- Sat Aug 25, 2012 8:41 pm
#193084
When Sean started this forum, I'm sure he envisioned a safe harbor where people from all over the world could come to freely discuss their faith and passion for the Blessed Mother, for the events in Medjugorje, and for us to help each other grow in faith by living the messages. This forum has a different culture than other forums. Certain topics are not allowed to be discussed here because experience has shown that such topics eventually lead to argument and actions not consistent with behaviors Our Lady and Our Savior models for us. Additionally, these topics are usually ones where there is no right or wrong answer, just strong opinions, and they are not topics related to Medjugorje. For those who want to discuss such topics, there are plenty of other forums and venues to do so.
Additionally, it is apparent that some of our forum members have expressed angst and concern over various posts made on the forum. Just like any family, some of our forum "brothers" and "sisters" will react emotionally to various posts. This is normal and reflects the fact that we open ourselves, feeling somewhat vulnerable and exposed, whenever we post a thought, opinion, or concern. I think we all know how difficult it is to correctly interpret another's intent through the written word. Perhaps it is because we do not trust the motives of another that we assume the worst and take offense. All of us here on the forum share at least one thing in common, we believe the Mother of God is giving messages today to six visionaries. We all recognize the defects and shortcomings in our own selves and in our own ways are striving to live the messages. We know we are not perfect so let's give our fellow forum members the benefit of the doubt and trust that their motive is also to try live the messages, in spite of any weaknesses they may have, and be forgiving. As we forgive, so shall we be forgiven.
For those who see that something they have posted may have truly hurt another forum member, be sensitive to the situation. Remember that others who post may feel vulnerable opening perhaps their deepest thoughts and feelings. An apology goes a long way to maintaining trusting relationships and costs nothing, except perhaps a bit of ego. Someone being hurt here on this forum is almost always a case of misunderstanding intent and motives. An apology shows respect for others while not negating any position one might want to have on an issue.
I think the bottom line is awareness. Let's all be aware of respecting others in the tone of our comments. If you find you are reacting emotionally to a post, seek to clarify to be certain you truly understand. I believe because we are here primarily for the same reasons, we can all default to a position of trust that everyone here has the best interest of others at heart when we post.
God bless ...
Tim
Additionally, it is apparent that some of our forum members have expressed angst and concern over various posts made on the forum. Just like any family, some of our forum "brothers" and "sisters" will react emotionally to various posts. This is normal and reflects the fact that we open ourselves, feeling somewhat vulnerable and exposed, whenever we post a thought, opinion, or concern. I think we all know how difficult it is to correctly interpret another's intent through the written word. Perhaps it is because we do not trust the motives of another that we assume the worst and take offense. All of us here on the forum share at least one thing in common, we believe the Mother of God is giving messages today to six visionaries. We all recognize the defects and shortcomings in our own selves and in our own ways are striving to live the messages. We know we are not perfect so let's give our fellow forum members the benefit of the doubt and trust that their motive is also to try live the messages, in spite of any weaknesses they may have, and be forgiving. As we forgive, so shall we be forgiven.
For those who see that something they have posted may have truly hurt another forum member, be sensitive to the situation. Remember that others who post may feel vulnerable opening perhaps their deepest thoughts and feelings. An apology goes a long way to maintaining trusting relationships and costs nothing, except perhaps a bit of ego. Someone being hurt here on this forum is almost always a case of misunderstanding intent and motives. An apology shows respect for others while not negating any position one might want to have on an issue.
I think the bottom line is awareness. Let's all be aware of respecting others in the tone of our comments. If you find you are reacting emotionally to a post, seek to clarify to be certain you truly understand. I believe because we are here primarily for the same reasons, we can all default to a position of trust that everyone here has the best interest of others at heart when we post.
God bless ...
Tim
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace"
