It boggles my mind that I have been talking to you on the computer and on the phone since 2003.
We have been open and honest with each other about stuff. We’ve vented and we’ve shared.
I went back through our discussion and was shocked to find this:
[6:37:34 PM] Gayla McCord says: You know what Angela, I love you, I have loved you, but I think this friendship is over
I can’t believe that you would end our friendship over a political and/or religious disagreement and certainly not via instant messenger.
I’m shocked, sad, disappointed, and hurt.
I considered you to be one of my closest friends right next to Christine and Faithe. I am probably the biggest Gayla cheerleader there ever was.
I hope you are content with the decision that you made tonight.
I wish you and you family nothing but the best. I always have.
Angela
I sent that off night before last.
Something similar happened four years ago when George Bush and Scary John Kerry were running for office. At that time we called it our almost “divorced” friendship and we swore that we would never let a disagreement over politics ruin our friendship. We talked a lot about seeing shades of purple verses shades of red or blue. So much for that stance.
I think it’s interesting I’m told that my words hurt to the core. Perhaps the truth hurts more when you realize after five years that who you thought was a best friend isn’t quite the best friend that you thought they were. My words hurt to the core? Have you ever once stopped to think that maybe you had words that hurt to the core too and that I accepted you anyway?
It’s always been fascinating to me when people say what’s on their mind and then at the end of the discussion they want you to just agree to disagree. Does that mean I don’t get to say what’s on my mind? I don’t get to present my side of things before we agree to disagree? People get to just turn off the light switch, cut me off at the corner, and I’m not allowed to make my point? What kind of tolerance promoting crap is that? I’m amazed at how the left accuses the right and the right accuses the left of being intolerant of one another yet neither side is allowed to make their case. It’s no wonder people lose their family members and their friends over stuff.
I can’t stand it that people think me and my husband are in a higher tax bracket so that makes me unqualified to speak of the trials and tribulations that people go through. It reminds me of the time that my best friend from Texas put herself in a larger home because they had worked their fingers to the bone to “move up” to something that was a bit less cramming for their family. You know what? As a result of her moving to a bigger home in a golfing community, she lost her friends from her old neighborhood because they just could not bring themselves to be happy for her success. They were jealous of her life and the fact that they were climbing out of poverty. Unfortunately there are those that think if you don’t come from “the hood” or from a poverty stricken neighborhood you have no right to talk about money, economics, taxes, the IRS or anything of that nature.
I’ve lived in a basement apartment down in North Omaha. I’ve lived in a tiny room in the middle of South Omaha. I know what it’s like to be pregnant and have to walk to and from work or to and from the grocery store because I didn’t have a car. I’ve lived in roach infested apartments and I had friends that lived in roach infested apartments. I’ve lived in a women’s shelter once for a month when I basically had nothing and nobody to turn to. I’ve been on food stamps and welfare and Medicaid but it was only for a short time, long enough to get on my feet, and I didn’t make a career out of it.
I don’t appreciate it when people (and I’ve known many in my life) that live to cheat the system. If you want good healthcare find a job that provides it. If you can’t find a job in the smaller towns then I guess you have to drive to the bigger cities to look for work. If you can’t find work then I guess it’s time to figure out a way to move. People can do what they set their mind to doing. It’s not as impossible if you have the drive, energy and determination to do it. My husband gets on a plane every week to do a job that provides for our family so I can stay home with the girls. You can bet if he lost his job tomorrow we would be looking for work together. There’s no such thing as “I can’t” or “I won’t” when you have to do what you have to do to get by and take care of your kids. I’ve held three jobs at one point in my life and wasn’t sure how I would survive that but I did.
So what if you live in a $70,000.00 home.? Are these the words you are talking about that cut to the bone? I could care less how much your home costs. I live across the street from people that have million dollar estates and live on a golf course. I don’t covet what they have and I don’t cut them off and keep them from sharing what they think of our economy. In fact, I welcome their perspective because I just might learn a thing or two OR maybe just a different viewpoint. I’m happy for them that they are successful and I don’t judge them. And I would tell them the same thing, I could care less how much their home costs! At the end of the day we all have to wipe with toilet paper at some point and if you don’t use toilet paper then that’s just nasty.
It’s funny and odd how the left says that the right is cramming their beliefs down everybody’s throat. The right will say the same thing about the left. So when it’s something you don’t agree with or want to hear it’s called “cramming it down your throat.” But if it’s about something that you are in alignment over and you agree with, it’s called sharing and networking of ideas, thoughts and feelings. Gag me with a spoon! Where’s the tolerance in that? It goes back to.. you get to say what you want and I’m not allowed to speak up and I certainly can’t be truthful with a friend of five years because she’ll take that conversation and dump my ass. Well there will be no more dump truck games with my heart strings. I don’t like those sorts of games and am careful to guard my heart. I’m also done crying about it. Yes, I cried and my friend Faithe tried hard to console me as did my husband. I could kick myself for not listening to my brother’s point of view with regard to this “friendship” three years ago. He told me this would happen and I chose to look beyond that thought. He was right, I was wrong and will never again turn my back against my brother’s gut instincts.
The bottom line for me is I don’t want the government to do stuff for me that I can do for myself. I don’t want the government to spend my money for me. I don’t want the government to dictate who I can and can not see when I need to see a doctor. I don’t want the government to tell me where I can and can not send my kids to school. I don’t want the government controlling my financial institutions. The government putting their noses into that is what has made our markets so unstable and the more they try to find ways to “fix” and to “bail” and to “rescue” the worse it’s going to get. People are smart, determined and resourceful and we can figure it out for ourselves. I grew up on government ran healthcare and let me tell you, its SUCKS.
I thought I was having an adult conversation with one of my best, most close and trusted friend. She was venting so I thought I could vent too. She was being truthful and sharing her viewpoints so I thought I could to. She was cussing and using fowl language in the discussion so I thought I could too. I honestly thought we were just having one of those sharing no holds barred moments that we agreed on during the last election cycle because at the end of the day we would still love each other and be good friends and see only hues of purple. What in the heck was I thinking?
I’m rich but not in the ways that you guys might think the definition of rich is. I’m richly blessed because of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior the King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords. I am richly blessed to live in what I consider to be the best country on the face of the earth. I am richly blessed because I am married to the love of my life and I have three beautiful healthy girls. I am richly blessed to be able to stay home with my kids and to watch them grow. I am richly blessed with loved ones and friends that understand what it means to love and accept someone unconditionally and to forgive. I am richly blessed because I get to worship and speak freely in a country that will not persecute me for it. I am richly blessed. THAT is what makes me rich.
I’m not jealous of what somebody else has. I don’t care what people wear to church. I don’t covet my neighbors. I do my best to help those that are less fortunate because I know what’s it’s like to walk in those shoes. I am a compassionate person. Since 1997 I have been online helping people to realize that their health issues don’t define who they are. Have people bullied me? Oh sure they have. I have defended myself and you can say that I am a bully but I will tell you that I am a compassionate and courageous women. It’s not that I lost my compassion, it’s that you can’t find yours. Your so red with anger that you can’t even stop to halfway consider what your loved ones and friends are trying to tell you. I have a sticky on my computer that says “try to do your best to be nice” and I have another sticky on my computer that says “don’t let anybody take advantage or walk all over you.” Another sticky says “Be Brave and Courageous.” I have also been your biggest cheerleader and have come to defend you during times that people were out to hurt you. I don’t have regrets. What I am regretting is that our friendship has ended.
Even before I noticed the part where she says “You know what Angela, I love you, I have loved you, but I think this friendship is over.” Well… I think maybe that’s probably for the best. No harm, no fowl, it’s been a true learning experience. This has helped me to better understand myself, my instincts and the people around me. I am richly blessed and I’m not going to apologize for that. No more crying, no more tears… things can only get better from here on out. Sometimes the road bumps in life are the best ones to hit. So getting dumped is not such bad thing after all.
This was so sad to read! I’m so sorry.
Sorry about your “friend”. :( Apparently she is taking Obama’s words to heart about getting in McCain’s supporters faces!
I am so sorry Angela. I know that you 2 were friends for quite sometime. My heart ached for you when Chris told me. I will be praying for you. Love you!!!
This sucks.. I’m sure sorry to hear it!
I am a fairly recent viewer of your blog. I don’t know you, but I have been admiring you. Tonight my heart aches for you, because sadly, I know pretty much how you feel. Yes, consider it a blessing to learn some of ‘life lessons’ early in your life, as mine came much later and the ‘friendships’ much deeper and more painful when severed.
Today you are a bit older…a bit wiser…but RICHLY BLESSED!!!
((HUGS))
@Tracy – You out of everybody on here knows what’s it’s like to be an Army Brat. You understand just how humbly we lived when we were in Junior High and High School. I’m grateful somebody from my childhood who has an idea of who I am from those years reads and posts here on my blog. I feel like I’m surrounded by good friends connected by the internet.
@moms4palin – I had not heard Obama saying that but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did and I certainly don’t doubt it.
@Heather – Yes, we were friends since about 2003 give or take. I was thinking yesterday just how much we had been through together. I was probably Gayla’s biggest cheer leader and supporter through some pretty heavy times. So thank you for your comforting words. It actually gets easier as each day goes by.
@Burg and @Becki – Thanks for comforting me. All of you actually have made me feel better about the situation. I’m not as hurt today as I was two days ago. So I’m sure with time I will get over it just fine.
@Simon – I just noticed your comment. THANK YOU so much for reaching out to me and lifting me up.
FWIW I was dealing with some rather important issues and didn’t have time to respond. I had a wonderful, relaxing Fall weekend with my family.
I am appalled that you would take our personal conversation and plaster portions or opinions of such here in public to reach out for pity from your own blog followers.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve begun turning over a new leaf. I am distancing myself from negative people. And I’m trying to send out only positive feelings.
The night we carried on our conversation – you kept attacking my opinion and kept saying I was claiming ‘poor me’ when in fact, I was talking about the people around me, my neighbors, the people I see with terminal illness and I heard your words in that “they should have never purchased a home they couldn’t afford and if they planned on dying in the next few years.”
How horrible is that? How mean is that?
MY BIBLE tells me to remain humble – and taking my money and placing myself in a “controlling and judgmental position” is not humble in my opinion.
Humble is helping the American people, not Wall Street and yes, I do see many conservatives as being mean, judgmental and condemning – and it seems to come SO naturally for many of them.
Over the years that we’ve been friends, there were many times it was joked about that we were “good cop, bad cop” and who was it that always played “bad cop” in that scenario?
I just think there comes a time when you should realize just how cruel some actions are.
This is the last time I will engage in any conversation like this – it’s beneath me and who I choose to be. I’m only hear because of a Google Alert that revealed my name.
I asked you to speak to your daughter about this – to ask her opinion. Please do share the entire chat transcript with her and perhaps get a conversation going that will benefit your family – otherwise you’re going to pop a vein or have a heart attack before long. You do get FAR too deep into this stuff and you get SO upset when you can’t change a persons mind to mold to your way of thinking.
I’m sure your parents would even admit I’m on target with that one.
I do care what happens to you – I do want you to be happy – but when you take this stuff SO seriously that you personally attack someone for having differing views and try to force feed your beliefs to them, there is a problem.
I much prefer the advocate, compassionate Angela to the political pundit one – it’s just not a flattering place to be.
I only post this year in hopes that others will chime in and keep this from being so much a black and white – two sided conversation – I don’t think either of us is right – I don’t think either of us is wrong – I think we are both passionate about our position and should be allowed to have that position and be respected for at least knowing what it means to vote.
What’s important to you in the issues may not be important to me – visa versa – I NEVER tried to force feed my position to you like you did me with all the links and the “read this” “read that” “She’s a BLACK GIRL voting for McCain” comments. I only set to engage productive and interesting conversation.
I’d NEVER cram my beliefs down someones throat – EVER.
Anyway, back to enjoying the weekend – just because I don’t respond in the time you want me to doesn’t mean I won’t. It just means that my time doesn’t allow it.
I do hope you’ll lighten up soon – it truly isn’t flattering nor anywhere close to the Angela I used to know and that makes me very sad.
One last thing – I was not venting – I was backed into a corner and forced to defend my position. Big difference.
I do agree with you that there are many who CAN get off their butts and take care of themselves, there are many who seek to abuse the system – BUT there ARE some who can’t help it. Those are the one’s I’m most concerned about.
I “see” the family who had two great jobs, a nice home and living the American dream. Within the matter of months, they lost their jobs and the mother is stricken with breast cancer. What I don’t see is “two people who should have never bought the house they couldn’t afford and should have planned ahead and saved money in case one of them got cancer and since that’s the way their chips fell, they should lump it and deal with it.”
Now which of those do you think sounds mean and cruel?
Those are the ones I am sick for – the ones I feel NEED the help.
Unfortunately, there will be some who are undeserving who will benefit to ensure those who are deserving are taken care of.
It’s called being humble and not placing myself in the position to say “you can do this, you should do this, I am this, I am that, me, me, me…” It’s NOT about me – It’s about me and how I fit into the world around me.
I’d just feel more humble, charitable and in line with what God would want – if those who are meek, sick and truly needing were being taken care of when they needed it as opposed to the fat cats on Wall Street.
I believe in Karma – and when she comes back, she can be a bitch. I’d much rather send out all that is good and reap what is good. Obviously it is working for me. I don’t consider myself a “poor me” which I believe you said about 10 times in our conversation. Again, it’s NOT poor me – it’s poor world around me.
I consider myself to be very blessed. God has given me so much to be thankful for and I attribute that to my humble, charitable heart. Nothing less, nothing more.
If what you are doing is working for you – then by all means – continue. But please don’t try to change me – I like who I am.
I’m not the one that seeks pity from others. You’re a very talented but crafty writer and good and selecting your words.
I think it’s great that you are distancing yourself from negative people. It’s a plan I should have adopted a long time ago.
The night we carried on our conversation you were in a full on attack against me. Friends of five years should be able to vent and share equally. Where’s the tolerance and understanding that you proclaim to have in your life?
Your quote for me, and the way in which you use it, doesn’t serve the purpose you were attempting to leave. This one: “they should have never purchased a home they couldn’t afford and if they planned on dying in the next few years.”
This is the part of you that is mixed up. You see only what you want to. I wasn’t referring to anybody that is incapable or too sick or meek and you know it.
You know what? I copy and posted our conversation into notepad and looked for the words “dying” and it’s not there. So obviously this is your attempts at trying to reveal something that isn’t there. If you pulled something out of a past conversation it’s pretty clear that you distort it to suit how you want to see things. It’s logical for you to do that because your warped sense of self has to actually make sense. So you find things that you think will work to make you feel better. It’s what you do.
I’m talking about willing and able bodied people. You should only purchase what you can afford to pay for and the banks should only be helping and giving out loans to people that they know will pay them back. I’m talking about every day circumstances and not referring to those that have bad things happen to them.
You still reference the fact that you believe that we are rich monetarily and I think that is sad. The first thing Don and I do every single time we get paid is we give the top % of our money right back to God. We give it to church, we give it to Compassion International, we give it to our local Open Door Mission, we give it to the Billy Graham Evangelic Association, we give it to Samaritan’s Purse, we give it to Young Life, we give it to the American Red Cross, we give it to relay races that go to fight for great causes. We do this right off the top. We try to be extremely responsible with our money. There is nothing controlling or judgmental about it.
It’s sad that when you see me and Don you think you see dollar signs. You think you know, but you really don’t know. It’s actually kind of pathetic on your part. You’ve got a chip on your shoulder and you’ve nicely lumped me into that chip. It actually makes our friendship of 5 years seem 5 years too long.
Who was it that encouraged me to play the bad cop because you were not in a position legally to speak out against the people that were trying to harm you? You think there should come a time to realize how cruel some actions are. Do you once stop and look at yourself in the mirror? You write and speak only to the person that’s in front of you at the moment. You don’t know how to be authentic. If you did you would have never encouraged the bad cop role that was necessary to defend your “good” name. How stupid was I to ever listen to you.
I don’t need any explanation as to why you are here on my blog. We WERE friends of 5 years and you dumped me. It’s a decision that you made and I hope you can live with yourself. In fact, I’m pretty sure that you are content with your decision. You dumped me in an instant message just like somebody that would take out the trash. I hope you can live with that.
I spoke to Lauren, Don and even Faithe. They could not believe that you would end a friendship of 5 years the way that you did. You speak of popping veins and having heart attacks. As I said before, you are a very talented and crafty writer. But you are a horribly mean individual. You become horrible if somebody doesn’t think like you, speak like you, or share a religious or political viewpoint exactly like yours. It’s why you think people are trying to shove their ideas down your throat. It’s not that me or your Dad are trying to do that to you, it’s that you actually care about us and are sad and hurt that we don’t agree with you. There’s a difference in that Gayla.
You say that you would much prefer the advocate, compassionate Angela to the political one. The advocate part in me has not changed. The compassionate part of me as never left. The political part of me you hate because it’s not in line with your belief system. We went through this during the last election and we made a pact that our friendship would prevail in spite of our political differences. Obviously that was something you could not and chose not to deal well with. That’s not my problem because when you look back at the conversation and really think about what was said you were very nasty to me. I really didn’t get the fact that you were angry about something until I popped back on after getting booted off and you were gone. I didn’t see the part where you dumped me until a few hours later. Somehow even before I read those exact words I kinda knew our friendship was over.
As for somebody that wishes to try and see shades of purple I didn’t think you would mind some of the links that I was finding and had I known you viewed that as me trying to force my opinions on you I would have never sent you any links. In fact, we could have talked about not sending each other links which we do all the time! I find it crafty once again that you would choose quotes to suit your defense. The black girl that I mentioned to you has a blog on Myspace. She’s a great blogger and I did think it was neat to find black people that are going to vote for McCain because it just seems like they are either in the closet on that or they are few and far between. Your attempts to make my words something that they are not, is evil and vile.
You think you knew me Gayla. I thought I knew you. Sadly, I was warned three years ago that this would happen and I chose not to take that piece of advice to heart.
How dare you bring my parents into this discussion, which clearly has nothing to do with them. You think there are things you know about me and my family but you seem forget that I know a lot about you and yours too. How awful of you to take that knowledge and use it to stab me in the back. That’s so humble and good of you. I don’t think you know the true meaning of the words “humble” and “good.”
What a great friend and cheerleader you have had in me all these years. What a sheer waste of my precious time, energy and resources to be excited for you, happy for you, and a good friend to you… somebody that I thought was tolerant, open and honest about people and yes, a good friend to me. I was mistaken.
You know, you always carry yourself as if you are the poor soul that is always backed into a corner. It just goes to show you that we see life differently. You view life from a victim’s point of view. Always the victim you are Gayla. You view me and my family as “rich” monetarily. I never once tried to change you. I have always accepted you good, bad, and everything in between. Like I said, you dumped our friendship via an instant messaging conversation. Our friendship of 5 years meant so much to you that you would dump me like trash going out to the curb. I hope you can live with that decision.
Now practice what you preach and leave me alone. Don’t come back. Vote for whoever you want to OR don’t vote, that’s up to you. I don’t want to know how you’re doing. I don’t want an apology. I don’t want your presence in my life. Don’t call me, don’t instant message me, keep your word and be done with me. The trash comes in my neighborhood on Monday morning. I’m not one to haul the trash back into my garage or the side of the house and you shouldn’t either.
You really are one pathetic miserable being, aren’t you? attacking me is one thing – but going so far as to delete my KIDS from your MySpace account – you really are pathetic and I’m glad you are done with us.
I did you the favor of keeping my name and my web address of your precious and ultra superior website – I’ll delete you from everything I have immediately.
God help you when karma comes back around.
1.) Our friendship is over, remember?
2.) I don’t want to be around you any more.
3.) I have God’s protection from your Karma.
Now please leave me alone.
If only people knew how she (Gayla) talks when some one is there in person to hold her accountable for what she says. She isn’t an angel and is the last person I would listen to concerning God, karma, and government.
Anyway, that is neither here nor their.
Shake the dust off of your shoes, Angela. Scrape them, if necessary. Move on. Don’t look back.
Holy cow, what a cat fight!! MEeeooOW!!
I assume, Angela, that you and Gayla were cyber friends, you never actually met in real life.
Oh you poor thing! I hate how e-mails, blogs, etc can be taken so out of context sometimes and just make things worse.
It is sad to lose a “good friend” and I have been there myself.
Sometimes you just have to move on. Try not to burn any bridges, but just move on with your own life. Hang on to your true friends.
I understand why you deleted her and her kids off of myspace. It hurts to see any connection to her after a blowout like this. It’s easier to just cut all ties and move on.
Good luck. My thoughts are with you!
I have a friend that I have known since I was 12 and another friend I have known since I was 18. Close friends like that are few and far between. I had considered Gayla to be one of my best friends. We shared a lot, talked, laughed and cried. So no, even though we have never met face-to-face she was a hell-of-a-lot more than just a cyber friend. There had been plans to sorta meet half-way but nothing ever came to fruition. So yeah, this was all a bit of a shock that all this happened and especially via an instant message of all things. I’m not sure what God’s plan was for us but one thing is for sure.. she was supposed to be in my life and I in hers even if it was just for five years and some change. The chill of the fall air is here, the full moon is high, and I’ve scraped all the dust I could possibly get off my shoes. I have no choice but to move on. That’s how life goes I guess.
Angela,
I’m sorry to hear this!!! It’s horrible how friendships can be swayed and moved and broken down by differing political views. That’s why I HATE HATE HATE talking about politics to anyone besides my husband and father. I abhor conflict and well, you just never really know how well or poorly someone will take your comments or viewpoints.
=/
I’m so sorry that this went on. Time heals all wounds, and it’s okay to mourn. I’m sorry!
I honestly think she woke up on the wrong side of the bed that day because we weren’t instant messaging out of the ordinary. We always send each other links to check out and such. She just happened to have so much hate in her heart for me and my position that she just snapped. She totally took the discussion we were having the wrong way. On top of that she has attempted to make it seem as though I am a bigot. Of course, those that know me realize that I don’t even come close. As you can tell her thoughts are always all over the place. She can’t keep anything on task without talking in circles. A better friend of mine was reading this thread last night and told me he couldn’t believe what she had written and that he didn’t even think she knew what she was talking about. So I look at it like I was at the wrong place, at the wrong time, talking about the wrong thing with her. She snapped, ended the friendship, and that was that. Now she has to live with that decision. Sometimes things happen for a reason and in my case I can chalk it up as a valuable lesson learned.
“I do agree with you that there are many who CAN get off their butts and take care of themselves, there are many who seek to abuse the system – BUT there ARE some who can’t help it. Those are the one’s I’m most concerned about…Those are the ones I am sick for – the ones I feel NEED the help.”
Here’s a thought, if you’re so inclined to be charitable and help people, start a charitable organization. That’s so much better than making taxpayers pick up the tab.
Think about all the tax payers that ARE inclined to start charitable organizations that are making a difference in a lot of lives out there!
Now THAT is what I’m talking about. I can think of a lot of organizations that I have already listed in my great ideas section that would make PERFECT examples and those are just the tip of the iceberg.
Americans are extremely generous with their money which is another reason why the government needs to keep their hands off! With everything that these politicians want to do.. they stand to take from the people that are the most giving of their time, talents and resources up to and including cold hard cash.
It was so tasteless and cruel to post Gayla’s words here. Good decision Gayla…good decision.
[...] agree with it. This election has been a valuable lesson for me personally and I am grateful. It has shown me who my real friends are and it has opened a door for brand new friendships. Ones that are healthy [...]
Gayla McCord IS tasteless and cruel. You just haven’t been around her long enough to figure it out.
You should she what she posted about me on her blog. What a pot stirring @$$ you are to come over here and add your two cents.
Gayla McCord dumping me was the best wake up call that ever happened to me. It taught me just how fake people can be. They will do and say whatever they need to in order to make the best use out of you as she did me.
If I wanted to I could have posted the entire transcript but I did not. I only posted the part that hurt me the most.
Now take your spineless attitude and don’t bother to come back. For all I know it’s really Gayla posting as “Tiffany.”
Keep it up haters and maybe I will post the entire transcript – I really don’t care!
Well it’s unfortunate this all had to go down the way it did, but good day to you, Gayla. I think that was just un-necessary to come on your blog and put all that. You know what I think about all this girly. **hugs**
Hello Angela,
I know it’s a little late, but I just read this blog entry today. I’m sorry that you lost a friend over political/personal views. I think of all people – you know that the devil turned something good into bad and used it to his benefit. He got you two to dislike each other and turned Christian against Christian (if that’s her and your faith-I’m assuming). I don’t know her and I only know what I read about you, but you sound like a strong woman of God and you do your best to obey His word and live a good life. But remember – “When you refuse to love people because they’re hard to love, you forget the fact that God always loves you, even though you’re not always easy to love.” Take the high road and extend a peace offering to her, if you haven’t already. It’s the right thing to do. Now if she’s a back-biting, fake Christian – just allow God to love her through you when you’re unable to do it yourself. Pray for her and accept her for her faults and agree to disagree.
That’s my 2-cents.
Be blessed!
I used to think it was decent to ‘agree to disagree’… but the more I examine and learn and study history and humanity and philosophy, the more I am certain that I have arrived at my conclusions the old fashioned way, by mental work and careful thought. I am not an “ist” and I don’t mindlessly embrace an “ism”. I am a human being who has earned through study a worldview that is consistent with TRUTH AND REALITY.
If I had a friend that insisted I was wrong but generously agreed to overlook it ‘for the sake of our friendship’ I’d step back. On what basis do you HAVE a friendship? Is it really possible for two people to BE friends when one is, as I am, convinced of the truth and reality of his worldview and the other believes the OPPOSITE?
I don’t think so. It’s just the price of having a firm set of beliefs. What boggles is that any thinking functioning person does NOT believe what I do. Because I know I am not stupid, not easily led, not given to being swayed by emotion…
sigh. This stuff isn’t as easy as it should be.
It wasn’t easy when it was happening but today I would have to say that it’s pretty darn easy.
I don’t look back. We were “friends” for a season, and that’s that. No sense in crying over spilled milk.
I think it’s ok to agree to disagree until at which point you can pick up where you left off in order to try and find common ground.
When people use the agree to disagree mantra for the purpose of shutting somebody up.. well.. it’s because they are too weak to have an adult conversation.. to be real.. or authentic.
The behavior who’s physical attributes are that of a toddler’s tantrum are of no use to me. It’s a great big ol’ waste of time.
Sometimes what we believe is “friendship” is really something else… wishful thinking.
This was a valuable lesson learned for me and one that I would completely do over and over again to learn the very same lesson.
I thank God every day that he shows me what I need to see in this world so I don’t have to keep repeating the process.
God is good.
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