Harp, remember when I wrote to you long ago pointing out that you don't know me, either? When I invited you to get to know me? When I said that I'd be glad to keep talking as long as it took to address your thoughts about religion, as long as it would be a two-way discussion and you would listen to me as well?Have you not seen me address many forms of negativity at this forum, not just about Christianity?
You say I don't know you. I want to. Do you want to be known?
And can you please tell me how I have pushed anything on anyone? Have I ever started a thread, for instance, titled "How 'bout that Jesus?" "Let's all go to church" "What an idiot you are for not knowing my God"??? Cuz my sense is that I respond, not push. About this topic. Oh I can be real pushy about people believing in themselves, and taking risks, and being more open and close, but that's not from religion, that's from a host of other expereinces in my life, things you don't know about me.
I don't think I'm more right than you, but I do think I discuss more honorably. Because I am willing to go as far as it needs to go for people to get to the bottom of the stuff that looks like nonsense on the top. Underneath there is REAL SENSE. I count on that when I address you. I want to get to the REAL SENSE. I just want to know if you will put in the time and effort to communicate in a two-way fashion, that's all. Because to come into a discussion that is not causing any harm, and complain at it, and run off leaving the people in an uproar-- that IS negativity, whether you're upset that we're talking about God, sheepskins, or anything else on the mind of a fellow member of this community.
Positivity would be to find something you DO like or would like to support, and go say something nice or encouraging about it with the same clarity and energy you bring to comlaining and blaming. That's not Christian behavior, that's being part of a community in such a way that you contribute rather than tear down. It's easy to come knock over someone's blocks. I want to see you BUILD.
This is not a time-sensitive offer. You know how to find me. Or we can discuss it here. You brought it up. It's great to finally talk with you about it, in fact. Made my day. You. You did. You made my day.
~Susan