It bothered me that evening and the next day. I started to blow it out of proportion in my mind, as I was thinking that it was a judgement of my existence. I wondered if I was not "approved" by that person. I wondered if I should talk to them about it. I wondered if I should talk to the other relatives about it. I struggled with the thought. Ever been there???
Well, what I came up with is . . . sleep on it! After a day or so, I realized that the shock of the heartfelt statement was that person's opinion and it did not devalue me. I could and should let it go. Besides, isn't it written by Luke in Acts:
This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
Acts 24:16 NKJV
and I believe Solomon had something to say about this subject:
9 He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends.
Prov. 17:9 NKJV
And finally, my dear readers, as Paul says:
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Rom 12:18 NKJV
Oh yes, I've had this experience several times!
ReplyDeleteI have learned not to react to such statements...they are just words after all.
that is so wise, Duni!
DeleteA lesson here is to "Assume the best" and by that I mean that perhaps this person doesn't really understand how much you believe in this choice of lifestyle or whatnot. I am the kind of person that will call someone out, not to fight, but to let them know how much their words affected me. They are words but words carry meaning to each one of us. I would have a conversation with this person especially since they are family. You may come to a better understanding of each other and in turn a better respect. If not you know you tried and that's all you can do. I wish you good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for taking the high ground on this one, and not letting the wound of the remark fester. Sometimes, I used to imagine that I had an invisible Teflon coating, so I could let mean remarks just roll off, so I did not internalize them.
ReplyDeleteYou are right--don't internalize them! Good advice!
DeleteAw, that sucks. I often have this happen to me too, then mull, stew, and eventually come to the conclusion that this offending person is causing me to lose focus of what's important! That usually motivates me to take the higher ground. To have my actions be the proof of my convictions, you know?
ReplyDeleteSolomon...so wise ;)
I love the comment-- to let my "actions be the proof of my convictions" --I do seek to "love one another" instead of minoring in opinion!
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