tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494451846379135112.post7837587659662350416..comments2023-03-23T13:34:01.340-05:00Comments on Notes on the Journey: This Really Sucks!Denhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03698978231695842070noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7494451846379135112.post-658284810393219872009-09-07T13:10:03.582-05:002009-09-07T13:10:03.582-05:00It's very true, and I find it equally frustrat...It's very true, and I find it equally frustrating. Until our elections came this last round, I would have called myself a Democrat. That year I decided to vote more educated. So I listened to talk shows on both sides of the political spectrum and all I managed to do was get both more confused and mad at everyone. Insult-flinging, truth-stretching -- it's all about sensationalism. Who can draw the most attention in whatever way necessary.<br /><br />And it disgusts me. I'd like to take my own ball and leave the court.<br /><br />But, as you mentioned, we can't hate these people. It would be so easy to do so. So easy to gape and stare and tell ourselves we're better because we don't act in that fashion. Yet, I'm willing to bet, every one of us has something we believe in, some great passion we can't keep mum about, and we've rooted in, sounding to an outside listener, every bit as antagonistic as these folks.<br /><br />However, we who have faith endeavor not to continue to make the same mistakes. We step back and consider the overall, not just the here and now. Not just the next four years, or eight. It's a broader picture. A larger life.<br /><br />And as we choose our friends in day-to-day encounters, we ensure our behavior doesn't embarrass those we care about. That we don't deliberately set out to alienate those who are important.<br /><br />As a friend to Jesus we owe Him no less. He's made it clear what He expects from his friends and the moral code He wants to associate with.<br /><br />In the end -- you're right. We have to best our enemy, our antagonists, through kindness and forgiveness, not through throwing slime.<br /><br />And it is damn hard sometimes.Claire Ashgrovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07314691430076316516noreply@blogger.com