thing that we can all be thankful for is the right to speak freely.

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  7. Well stated. I love that you are unwilling to compromise your beliefs in order to stay under the radar or not offend. I agree as a Christian that we must not forget that relationship is the key and is what Christ wants from us. Love God and Love others. i think if we keep this at the forefront we can communicate what we need to in love and that is how others are drawn to Christ. We aren't to hide our light in order to not make waves. We are to shine but to do it so our witness is drawing others to the king and we are speaking truth and standing firm. Thank you for your courage to be real. It is why I will continue to follow your blog and support you.

    Lisa
    snappinandscrappin.blogspot.com

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  8. Ursula I am so sorry that you had horrible comments made on your blog, which should be your happy place.
    I, like you, try to accept the world for the way it is and although I do not hold your beliefs I am always interested in your point of view and trying to understand where that comes from. As for being sinful in the past, I understand that it is part of your belief system but also you mustn't be too hard on yourself because perhaps if you hadn't made the choices you made in the past your life would not be what it is now - would you have found peace with Christ? Would you have your wonderful family? I know I often think I wish I had done things differently but then remember to be thankful for what I have now. Sending you much love xxx

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  9. Very well stated. I'm not sure what the issue was, but it doesn't really matter. You've expressed that we are all entitled to our opinions and that respect is the cornerstone. I'm sorry this happened to you and fully support deleting hurtful anonymous comments.

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  10. Matthew 10:16 - 22:

    16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

    21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

    So sorry you feel the sting of the world's rejection of the truth and the light. Stand firm girl, it is worth it!

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  11. Hi Ursula,
    We haven't chatted before, but I see you on SC and 2Peas, and know exactly which thread post you are referring to. I was going to leave a comment of support, but didn't want to get into that whole fracas.
    I think it's... I don't know...typical?...of people basically calling you a hater, and then stalking you over to your own blog to spew hate on you. I am sorry that happened to you, because I know it is hurtful. (((hugs)))
    Please know that you do not stand alone in your faith or opinions.

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  12. You should be able to speak your views. People are only tolerant if you agree with them and if you disagree, then you are labeled intolerant, so it doesn't make any sense. Speak your faith, other religions do it all the time. Sorry it had to bleed over to the scrappy world. You are much bolder than me.

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I really enjoy your feedback, so thanks a bundle for taking the time to leave it.

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