A simple inscription in an old book of poetry led me down an unexpected path. The lesson: never hide your light under a bushel, even if you have to hide your sexuality.
There is so much variability in the people in our lives. I have found that there is too much to learn about each other to allow our interpersonal experiences to be sidetracked by what in reality are meaningless labels. If we concentrate on learning about each other, rather than being hung up over our differences, we generally will be happier and project the same to those around us. I have often fallen into the destructive pigeon-holing of, “ enemies”, “nasty”, “manipulative”… co-sojourners in contact with my life. I can say unequivocally that every one of these has hurt me.
Whether your aunt was, whatever, ultimately has no bearing on your history or relationship with her. That’s just a reflection of post-modern society’s obsession with labeling people to divide.
And that is exactly the example of what am saying. The more we protect respect and admiration to others, the fewer blessings we will miss in our relationship with them and their spirit.
Sharon:
There is so much variability in the people in our lives. I have found that there is too much to learn about each other to allow our interpersonal experiences to be sidetracked by what in reality are meaningless labels. If we concentrate on learning about each other, rather than being hung up over our differences, we generally will be happier and project the same to those around us. I have often fallen into the destructive pigeon-holing of, “ enemies”, “nasty”, “manipulative”… co-sojourners in contact with my life. I can say unequivocally that every one of these has hurt me.
Whether your aunt was, whatever, ultimately has no bearing on your history or relationship with her. That’s just a reflection of post-modern society’s obsession with labeling people to divide.
Whatever she was, thinking about the trials she had to face caused me to respect her even more than I did before.
And that is exactly the example of what am saying. The more we protect respect and admiration to others, the fewer blessings we will miss in our relationship with them and their spirit.