THURSDAY THOUGHTS: JUST ASK

Everyone will not like you, or want you around. 

Some folk are on a mission to make sure the picture doesn't include others, and have no qualms demonizing them. 

You, however, have to take a stand. 

If you're going to be annoyed with, or dislike someone, shouldn't it be your choice? 

Does it make sense to mad just because someone else is? Huh? What is THAT about? You're supposed to suddenly change your opinion of someone, when they have done NOTHING to justify it? 

One person decides not to communicate with someone; has a hidden, unresolved or unfounded issue; jumps to the wrong conclusion, or just needs Jesus, and now EVERYBODY is supposed to be mad and ostracize, too? Please. That's not solidarity. That's not support. That's just stupid. 

Do we really want others to uphold us in immaturity, wrongdoing, backward thinking, or denial? 

People miss out on wonderful friendships when they hop on someone's bandwagon of ill will. If someone has done you absolutely no harm--ever--what on Earth are you mad at them about? It CAN'T be because of what someone ELSE said! What if there is an obvious bias? You've got to acknowledge that the judgment of people you know, trust, or love can have its off days, too. 

Endeavor to get WHOLE stories, because there's ALWAYS a viewpoint to which you may not be privy if you only listen to one side. 

Don't let selfish, paranoid, unreasonably ambitious, unnecessarily competitive, jealous, strife-loving people keep you at odds with others, and cause you to miss, or turn down great opportunities, resources, relationships. 

Have a mind of your own--and if you want to know something, ASK. Make sure, of course, that its your business.