This is a mirror moment for me today. I hope this realization that I have come to will somehow bring about a measure of peace for you as well in terms of dealing with shall we say challenging folk.
I now realize, but must constantly remind myself, that we have the power to tolerate anyone and any situation. But tolerance is not just suffering in silence. It means going beyond any personal discomfort you may feel, and giving a gift to whom ever you would tolerate. Give your time, attention, understanding, 
compassion, care - all are gifts, which paradoxically, you also receive in the process of giving. And, I feel that as we do, we will experience improved self esteem and inner strength growth. In this way we can turn tolerance into strength.
Now how cool is that! “I HAVE DA POWER!”. Now, if I could just always remember that!
It’s amazing how we fear the unknown and things that we don’t understand. We’ll find any excuse to justify and condone alienating and ostracizing people or groups of people who are different. We are afraid of different cultures, ways of life, places, traditions, and languages.
We fear being wrong, we fear being backward and unexposed, and we fear that we will have to admit that we’re not as on top of things as we should be.
I think that most of all we fear that we will eventually find out that in the human race we are more alike than we are different. We are afraid to discover that the people we perceive to be ‘wierdos’ are more like us than we care to admit. We all have basic needs, want to be loved, cared for and protected, and to be safe. We are all imperfect, vulnerable, and seek solace and comfort. We are also all capable of improving and changing.
Comment by Da Scoundrel — August 26, 2008 @ 12:53 am
What Da Scoundrel said.
Comment by Roch101 — August 26, 2008 @ 7:23 am
The true meaning of FEAR IS:
F=False
E=Evidence
A=Appearing
R=Real
Don’t give into the power of Fear - it’s an empty emotion causing internal turmoil for nothing.
Comment by Carla — August 26, 2008 @ 8:54 am
Carla said it accurately - False Evidence Appearing Real. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”(2 Tim 1:7).
Yes, it is difficult dealing w/people at times that appear different than us, when in reality we’re all the same (as said by Da Scoundrel), but the fact that we have the POWER and knowing that GOD is ALWAYS in control and He gives us the power that better helps us deal w/our fellow brothers & sisters is enough for me. Not to mention, we all know the devil is ALWAYS busy. I take adversities w/people as a Blessing b/c it allows me to stay on my knees and get closer to My Father. When the devil shows you his face at least you know who and what you’re dealing with. Don’t be discouraged when faced w/a difficult person. It allows you to exercise God’s gift of POWER, LOVE & a sound mind.
God Bless you all, continue to follow Jesus, and “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”(Prov 3:5-6)
Comment by The Major — September 4, 2008 @ 9:29 am