tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956447.post109950239146856817..comments2023-06-24T04:54:56.706-04:00Comments on Hands In The Dirt: the moral issues voteDonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08348048990003701953noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5956447.post-1099592664812838632004-11-04T13:24:00.000-05:002004-11-04T13:24:00.000-05:00Yes, this is part of what I'm ruminating on lately...Yes, this is part of what I'm ruminating on lately, too... the need to understand, rather than simply condemn. What are the underlying fears? How is the issue being framed for them in such a way that triggers those fears? <br /><br />I remember, growing up in Dallas as a Catholic girl, when my first gay friend came out to me. Having been raised as I was, I had to do some soul-searching about what I'd been taught as opposed to what I believed in my heart. Ultimately, I chose to love my friend and by being his friend, I learned I had nothing to fear or condemn, and therefore my ingrained prejudices just evaporated. I'm so grateful. <br /><br />The opposite is true, too. I have friends who are Republicans. My entire family is Republican. So, I choose to try and understand where they're coming from, rather than meet prejudice with prejudice. <br /><br />By understanding and empathizing, maybe we can find better ways to communicate and therefore...watch all the fear go "poof!" It may take more time than any of us want, but then again, I know who's really in charge of all of us.<br /><br />Best blessings to you today.marthachickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14518468744405768043noreply@blogger.com