This is my most favorite quote.
I don’t think people realize the comments they make can be detrimental to others. When confronted about these comments, they get defensive like they did no wrong. How about own it, apologize, and do better next time. Isn’t that the way life should work?
Be respectful. Give others a chance. Teens can be so mean to one another. Why? What is the point? I’ve never understood it and probably never will. I DO understand that kids are a product of their environment and they struggle with their own self esteem but why put down others? WE CAN ALL DO BETTER. This applies to ADULTS and KIDS equally. Stop thinking you are better than someone else. I am no better than my neighbor. And if they practice a different religion or hold a less desirable job? Again, I am no better than that person! We are all in this same journey of life.
Our life is about choices. Sometimes we make bad choices but that doesn’t define who we are. I have much more respect and admiration for those that admit their wrongdoings and try and do better. My true respect and admiration are for how people treat others. THAT is what qualifies a person worthy of respect; of how they treat others. Not what job title or church position they hold. But those that put down others to feel better (again, adults and kids), I honestly don’t have respect for them. I understand they do that because they are struggling with something but that NEVER makes it right.
Just be kind. Think before you speak. ALWAYS ALWAYS put your self in others shoes. What would you think or do if someone said the same thing to you? Oh now you would react differently?
If you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. If that means you are pretty silent, good! That’s growth!
I get it. Life is hard. Oh how I get this! If people really knew our life right now, well… most probably wouldn’t know what to say or how to help because… wow. It’s tough right now to say the least. We are in an uphill battle the size of Mount Everest. I often ask God we have to go through these trials, haven’t we been through enough already? Why do my kids have to suffer? They are such good kids. All of them. It’s a normal response to question God, there is no shame in that. I know that He is here with us by our side, just like He was with my family and I after my dad died. It’s not easy but I know with our strength and power of the Spirit we will get through it.
But looking at us on the outside, we are taking things with grace. Could we be angry at the world? Heck yes! But what is that going to do for us? Absolutely nothing, if not detrimental to our sanity. We still will be ourselves. Respectful and helping others because that’s who we are.
But it’s not about us. It’s about lifting others and hoping we are a good example to others, even when the adversary pushes us hard to be angry at the world. I think of the atonement and all the suffering Jesus did for us. Jesus did not promise for this life to be easy. And it has NOT been easy for me. But he promised us eternal life and joy. He gave us the Holy spirit, our constant companion who I have felt so many times in my life.
President Howard W. Hunter (1907–1995): “The peace for which the world longs is a time of suspended hostilities; but men do not realize that peace is a state of existence that comes to man only upon the terms and conditions set by God … When we try to help those who have offended us, when we pray for those who have unrighteously used us, our lives can be beautiful. We can have peace when we come into a unity with the Spirit and with each other as we serve the Lord and keep his commandments.”
I can say that doing this has given me peace ! It doesn’t mean I accept those for what harm they caused us BUT I can work on forgiveness and that is freeing for my soul. I have been learning to set boundaries and stick up for myself but I don’t have to do that in a mean way. That’s not how my parents taught me, and thats not how Jesus wanted it to be either.
Moral of this long story. Think before you speak. If you don’t want to be put down, belittled, or bullied, don’t act like that with others! It’s so simple! JUST. BE. KIND.
Hugs,
Sarah
journey to hope and healing 