Mosby wrote:Well, I may as well weigh in- even though I realize that this two-dimensional conversation may not allow me to fully express my feelings correctly - or be miss understood by others.
I'm very well aware that I may be one of those who could be guilty of "bringing contention" in the eyes of others, I accept this perception. However I have never meant to offend or bring contention, now that being said I've had some really good very spirited "debates" with folks like Mark, PJ and I think way back in the past maybe even Aussie.
I don't harbor any ill feelings towards anyone here, actually I respect those three a lot- because we have "gone the rounds" and at the end of the day I realize that we are all on the same team- inspite of the fact that we have never shared a group hug, or sent each other Pm's with care bears involved. Now those guys may think I'm a world-class jerk, and in the case of Mark I've probably said some things that I shouldn't have- but that's ok I know that we are all striving for the same things here in different ways.
I love what Buffalo girl said earlier about contention being "passion" - I totally agree. We are all passionate about our own pet topics here- so the passion/contention is there. I think it important to remember that passion/contention is in the eye of the beholder at times.
I'm not trying to offend anyone with my next statement, but it's something I've always held from early in my life. "How can anyone "offend" you- unless you allow yourself to be "offended"?
My Dad taught me this early on and it has stuck with me. Who cares what someone else "says" or "does" to me- they have the free-agency to act properly or improperly, and I have the agency to act or be acted upon. I think that this is one of the key concepts of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It's easy to love those who are "nice" to us- but that's really not what we are here on earth to do.
Brigham Young once said "only a fool takes offense where none was intended, and only a great fool takes offense where offense was intended".
I hear you Bella - and others who feel the "contention" here- is it here?
Maybe? Yes it is- and no it's not
An old man sat at the edge of a small city and was engaged in conversation by a weary traveler:
"Old man, can you tell what kind of people live in your city"? Well, answered the Old man -"how are the people in the city from whence you have traveled"?
"they are horrible, evil, rude and lazy Godless people- that's why I am leaving that place" answered the traveler.
"I am saddened to say my weary friend replied the Old man, you will find the same sort of people in this city"
Later in the day a young woman came down the same path and asked the Old man, "Kind sir, perhaps you may tell me what sort of people live in the town at your back"
again the Old man asked " daughter, how are the people in your city of origin"?
"Oh, they are wonderful, kind, loving - some of the best people on earth- I am saddened to leave them"
"Well my lovely friend, you will find exactly the same kind of people within the gates of our city"
Hey Bro. I just wanted to say that I have never harbored any ill feelings toward you or Aussie or anyone else here after our "spirited" discussions we have had. About the only thing we really disagree on at times is the manner in which Satan and his minions are going about doing their dirty work. Big deal. When it comes to our desire to build the kingdom and support our dear Prophets and defend spiritual truths I am sure we are two peas in a pod. Those are the things that matter the most to me anyway. Heck I am a ward missionary in CA. Many people I meet would love to see me dangling by my toes at the end of a pier half submerged in shark infested waters. This forum is a cake walk in comparison.