Topic: An apology and a friendly request...

[GabrieltheCelt]

Friends, Brothers and Sisters,

 I hope I don't come off as preacy, nor do I want to sound sentimental.  But for quite some time now something has been bothering me about this forum and I wanted to share my thoughts with all y'all.

 During the course of discussion, regardless of the topic, I notice that the tone we take with one another is often snarky or just plain mean.  I notice this because I'm usually one of the one's responsible.  And so I want to offer a heart-felt apology to any and everyone I have scandalized.  There is no excuse for it for the God I proclain I love and worship asks us to love one another and to overlook each others' offense.  I hope you can forgive me.

 My humble request is for everyone to please try to be more kind and gentle with each other.  I realize that sometimes strong words and assertiveness are needed, but surely we can all find ways to be forgiving and humble with one another. 

 I also realize that some of the snark and jerkiness are just par for the course on internet fora; one should realize that a thick skin is always appreaciated and helpful.  Still, we are followers of Lord Jesus Christ. 

 In ICXC,
Your brother

Gabriel

[ialmisry]

Guilty as charged.  New Year Resolution for September 1. Maybe I'll practice beforehand.

[Shiny]

Noticed the same thing myself, and yes I've contributed to that as well. Sometimes we forget our brothers and sisters are behind that computer screen.

The internet brings out the worst in everyone.

[LizaSymonenko]

Excellent post and points, Gabriel.

I've actually noticed this even outside the forum....everyone, everywhere is lacking patience and compassion....me, included.

Sorry if I offended anyone!

BIG HUG!  I love you all!

[Shiny]

Excellent post and points, Gabriel.

I've actually noticed this even outside the forum....everyone, everywhere is lacking patience and compassion....me, included.

Sorry if I offended anyone!

BIG HUG!  I love you all!

I wonder if there are more outside forces at play recently. Are people just unhappy in general these days?

[FatherGiryus]

Yes, and yes...

Cool thread, by the way!

Excellent post and points, Gabriel.

I've actually noticed this even outside the forum....everyone, everywhere is lacking patience and compassion....me, included.

Sorry if I offended anyone!

BIG HUG!  I love you all!

I wonder if there are more outside forces at play recently. Are people just unhappy in general these days?

[Punch]

Man I hope you slobbering sob sisters are not expecting me to change.  I would really be PO'd if I had to change my name from Punch to Barney.  I don't think I could survive the shift from curmudgeon to purple dinosaur.  Boy do I hope you are joking . . .

[LizaSymonenko]

We love you just the way you are, Punch!

[vamrat]

Man I hope you slobbering sob sisters are not expecting me to change.  I would really be PO'd if I had to change my name from Punch to Barney.  I don't think I could survive the shift from curmudgeon to purple dinosaur.  Boy do I hope you are joking . . .

Perhaps some compromise could be reached?

[dzheremi]

I know I'm grumpier than usual. Sorry to anyone I may have taken it out on recently.  I figured it was just me. Hmm.

[Justin Kissel]

Have been trying to work on it, but I will continue to do so

[alanscott]

Ironically (or not) I was going through my profile several days ago and looked at some of my posts. Many foolish replies from what cannot be denied are my own foolish lips. Down right embarrassing in several cases.

I consider it a blessing to be here and ya’ll have helped me grow so much in my faith and struggle to live in Christ. 

Please forgive me too folks for I am a sinner.

A wise humble post Gabriel. Bless ya!

Peace & Grace,

Scott

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Thank you Gabriel. I know I am guilty. Thanks for the excellent words of edification. Pray for me a sinner. Love you my brother.


Selam

[Punch]

Man I hope you slobbering sob sisters are not expecting me to change.  I would really be PO'd if I had to change my name from Punch to Barney.  I don't think I could survive the shift from curmudgeon to purple dinosaur.  Boy do I hope you are joking . . .

Perhaps some compromise could be reached?

Where is the "LIKE" button?

[LizaSymonenko]

[Punch]

Thanks!

[katherineofdixie]

Man I hope you slobbering sob sisters are not expecting me to change.  I would really be PO'd if I had to change my name from Punch to Barney.  I don't think I could survive the shift from curmudgeon to purple dinosaur.  Boy do I hope you are joking . . .

C'mon now - group hug!!!!

[vamrat]

Man I hope you slobbering sob sisters are not expecting me to change.  I would really be PO'd if I had to change my name from Punch to Barney.  I don't think I could survive the shift from curmudgeon to purple dinosaur.  Boy do I hope you are joking . . .

C'mon now - group hug!!!!

Can't.  The arms are too small.

[Punch]

Man I hope you slobbering sob sisters are not expecting me to change.  I would really be PO'd if I had to change my name from Punch to Barney.  I don't think I could survive the shift from curmudgeon to purple dinosaur.  Boy do I hope you are joking . . .

C'mon now - group hug!!!!

I would love a group hug, but I cannot do so because some may see it as objectifying those whom I am hugging.  And God forbid that I may get a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

[Shiny]

Man I hope you slobbering sob sisters are not expecting me to change.  I would really be PO'd if I had to change my name from Punch to Barney.  I don't think I could survive the shift from curmudgeon to purple dinosaur.  Boy do I hope you are joking . . .

C'mon now - group hug!!!!

I would love a group hug, but I cannot do so because some may see it as objectifying those whom I am hugging.  And God forbid that I may get a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

And all that warm fuzzy lint from my Barney sweater.

We love you, I love you...

[Νεκτάριος]

Man I hope you slobbering sob sisters are not expecting me to change.  I would really be PO'd if I had to change my name from Punch to Barney.  I don't think I could survive the shift from curmudgeon to purple dinosaur.  Boy do I hope you are joking . . .

C'mon now - group hug!!!!

I would love a group hug, but I cannot do so because some may see it as objectifying those whom I am hugging.  And God forbid that I may get a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

I like my personal space.  A hug is out of the question.  A handshake is pushing it. 

[GabrieltheCelt]

  A hug is out of the question. 

I can always dream...

[GabrieltheCelt]

So often we get caught up in the busyness of our daily lives and often the stress spills out into our encounters with others.  We're all guilty of it from time to time.  But I was thinking that, with the world becomming more and more divisive and everyone short with one another and a loss of basic civility, who else but us can show the love of Christ?  Who else but us will be Christ to those who need Him?  I think about how often I'm short or impatient with others who irritate me and I wonder, what if I was the only one who smiled or asked them how their day is going that day?  What if they were mistreated and were just needing a little kindness, like the Jewish person on the side of the road needing medical attention.  Thinking these things spurs me on to be more kinder but it also saddens me that I can be so rude, impatient and mean with others. 

Anyway, sorry for rambling on and on....     

[LizaSymonenko]

....and I was sooooo looking forward to a cyber hug!!!!

[vamrat]

....and I was sooooo looking forward to a cyber hug!!!!

Fine.  I'll cyber hug you.  XOXO.

[katherineofdixie]

I think about how often I'm short or impatient with others who irritate me and I wonder, what if I was the only one who smiled or asked them how their day is going that day?  What if they were mistreated and were just needing a little kindness, like the Jewish person on the side of the road needing medical attention.  Thinking these things spurs me on to be more kinder but it also saddens me that I can be so rude, impatient and mean with others. 

I struggle with this all the time. I am most often the most impatient and rude to those that I love, my family and especially my husband. Pray for me, a sinner!

[LizaSymonenko]

....and I was sooooo looking forward to a cyber hug!!!!

Fine.  I'll cyber hug you.  XOXO.

Thanks!

I feel better now!!!

[Punch]

From a friend of mine.

[ialmisry]

From a friend of mine.

remember the grizzle man, who got eaten by one?

[ialmisry]

Man I hope you slobbering sob sisters are not expecting me to change.  I would really be PO'd if I had to change my name from Punch to Barney.  I don't think I could survive the shift from curmudgeon to purple dinosaur.  Boy do I hope you are joking . . .

C'mon now - group hug!!!!

I would love a group hug, but I cannot do so because some may see it as objectifying those whom I am hugging.  And God forbid that I may get a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Archbishop John of blessed memory recommended a shot of vodka.

[dzheremi]

From a friend of mine.

remember the grizzle man, who got eaten by one?

He could've used one of these anti-bear suits, from what must certainly be the best bear-crazed weirdo documentary:

[HabteSelassie]

Greetings in that Divine and Most Precious Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Friends, Brothers and Sisters,

 I hope I don't come off as preacy, nor do I want to sound sentimental.  But for quite some time now something has been bothering me about this forum and I wanted to share my thoughts with all y'all.

 During the course of discussion, regardless of the topic, I notice that the tone we take with one another is often snarky or just plain mean.  I notice this because I'm usually one of the one's responsible.  And so I want to offer a heart-felt apology to any and everyone I have scandalized.  There is no excuse for it for the God I proclain I love and worship asks us to love one another and to overlook each others' offense.  I hope you can forgive me.

 My humble request is for everyone to please try to be more kind and gentle with each other.  I realize that sometimes strong words and assertiveness are needed, but surely we can all find ways to be forgiving and humble with one another.  

 I also realize that some of the snark and jerkiness are just par for the course on internet fora; one should realize that a thick skin is always appreaciated and helpful.  Still, we are followers of Lord Jesus Christ.  

 In ICXC,
Your brother

Gabriel

Thank you for the apology, I also forget from time to time that essentially, this forum is Church, and we should conduct ourselves as if we were at coffee hour

stay blessed,
habte selassie