This morning I'm posting a quote which has frequently appeared on social media and in several different versions. It's source is unknown.
I offer it here as a kind of examination of conscience - for everyone - for all of us. In light of that, please refrain from commenting unless you care to share with all of us how you have been guilty of the transgressions outlined in this quote.
Having an opinion is human.
Disagreeing is natural.
We were never meant to all
think, see, or believe the same,
in the same way, at the same time.
That's what makes conversations powerful
and growth possible.
However, what's not okay
is attacking someone's character
just because their perspective challenges yours.
What's also not okay
is confusing disrespect with strength.
You can stand firm in what you believe
without tearing someone else down.
You can speak your truth
without silencing someone else's.
Maturity isn't about winning arguments;
it's about keeping your integrity
when it would be easier to be cruel.
Respect should never go out of style,
yet somehow, it's one thing
our society is running low on.
Different views need not divide us
- but disrespect always does.
