Don G. Dinsdale Loc: El Cajon, CA (San Diego County)

100% True, Darn It... Don D.

January 22, 2018

Quote of the Week

“God bless you – God change me.”


I was at a speaker meeting one night where the speaker began his share this way: “If I say something tonight that you don’t agree with, or that angers you, then say a prayer for me. God knows I could use the blessing, and you could probably use the practice.” Well that got everyone’s attention! I fumed in my seat for a while and could barely hear what he was sharing. After the meeting, I grabbed a bite to eat with my sponsor and we talked about it.

As I dumped my anger and indignation onto my sponsor between my French fries dipped in ranch dressing, he listened quietly and nodded his head. When I started repeating myself for the third time, he held up his hand to stop me. “I see what he said in a very different way,” he began. “While it may have sounded disrespectful, what he was saying is the fundamental truth – everyone has a different opinion, and if you don’t agree with them, it’s your problem, and not theirs. In other words it’s up to you to change or adapt.”

I’ve often thought of that night, and that share, and it has taken me years to appreciate the deep wisdom in it. What I’ve found is that people are indeed very different; all our perspectives are uniquely ours, forged by heritages, families, and environments we can barely fathom. If I want to get along with people, then it is up to me to accept them for their differences. If I have a problem with that, then it’s probably best for me to say a prayer. It’s up to me at that point to ask God to change me so I can be okay with who they are – and who I am as well.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

excellent advice for ALL of us. Realizing that means many hours of prayer for me, I will attempt to live up to that commitment. So if I do not post alot for a while, I may be praying for forgiveness and strength. Won't you please join me?

bahmer

Well said and a good point for all to remember. Thanks.

Don G. Dinsdale Loc: El Cajon, CA (San Diego County)

I Would Need To Pray For 28 Hours Per Day For My Past Sins... Don D.

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bahmer

You and SWMBO do enough already and I am sure that the work you do and the lives you help and nurture more than cover a multitude of sins or ill thoughts. Just keep up the good work we all fall short at various times in our lives.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Don, kudos for one the finest posts I have read in my 4 and 1/2 years on this forum.

I sincerely hope it is taken to heart by all...or, as many as possible.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

NPP/SWBO, I echo Bahmer's comments. You two are shining examples for others to follow.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

Thank you for your loving comments. We are just doing what ever we can, as millions of others do every day.

Peewee Loc: San Antonio, TX

Thanks Don, heard that story in my early twenties and it made an impression then and now, thanks for sharing.

how joe

Now that my friend is what's called a blessing in disguise! God Bless America!!!

Manning345 Loc: Richmond, Virginia

A very fine point, one that I will have to assimilate and then start praying!

Manning345 Loc: Richmond, Virginia

In mulling this over I have come to several thoughts:

1. At first blush the advice given is quite accurate, but only up to a certain point in discourse where the exchange is relatively tame and innocuous. Each person owns his own opinions.

2. That certain point, then, is when you realize that in this special case the opinion expressed by your counterpart is not only wrong, it is significantly dangerous to you, to him and to others, and that it must be confronted. If possible, you must try to change that opinion, or at least try to nullify it or explain the danger of that opinion adequately.

3. Having done all you can to mitigate the wrong and dangerous opinion, you can retire knowing that you did your best.

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

Amen!!! Something here rings absolutely true!!

I see that I have a lot of work ahead me and many more prayers than I do now..

Must also say I do not feel a need to change anyone about their feelings... They are just as much entitled to believe as they do and I respect that part of the equation...

How wonderful it would be to have a Nation united ... Nothing is Impossible you know....The only limitations we have are those we impose on ourselves.... So why do so??And wouldn’t that start with not betraying each other?? Can we scream in the sake of unity and not Play into the hands of a government that really doesn’t care about us anyway?