coming soon…

For the past seven years, we have covered multiple incidents, issues, and current events. Some posts have been more personal and passionate; whereas, others have been more factual and informative. We have covered much. For a very brief example, since November of 2008, we have covered:

The events… the election of Barack Obama, subsequent elections, the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, the tsunamis and tornados, the ongoing conflict with militant Muslims, the worsening economic crisis in Europe, the atrocities — here, there — way too many… we even covered Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.

The issues… healthcare, heroes, caring for the least of these, education, the economy, increasing debt, marriage, gay marriage, God, guns, bailouts, idol worship, 80’s music, vacation, vaccines, false religion, racism, and all the wild, manipulative rhetoric.

The ideals… humility, arrogance, patience, kindness, self-control, freedom, sacrifice, acceptance, tolerance, selflessness, greed, gluttony, and love (…because the greatest of these will always be love).

The people… Joe Biden, Jack Kemp, Rod Blagojevich, Tom Brady, Condoleezza Rice, Tim Tebow, Mark Twain, and Prince George. We covered Habitat’s Millard Fuller, (way too many) Bush’s and Clinton’s, the singularly-named Seinfeld, Oprah, and Beyoncé… and never forgetting lessons learned via those three, cute, teenage boys in my own household.

The sports… Baseball, fantasy football, golf, March Madness, the Packers and Patriots, Lions, Tigers, and Bears, FIFA, and especially, this summer’s awesome, women’s World Cup team.

Yes, we have covered much.

Let it always be said of the Intramuralist that we care more about articulation than agreement. It is not important that we always agree. We can’t. Throughout my life, for instance, many have insisted that I must like mushrooms and pickles… “What’s wrong with you?!” I’m sorry. I don’t like them. I won’t. And I don’t plan on changing my opinion any time soon. It’s ok that we disagree. 🙂

What’s not ok is our inability to have the conversation. There are far too many on Facebook and elsewhere who find no discomfort calling a brother or sister an “idiot” or “douchebag.” Excuse my language; I’m making a point. The insults and indignities say more about the person who employs them than the person they are attempting to target.

Consistent with that value, let it also be said then that while I so appreciate this blog and means of communication, I don’t think it’s always important that you hear from me. I want you to hear from one another. I want you to hear from someone other than me — and other than self.

Beginning Sunday, therefore, is our annual summer Guest Writer Series. Over the next three and a half weeks, you will hear from other people. You will hear from a parent, nursing professional, a police chaplain, and a communications expert; you will hear from three known published authors and a philanthropic CEO; you will also hear from an insightful, new friend made on the spring “grad party circuit” — and even from a sitting State Senator. You will hear angles and articulations different from mine.

Please know that the opinions expressed here may or may not be consistent with mine. I may totally disagree, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that we learn to express ourselves in ways respectful to one another so that we can discuss, learn, and sometimes, hopefully even solve.

I will add that this year’s group of writers is a talented, expressive group. They will address some challenging subjects — beginning Sunday — but they communicate consistently with respect.

Hence, feel free to comment. Share with our guest writers where you agree or disagree; share with them why. Talk to them here or on Facebook or Twitter. Join the conversation. Let our writers know what you appreciate. Ask questions. Ask for more insight. And as always, do so respectfully. Let’s articulate ourselves wisely and well.

Respectfully… (I can’t wait…)
AR