Maybe we should acknowledge what we actually do\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But first\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s acknowledge our plethora of articulate guest writers\u2026 Well done!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n What an insightful, diverse, eloquent group! While as said that the authors did not speak for me, as persons committed to respectful dialogue, I welcome their sharing. Agreement of perspective is unnecessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s go there for a minute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ever since our inception 15 years ago, The Intramuralist has been known as \u201ca respectful dialogue of current events.\u201d I continue, however, to observe our collective lack of understanding as to what exactly respectful dialogue is, as there are far too many times each of us justifies the slight or the silencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To be respectful means to hold in high regard \u2014 to be intentional in our humble consideration of one another. That means no slight. No thought that insult is ever an appropriate means of response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A dialogue implies interaction \u2014 at least a two way flow in which all elements of a conversation take place \u2014 asking, informing, listening and thinking. That means no silencing. No thought that another doesn\u2019t even deserve to be heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I get the temptation. There are times when we absolutely, vehemently disagree. We can\u2019t believe <\/em>another person could even think that way! <\/em>And our passion can get so worked up, that we conclude the other person\u2019s opinion is dangerous to even be held!<\/em> We try to stop them. We try to obstruct their behavior, any sharing of their opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I contend that the obstruction attempts are disrespectful and even more so, ineffective. Behavior modification will always be secondary to heart transformation. Get to know another. Walk a mile in their shoes. Ask questions. Work to understand. Understand why the different think and act the way they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reason we do what we do at The Intramuralist is not<\/em> to make everyone think like me. Oh, my\u2026 please no! I have so many places where my head isn\u2019t on straight, I don\u2019t even know it, and I have no desire to change my perspective at this time! \u2026 pickles should be outlawed\u2026 Pete Rose is my hero\u2026 and the two primary established political parties currently take turns being totally whacked!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I say all that not to say \u201cthink like me.\u201d I say it acknowledging that each of us has places and perspectives in which we need to grow, and the slight or silencing doesn\u2019t aid in prompting any of that growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal of respectful dialogue \u2014 honest and thoughtful conversation \u2014 is to better understand one another. The more we seek to understand, the more heart transformation can take place \u2014 potentially prompting increased wisdom in each of our perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s the beauty of our annual Guest Writers Series. While it provides time and space for intentional rest and reflection for this semi-humble blogger, it also gives us opportunity to practice what we preach. It is good to hear from diverse voices. It is good to learn from them, to have our own perspectives respectfully challenged. Regardless, yes, of agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So that said, friends, we have things to talk about!<\/p>\n\n\n\n So much has happened in recent weeks\u2026 there were the awful flames that tore through Lahaina\u2026 continued conflict in Ukraine\u2026 a new COVID variant\u2026 the downgrading of the US\u2019s bond credit rating from AAA to AA+\u2026 Burger King getting sued over the size of the Whopper\u2026 the first [sigh] 2024 Presidential debate\u2026 Twitter now identifying as a new letter of the alphabet\u2026 a bunch of seemingly too old of people feeling like they need to forever serve in elected office\u2026 Trump and Hunter still in the news\u2026 many wanting to turn the news off\u2026 not to mention the late summer cinematic hits of \u201cOppenheimer\u201d and \u201cBarbie.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, there\u2019s so much to talk about!<\/p>\n\n\n\n So talk we will. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We will ask, inform and listen, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the record, we do so for a reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026 and so gleeful to be back!<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Maybe we should acknowledge what we actually do\u2026 But first\u2026 Let\u2019s acknowledge our plethora of articulate guest writers\u2026 Well done! What an insightful, diverse, eloquent group! While as said that the authors did not speak for me, as persons committed to respectful dialogue, I welcome their sharing. Agreement of perspective is unnecessary. Let\u2019s go there … <\/p>\n