Bless your heart Colin. I've considered you a gentle, understanding soul since I first started reading/posting on this special JM site. I didn't take what you said in any personal way (other than a gentle rebuke, as I've recognized you through your writings/comments to be consistently gentle - a wonderful attribute, BTY).Franklin> To clarify, I wasn't necessarily referring to "barbs" aimed at "me" from other writers, but the fact that there are other "barbs" flying around the site among other writer's towards each other's views that have possibly received "less" attention. That's all. Perhaps some of those rancorous discussions are less "visible" because the correspondents are more acquainted with each other, and others subconsciously/consciously recognize and accept that. As I stated, even I didn't see some of the more argued/debated topics as particularly anything more than heated, impassioned discussion between friends and/or associates here.
Colin> I grant you, I may have been biased and not seen so clearly the barbs form the other writers. I felt they were just in response to yours.
Colin>None of us is perfect, and your quote is quite right. i certainly fail in my spiritual aspirations many times a day!Franklin> There is comfort and hope in the recognition that there are others with aspirations, as well as daily struggles in attaining to them. I, for one, can feel quite alienated and isolated sometimes thinking twisted thoughts that I'm alone there. The old, "why does everybody else seem so normal but me" syndrome. - possibly because they are???, comparatively speaking. (LOL) Sometimes the truth hurts, but if allowed, it almost always helps/heals.
Franklin> Encouraging words from a dear soul indeed. Thank you for your concern and courtesy in expressing yourself. You're a good model for many to follow in the "heat of the fray" that sometimes manifests itself here. I encourage you to continue to remark concerning your perceptions of "defects" I might spontaneously (that's sometimes part of the problem) manifest from time to time. I regard your opinions and observations as intelligent, thoughtful, more often than not accurate, and worthwhile. Thank you for taking the time for someone like me. Heartfelt reproof and counsel (preferably your gentle variety, but any form is acceptable) are always appreciated.Colin> I was impressed by this response of yours.It was not what i expected at all! So i was gladly proved wrong. Being able to see where we may be going wrong is great gift, seriously. Without it I'd have sunk a long time ago. No it doesn't make me better than or perfect-it just enables me to live with me.
Still hoping all is well over there. Please give Travis (is that your SO's name - sorry I forgot - my sincere wishes for his speedy recovery).
bwb
Franklin
NP Marvin Gaye's Greatest Hits
bw colin
