If it is Okay for One...
Posted 04-21-2013 at 10:11 AM by LookinForMayberry
All my life people have confused me. I noticed early on that those that loved me hated others, and that taught me to make sure I stayed on their "good" side. Trouble is that in managing to stay on their good sides, it was easy to get on someone else's "bad" side. Then, worse, I began to understand that within my group of loving family and friends -- not all of them were on each other's good side, and a wrong step could jeopardize the whole balance. (Aunt Nita was the most dangerous in this regard because she could turn on you in a heartbeat and you might never know what it was that cast you in the pit of hell.)
I had hoped that if I just learned how to make everyone happy, they would see their mutual happiness with me as a common link and learn to accept each other. It didn't happen. Instead, each seemed to increase their efforts to get me to come to their side of their imaginary line, and cast my "vote" in their favor. Some, in failing that effort, put me on the opposing side, shaking their heads at my stupidity. I heard a lot about the Bible's reference to fence sitting, even though none of my people were religious.
Well, I am almost 57, now, and I haven't changed my thinking that we are all one people despite our differences and if we cannot learn to accept our diversity we perish. After all is said and done, I believe that if we accept that it is okay to turn our face from even one suffering person we are demonstrating that it is okay to cause us to suffer. I do not condone anyone's suffering. If we do not stand united for the common good, we are divided to face the world alone.
This is the change I want in the world: that everyone may be free of suffering. I refuse to accept that anyone should suffer. There is not one of us that cannot speak these words in error:
"... If you prick us, do we not bleed? if you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison us, do we not die?" ~ Shylock, in "Merchant of Venice," by William Shakespeare
And THAT is the side of the fence I stand on, though I fear I stand alone.
I had hoped that if I just learned how to make everyone happy, they would see their mutual happiness with me as a common link and learn to accept each other. It didn't happen. Instead, each seemed to increase their efforts to get me to come to their side of their imaginary line, and cast my "vote" in their favor. Some, in failing that effort, put me on the opposing side, shaking their heads at my stupidity. I heard a lot about the Bible's reference to fence sitting, even though none of my people were religious.
Well, I am almost 57, now, and I haven't changed my thinking that we are all one people despite our differences and if we cannot learn to accept our diversity we perish. After all is said and done, I believe that if we accept that it is okay to turn our face from even one suffering person we are demonstrating that it is okay to cause us to suffer. I do not condone anyone's suffering. If we do not stand united for the common good, we are divided to face the world alone.
This is the change I want in the world: that everyone may be free of suffering. I refuse to accept that anyone should suffer. There is not one of us that cannot speak these words in error:
"... If you prick us, do we not bleed? if you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison us, do we not die?" ~ Shylock, in "Merchant of Venice," by William Shakespeare
And THAT is the side of the fence I stand on, though I fear I stand alone.
Total Comments 2
Comments
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You are not alone but it is tough maneuvering between all the feelings and illusions of those around you.
I've served as the chair of many committees and it's rare that you can go for long without disagreement and sometimes even hostilities.
I was picked because others thought that I could bring about understanding and common purpose. I became quite good at it but it wore me out, drained my soul.Posted 05-31-2013 at 11:10 AM by Fortoggie
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I learned many years ago that "Discretion is the better part of valor." I simply listen, nod my head occasionally, and smile. They never guess what I am thinking.
124c41 LeePosted 09-12-2013 at 07:58 PM by 124c41
