In some situations, things are said by another that might bother us, or even go against our deep beliefs, but we let them go, and keep our thoughts to ourselves. Is it because we’d rather not create a fight, or do we just plain lack the courage to address an issue out loud?
There times when we ought to have courage enough to draw the line on what we know is wrong. Times when we just have to say, “Whoa–I can’t go for that!”
Courage, or fortitude, is another of the virtues. It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in. It takes courage to face the ridicule of others. It takes courage not to hide within the skirts of the crowd, but to put yourself on center stage if that is needed. BUT..it does not take much courage when one’s only intention is to simply be obnoxious.
Today, I need to draw the line, and ask a question.
As many of you know, I’m a Catholic, but this blog is not intended only for Catholics. It is intended to address God’s children, which all of us are. And since, I have many wonderfully faith-filled Protestant friends and family, as well as followers of this blog, I joined a social media site for Catholics and Protestants, a group with the purpose of—well, I don’t know what it’s purpose really is, although I did ask the question after I saw what was going on. But I got no answer because the participants were just too busy snipping at each other like unruly second graders. Several participants in the conversation were so full of venom for the other’s religion that I was really amazed.
And I ask why? Why now? Why in a time when people of faith need to bond–and when we have so much in common–do some delight in maligning the other’s faith (which is never going to change anyhow) with the same old hard-shelled, antique arguments. Why? Why? Why–when we have the capability to accomplish miracles together as a unified people of God.
I just can’t go for that.
Translating a World on the Edge 