Hee hee... I was gonna post a topic on the little altercation tween you and Jase (and me, pushing buttons)... I thought it was interesting how you quoted Elder Holland, in reponse to Jase's comment that if he had to live polygamy he'd hope for cancer... or something like that, and all I could think of from Holland's talk was... "Hit me again, I can still hear you." Which arguably could be offensive to anyone who was physically abused...
So do you think Elder Holland was being insensitive to people who were physically abused?
I think if we choose to take offense we take offense. Honestly, I want to be encouraging and uplifting to everyone, but when I know they have disabilities, afflictions, and challenges with which they may be sensitive, my first inclination is to clam up... and say nothing... which then really really bugs me... cuz... well... they might be offended.
Then again, things can get out of hand when we take each other for granted and don't regard each other as people whose moods change and we are never entirely consistent creatures. They say familiarity breeds contempt... when we are familiar one with another we know how to best set each other off... Like how I like to call Cat, Sidney Rigdon...
And then there's the whole command to avoid light mindedness... loud laughter... evil speaking... etc...
--Ray
__________________
I'm not slow; I'm special. (Don't take it personally, everyone finds me offensive. Yet somehow I manage to live with myself.)
1. I have buttons, just like everyone else... But Ray's "Sidney Rigdon 39 Step Program to Buttoning Buttons" has provided me with a not only a new outlook on life, but a non-multi level marketing monthly income with only minimal effort and initial investment on my part! {reading cue card} And I... was not period... er paid to give... this testimonial!
2. I think it is inevitable that we become passionate about our concerns, but too often we let the passion get in the way of remaining civil and respectful to those who do not tow the same line, as it were.
With out going into detail of my experience, because it isn't pertinent, there were certain topics that always seemed to push the buttons of certain groups of folks at the place across the river. Regardless of how hard one tried to present things in such a way that they could examine the topic in a different light, it would only serve as fuel to their fire if it was not in full agreement to their viewpoint. After having been publicly and privately rebuked for what I felt amounted to simply presenting a different opinion than theirs one time too many, I blew a gasket at the suggestion I was no longer welcome and was subsequently forced out when I publicly announced the request to leave. Things were said and done on both sides that were less than commendable for brothers and sisters in the gospel.
That being said, this is where I'm coming from in asking that everyone who participates here in Bountiful who has or does participate at Nauvoo take on a new paradigm while here. No one is excluded as long as they agree to the rules and keeps them. As a community, we simply do not want the feeling of the group that is the loudest is more correct to become prevalent (or even take root) here. As indicated, I have a personal connection to the paradigm we try to operate under here. In my mind, Bountiful is an expirement of sorts. Can we share opposing viewpoints, remain civil and respectful, and in the process become better fellow saints while edifying one another? And when things get out of control, can we talk things out and come to an appropriate resolution that all stakeholders can agree upon?
__________________
It seems to me the only thing you've learned is that Caesar is a "salad dressing dude."
I think the thing that you should all remember is that I'm always right. If you keep this in mind you along with why I keep cork on my fork at meals, you will be able to survive getting your buttons pushed.
I might have a few more buttons when I'm pregnant, or maybe they're just more sensitive. But I would never admit that conclusively until said pregnancy and recovery is well behind me. ;)
__________________
"There is order in the way the Lord reveals His will to mankind. . .we cannot receive revelation for someone else's stewardship." L. Tom Perry
