Secret ingredient...pain

It seems that more than the norm, there are a lot of hurting Gather members right now.  Some because of personal issues (me included) and others because of the dysfunctional relationships they have experienced on this site.

Tempers are flying and feelings are being hurt.  Don't get me wrong...I get mine hurt too.  However, I have had to learn to understand that most folks who strike out have a lot going on inside of them.  Sometimes it has nothing to do with us.  I try to forgive as much as I have the ability to do so.  For I have come to realize that hurting people, hurt people.

It grieves me and literally brings me to tears reading about all the pain that is in this place.  The folks that criticize others are hurting too.  It could be for various reasons.  Maybe they never had a positive role model?  Maybe they too are going through tough times and it has clouded their ability to see the positive things in their lives?  Maybe it's their temperment?  Some folks, though they don't mean too, have temperments that come across a little harsh.  Maybe they feel insecure about themselves?

If you are whole inside and feel good about yourself...then you want others around you to be whole and feel good about themselves, as well.  I've never seen a person who is really content with themselves put others down.

I have been a member of many sites and believe it or not...we have it good here.  This is a more kinder and supportive site than most sites combined and we get paid for it too!

My prayers are for all those whose pain is so deep that you find peace and comfort in the near future.  I myself...feel very badly if I know I hurt someone's feelings.  We are human and sometimes we make mistakes.

Please everyone...try to get along and don't take jabs at the other members.  If you need to talk about it...it's okay.  But try to be kind and light hearted about it.  Yes...sometimes you will still hurt their feelings, but usually it's because the pain in their hearts run much deeper than what's on the surface.  So have patience with them and try to understand their pain.  We often times, never realize what they've meant to us until it's too late and they're no longer with us.

Many times folks are looking to be accepted for who God made them to be and are having a hard time finding an avenue to express that...  This world would be a dull place if every opinion and idea was the same.  This is what makes the world flavorful and fun!  This world would get old fast if everyone thought the same way and acted the same way.  So please...try to find the good in everyone.  You will be much happier for it.  I pray that peace be your umpire in all that you do...