It's true that reputations (good and bad, true or false) precede the individuals to whom they are assigned.
I'm thinking of someone whose reputation I knew quite well - and long before I'd had any opportunity to meet or work with him. Then circumstances chanced for us to meet and work together a bit and I discovered that while parts of his reputation were indeed true, I experienced those elements positively and not at all in the negative ways they were usually reported by others. In fact, I've come to know this man as a dedicated minister of the gospel whose love for his people is exemplary and self-giving.
Makes me wonder... how many other reputations have I accepted as true when I've never even had the opportunity to make the person's acquaintance in any serious fashion? I'm sure there's a word for that... yes... it's prejudice...
Makes me wonder... and that's a good thing.
This is so true. You expressed my thoughts exactly. Many times I have been told something and it is not even close to what the truth is. It's best (if we can do it) to judge for ourselves and give everyone a chance. Thanks for making me think of this.
ReplyDeletePadre,
ReplyDeleteI too agree. I know many people who seem to relish the labeling of other people.
I try to block it out and form my own opinion.
Excellent point made. Wondering is always a good thing!
ROB