The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
What is it about that slogan that, although Al-anon embraces it, it is so hard for some to accept, for others to practice and for some to allow others (like myself to chose) to accept and use and live by?
My Sponsor tells me again and again to LET GO and LET GOD and qualifies it as the act of GIVING MY TROUBLES, [OR WHAT I CANNOT DEAL WITH IN MY OWN STRENGTH], to HIM (as in my Higher Power) rather than keep them to MYSELF.
I am told I cannot refer to GOD in this way, that is being exclusive and others might find it offensive and exclusive.
How then should I interpret the Al-anon Slogan "LET GO and LET GOD", without offending others? I see no offence in this slogan, but apparently it is? If so, how is it offensive?
I am told I would be offending others by saying the above, even though it has been said to me numerously and I have never been offended by it and neither has anyone else as far as I am aware, except here in this forum.
I chose to include everyone and exclude NO ONE.
It is they who chose to exclude me by telling me I cannot say or write this for fear of excluding or offending others, but al-anon can say it, print it, write it, speak, and indeed does.
Al-anon talks about the God of our understanding and God as our Higher Power, and yet it is ME who is CENSORED for speaking in the same vein.
Although it is used a million times a day all over the world and in so much of our literature and in so many of our meetings; and I see it openly referred to in my own News and Views, the newsletter of Al-anon in England, in The Forum and other American Australian and Canadian newsletters, and repeatedly in our daily readers such as Courage to Change, Hope for Today, Pathways to Recovery, et alI see no censorship in using and refering to God! LET GO, LET GOD.
GOD grant me the Serenity to accept the things I can change..... there we go again GOD.
So why cannot we talk about a God of our understanding in the same way as we can talk about a Higher Power of our understanding?
And can the Higher Power of our understanding be the same as the God of our understanding?
If we are to be truly INCLUSIVE AND TOLERANT OF ALL, what is so wrong in saying give your pain to God...for it is the same as saying give your pain to your Higher Power. My Higher Power and my God just happen to be the one and the same as I understand them. However I do not say my perception is right and any other is wrong.
All I am saying is LET GO - LET GOD - as in, hand over what you cannot deal with and give it to GOD. A simple and effective truth, turn it over, let go, and let God.
I see it quoted by newbies and old timers over and over again. It seems to be the one over-arching single piece of advice that covers all situations, every one of us, and each problem that we come up against.
Let Go, Let God. There, I have said it again. And I WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE BY THAT CODE day by day, in all that I say and in all that I think and in all that I do.
The [Higher Power] God of MY UNDERSTANDING - as I understand in this simple and wonderful slogan - IS THE GOD THAT I LET GO, LET GOD TOO.
LET GO, LET GOD!
Take what you like and leave the rest, the interpretation is down to personal choice. I am just turning things over and trying to understand another who keeps passing judgement upon me and leaving me very confused, and offended and excluded.
Suzannah
__________________
Out of the ruin of my past I have found the fortress of myself and I know how to defend it.
Strive for WISDOM; Seek SERENITY; NEVER compromise your INTEGRITY.
I would like to ask that we consider posting message board guidelines at the top of the board. In the past several years, several misunderstandings and disagreements have cropped up about how, when, if, and in what way God or HP can be referred to. For example, issues have arisen around nicknames (JesusIsLight), for example, is not considered an appropriate nickname for this board. Issues have arisen around wether or not you can sign your posts with a particular religious passage, etc. I believe a lot of misunderstandings and confusion could be avoided if we simply posted a series of guidelines at the top of the message board--MANY message boards do this and I think it would help clear up things--an ounce of prevention is a pound of cure. Since we are a spiritual program, I think it IS confusing, especially for new comers on this message board what is o.k. and what is not. And, in all of the Alanon meetings themselves that I have ever attended there is a clear set of guidelines for what to say (i.e. no talk of religion) and how to say it (no cross-talk).
In my experience I will use scripture or say how my hp helps me.
I own my own statement or feelings.This is how I look at it etc Not saying this is the way it is.
For example, One may say,"for me I enjoy xmas, even though it is a manmade holiday."
Or another may say,"Well I choose not to celebrate a man made holiday,twisted around paganism."This is MY belief. NO one else has to agree or disagree.
I agree this issue is not consistant here for all members,nor is it understandable.
Take what you like and leave the rest.We only need to say in my understanding etc.
I am very clear I am a Jehovah's Witness. I don't say it is the only way, etc. I feel we are an example but how we act, how we love, how we speak to one another.
How can I handle this in a loving way.
For as many years I have been here, I am really proud of everyone here.The Atmosphere at MIP is a miracle in itself.
I want to be direct too, there is NOTHING veiled in my post. I have asked several genuine and open questions; I find your response odd.
I am trying to solve a genuine dichotomy, in order to keep my own integrity, without upsetting others, causing offense or being exclusive in my language.
It took me some time to write as I chose my words very carefully, however, I felt I had been up front in addressing the issue in question and in asking for others opinions and experiences.
Are you saying that my post was inappropriate? I hope not, and if so, then I would like to know why you thought it so. Please send me a private message if you feel it more appropriate.
Suzannah
__________________
Out of the ruin of my past I have found the fortress of myself and I know how to defend it.
Strive for WISDOM; Seek SERENITY; NEVER compromise your INTEGRITY.
sue many people believe the title God means the one creator.Not realizing there are many gods. Each god has its own personal name. Just the same as king,there are many different kinds of kings with their own personal names.
I have always taken let go and let god as the god of your own personal understanding.
I agree this subject is hazy.
to be honest, I am confused to.
"Help me to find peace of mind within myself by uniting myself with God's power and guidance.That is the spiritual way out of my difficulties--the only sure way."
The Bible, quoted in, "Courage to Change."
"As Al-Anon members, the ability to let go and let God is a vital tool of recovery,healing and dealing....God has the ability to turn the tide and myth that this person is hopeless be mashed."
Posted by John, the owner of this site.
love,debilyn
ps I don't want guidelines or rules we all have walked on eggshells enough.
I would rather be contacted and told gently about we don't use profanity here or tell dirty jokes. to some that is just a given, to others it is the way they talk naturally.
Yes I agree, this is a difficult subject and one I would not broach if I did not feel I had been pressed into broaching it in order to try to understand why I am being judged or misjudged.
I understand the meaning only too well about the many Gods, Kings, and personal understandings and I always try so hard not to force my opinion. I try too to point out The Bible quotes in Courage to Change for example and I love your quote from John, the owner of this site.
All are invaluable, I just find it so hard to be put down, misjudged and accused of having ulterior motives or peddling my own truth.
I can only be me Debilyn. All I want to do is help, encourage, comfort and be there for my brothers and sisters in this amazing family.
I am fragile right now, as you are aware and I try so hard not to be hurt and sad and misunderstood and cause concern.
Again, dear friend, thank you. I will continue to explore, understand and support. I do not like people saying OMG, I find that insulting but it is common language and so I try to be broad minded and tolerant; and I try not to expect broadmindedness and tolerance back.
Hey, how am I doing so far?
Sh
__________________
Out of the ruin of my past I have found the fortress of myself and I know how to defend it.
Strive for WISDOM; Seek SERENITY; NEVER compromise your INTEGRITY.
This would probably be a good "group conscience" thing to address.
Has anyone here any similar experience with this happening in face to face meetings, where the word "God" just turns into controversy? How have the face to face meetings settled this?
I, too, find it odd that in an Al-Anon forum or discussion that a person would be discouraged from using the word "God", as it is used all over the Al-Anon approved literature over and over and over and over again. I'd think the WSO would have removed the word "God" from all their literature if they perhaps felt that too many people would get caught up in the definitions of that word.
It is emphasized over and over again in this program that it is a "God" of our own individual understanding. Period. No more argument about it.
I don't think this program would be able to do what it does without God. Like AA without the spiritual part is rational recovery and that is not much more than a joke at this point.
I think the God thing gets touchy when we explain our experience with our God and it doesn't jive with what someone else believes and they get offended.
Someone in a meeting said to me "Let Go and let God Get 'em!" And that helped me in that time to think about the fact that my God is on MY side and will take care of me if I let him.
I'm not sure what was said to you, but, God is in our liturature, we say the lords prayer at the end of the meetings, and I couldn't do this without Him. Take what you like and leave the rest alone!
I must admit that your question is one that I have pondered for a long time. I don't get it either....
I always thought that the reference to "leaving religion out of it" referred more in regards to preaching a belief system (i.e., Saturday sabbath, 12 sacraments, reincarnation....) than stating one believes in something that is the foundation of the program.
I suppose it all stems from the move toward being all-inclusive, somewhat along the lines of the push to take "God" out of the Pledge of Allegience (one of the founding principles of the USA) and off currency. It's a tough one. I think ultimately AA/Al-anon wants to reach as many people as possible and wants everyone to feel like they belong. It is very confusing. I believe it may be one of those things that may have evolved over time.
Just so you know, I think you are wonderful and am very glad you are here.
Blessings, Lou
-- Edited by Loupiness at 23:25, 2008-05-22
__________________
Every new day begins with new possibilities. It's up to us to fill it with the things that move us toward progress and peace. ~ Ronald Reagan~
Sometimes what you want to do has to fail, so you won't ~Marguerite Bro~
I think the problem stems from AA being a Christian based program originally. Thus the many Christian based slogans and prayers used. To include everyone the powers that be had to say "the God of our understanding", only they didn't remove the Christian based things. Alanon borrowed it's program from AA so we inherited the problem.
We have many "Gods of our understanding" here. Catholic, Jewish, Jehovah's Witness, Muslim etc. . They all have their own God, believe differently and are all sure theirs is the correct way to believe...and then there's me (and a few others). I don't believe in organized religion. God didn't create all the different religions and beliefs, people did. I'm not offended by what others believe at all. I can't say I enjoy reading posts that are full of religious matter.
I can't say I'm fond of scripture quoting either. Especially when it's done in the fashion of "It's in the Bible so it's the law of the land". Who's land? Not the land of a Muslim or Jew. If I was a Muslim and quoted from the Qur'an , that wouldbe my Bible. Muslims believe the Quran to be the book of divine guidance and direction for mankind, and consider the original text to be the final revelation of God. (Wikipedia)
So, maybe you can see why it could cause a problem. If someone consistantly quoted scripture from the Qur'an you may be offended because you are Christian and it could even appear as blasphemy to you.
When I was a kid in school we were served fish sandwiches every Friday because of the Catholic beliefs. It's kind of the same principal though. Because of what they believed, I was affected by having to deal with it and I resented it! I didn't want fish every darn Friday. Nor do I want to read anyones scripture quoting repeatedly.
I can't say I understand the duality of the program but I do understand what you are saying. It's been an ongoing question in the program. The line is very blurry. The program suggests you have an HP of your understanding, but the program itself has sayings that are blatantly Christian, but you can't talk about it. LOL!
I hope I didn't offend anyone, you never know. If I did then I guess it just drives the point home. It's a difficult subject and I did my best to be politically correct.
Christy
__________________
If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
This thread immediately popped up into my head at the beginning of my meeting tonight when we were going through the opening readings, one of which is:
3 Obstacles to Success in Al-Anon
All Al-Anon discussions should be constructive, helpful, loving and understanding. In striving toward these ideals, we avoid topics that can lead to dissension and distract us from our goals.
1. DISCUSSIONS OF RELIGION
Al-Anon is not allied with any sect or denomination. It is a spiritual program, based on no particular form of religion. Everyone is welcome, no matter of what affiliation or none. Let us not defeat our purpose by entering into discussions concerning specific religious tenets.
2. GOSSIP
We meet to help ourselves and others to learn and use the Al-Anon philosophy. In such groups gossip can have no part. We do not discuss members or others, and particularly not the alcoholic; our dedication to anonymity gives people confidence in Al-Anon. Careless repeating of matters heard at meetings can defeat the very purpose for which we are joined together.
3. DOMINANCE
Our leaders are chosen not to govern, but to serve. No member of Al-Anon should direct, assume authority or give advice. Our program is based on suggestion, interchange of experience, and rotation of leadership. We progress in our own way and pace. Any attempt to manage or direct is likely to have disastrous consequences for group harmony.
I honestly have no clue where these issues stemmed from, but might be a help to all here to remember the three obstacles, and if their shares start to fall within an area where they may be starting to overstep the 3 obstacles, then perhaps it could be why some others may be becoming offended in some way.
I think #1. both protects us and allows us the right to safely use the word "God" in our shares, and at the same time reminds us not to start going into too many specifics.
Another thing that kind of popped up into my head, too, is for me, I must remember if something triggers a negative reaction in me, then there's something within myself that is still not feeling very secure about the issue at hand. One of those situations where I'm instructed through the literature and by my sponsor to perhaps put a little space in the form of time between the triggering situation and the response I have to it, and take that time to reflect with my HP about what's really going on.
I have to remember that snap judgments and assumptions about another person's motives are part of the reason I'm here in the first place - I have a major, MAJOR problem with deciding to react to things immediately rather than take some time to be really thoughtful and respond instead of react.
Once again, these forums and chatrooms really are a different animal than the traditional Al-Anon meetings. There is much cross-talk, and this environment is more like a post-meeting meeting. Makes it more challenging to remember some of the basic guidelines and adhere to them.
Even now I honestly feel nervous even putting my two-cents in on this.
I pretty much agree with all that has been said here so far. This can be a confusing subject. One other way to look at it is to remember that none of us is here because we are perfectly healthy in our interactions with others. This includes the person who gets offended. Sometimes I may be the one stepping out of bounds. Sometimes it is someone else. If someone shares that they have a problem with me, (and they don't always do it in a healthy way ie, judging, accusing, etc.) then I first try to look at myself as honestly as I can. Have I truely stepped on someones toes? Maybe I even do a mini 4th step on the subject. Then I remind myself that no matter how long another has been in this program, we are all still here for a reason, and try not to take it personally.
The subject of anonymity also applies here. It has to do with keeping a level playing field. If you can find the pamphlet where Lois talks about anonymity, it is a good one.
I personally do not call the HP of my understanding God, but I understand that many in the program, including its founders, do. However they included "HP" and "God of our understanding" for a reason and I for one am glad they did. It gives me the freedom to not have to use terminology that does not fit for me. I try to do the same for others.
Just my humble opinion. I think it's good to have a respectful discussion about this once in awhile.
In recovery,
__________________
~Jen~
"When you come to the edge of all you know you must believe in one of two things... there will be earth on which to stand or you will be given wings." ~Unknown
First I thank you Susannah for being courageous enough to bring this up. This is how we learn, we have been beat down too long.
I love all the responses.All were heartfelt and wise.
Agreeing and shaking my head,"YES!" as I read on.
From my experience Al-Anon teaches us we don't witness our own beliefs to others here. (and being a Jehovah's Witness, if I can shut my mouth,anyone can. haha This is what I meant by we witness our own being,by our actions too.It is vital for ME however to share I am a JW as that is the number one thing in my life)
Al-Anon is not to be connected to any form of belief, that all forms are welcome.
We cannot help but be who we are. My biggest part of me is spiritual, the creator I love, is number one with me.
If we could not quote what is personal to us,whether it be the "Talmud, Kahil Gibran, Bible,Gandi,Popeye, or Dori just swim,just swim..or in other words, keep going on foot in front of the other,we leave out a huge part of our being. We OWN it,we don't witness it.
BIG difference.
Look at the two things I posted,both are used in Al Anon. Yet they both say the same thing.
All I know is I LOVE how we can discuss tender subjects and be so open and kind to each other.
Now you see how come I cannot leave here.
Hugs to you all,now pass me my delicious soy cream cheese cheesecake I made for me,and pass everyone else the dairy kind......
Our leaders are chosen not to govern, but to serve. No member of Al-Anon should direct, assume authority or give advice. Our program is based on suggestion, interchange of experience, and rotation of leadership. We progress in our own way and pace. Any attempt to manage or direct is likely to have disastrous consequences for group harmony. "
I continue to be moved by this family, by the wisdom within, by the care and concern. However, I cannot deny who I am and realise that I have allowed myself to be dominated time and time again. Not any more, I will assert my right when I feel I am being misjudged.
The shares have been wonderful, the respect has been a moving lesson of understanding and love:
1. I embrace ALL that Al-anon is and stands for.
2. I accept the spirituality within the programme, FOR MYSELF, it defines me, who I am, how I think, act, and process things; even more importantly it gives me the generosity to allow others to be themselves too; for the programme defines TOLERANCE as well as being.
3. I choose NOT to exclude anyone, and care and share regardless of dominance. I too serve this family, and do not use this forum to dominant another persons own belief system, I state mine as mine without expecting or forcing anyone's mind to believe otherwise. However, I do feel I am entitled to the same considerations, otherwise it is the same as a dictatorship.
I will continue to ponder the duality of this forum and the sensitivity of this family, and once again vow to be equal in my dealings with all.
However I do believe that we ALL have a right not to be dominated by one person's inappropriate censorship. I deserve the same respect and I will continue to strife to stand up for that right and not be bullied into submission by heavy-handedness. Right this minute I am letting go, letting God. It is the only way forward for me. If ever there was a slogan made to match the moment it is this one:
UNTO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE.
So, dear family, LET GO, LET GOD is the best I can continue to do at this time, if I am to remain TRUE TO THINE OWN SELF...
Suzannah
__________________
Out of the ruin of my past I have found the fortress of myself and I know how to defend it.
Strive for WISDOM; Seek SERENITY; NEVER compromise your INTEGRITY.
The bottom line for me is that I do my best to be accepting of everyone. I put the Alanon program in the same category. It says some things I don't care for but ..whatever. It doesn't require me to claim a religion to be a member. It allows me to follow my spiritual path and just be. I'm still alowed to believe what I want. The program can influence how I do things, but not who I am, because I am not my actions. I don't have to agree with everyone, just as I don't have to agree with everything that the program says.
Taking what I like and leaving the rest has worked for me for the most part. The many other wonderful aspects and teachings of the program far outweigh the particulars that I don't care for.
I choose peace.
Christy
__________________
If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
As Tradition # 5 states " Each Al-Alon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We must at keep this in mind at all times. We must also remember that anyone is welcome here. I have no problem with any of the above. I go to Al-Anon meetings, and come to MIP to help myself, and hopefully others. Whatever my beliefs, I leave them outside the doors whether here, are at a meeting. I feel that way because I respect the other members who do not have the same beliefs that I do. MY God and your God, My HP and your HP might not be the same, and I will always respect that. If a person does not have a HP, then that is their choice. I personially do have a HP. I would never throw that in anyones face, but I am not ashamed to admit it. My HP happens to be my God as I understand him. The God of understanding comes from the way I was raised. I would never try to push my beliefs on someone else. In Al-Anon I must always respect the fact that anyone can have the HP of their choosing, or no PH at all. I try to practice The 12 Steps in my everyday life. My God, and your God is refered to 6 or 7 times in the steps. My God, my HP, helps me deal with my problems and my needs. Your choice of a God,or HP is yours and yours alone, or to have no PH at all. I do feel comfortable mentioning my God , or my HP in my posts or at a meeting. I think the important thing there is tha word "MY", because "MY God" can be different from yours, or you can not have one at all. That way we contines to respect each other, and must continue to keep in mind that we are all here for the very same reason. RLC
The problem that I see is that despite the claim that it is, this board is not Al-Anon (and I am not sure if the meeting has been recognized by thw WSO or not):
The material presented here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method to exchange information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal level.
If the board were truly Al-Anon, there would not be postings from non-CAL materials (e.g., Hazeldon materials) or self-help books. Instead, there is oftentimes a mixture of all of the above--some of which is not entirely consistent with the principles of the program.
What disturbs me is that on one hand the board does not claim to be Al-Anon, however, posts are still edited/censored for allegedly "violating" Al-Anon principles--more often than not when the post uses the word "God" or contains a quote from the Bible. That approach makes no sense to me and at times I find it disturbing because I do not believe that it is consistent with the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions.
In this case, "Let Go and Let God" is one of the cornerstones of the Al-Anon program. I actively employ that slogan in my life on a daily basis--it is an integral part of my Al-Anon program. That being said, how is it inappropriate to share my ES&H relating to that slogan on a board that professes some sort of Al-Anon foundation?
Either the board is Al-Anon or it is not. If it is not, then everything short of offensive language, jokes etc. should be acceptable. If the board is Al-Anon, then posts should be limited to CAL literature and the goal of the moderators should be to facilitate the sharing of ES &H in a manner that is consistent with the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions.
As I have posted before, these issues will continue to pop up so long as the true nature of the board remains unclear.
Yours in recovery,
SLS
__________________
Do not be anxious about tomorrow; tomorrow will look after itself. The Bible, from Courage to Change, p.138
This IS a great topic of discussion, and I believe that I am the one person (as a moderator) being singled out here, as I DO tend to make requests to people, and/or edit, and/or delete posts that seem far over the edge of simply sharing one's personal ES&H. I think Aloha's points made are the best we have on here, since we are devoid of specific "rules" or group conscience, per se, on MIP. This issue has even, at times, divided us as the moderators of this board, but we are only human as well, and will not agree 100% on every issue.
One's personal religious beliefs should be (relatively) irrelevant on boards such as these, and Al-Anon in general. I would also suggest that there are some major differences between how we say certain things......
In the past three months, I have had replies sent to me privately, all from people who consider themselves to be "Christian", suggesting that I am: a) a Muslim, or Muslim backer; b) that I am surely going to Hell and going to rot there; and c) that I am on a power trip, and playing God myself.
I have posted several times on this subject, about the inappropriateness of bringing specifics of religion into the board. Of course, not all will agree with this, and that's okay.... Then there is the issue of signatures, and I also don't agree that signatures with Scripture, increased in font size, are appropriate here, as they really are, in fact, part of each person's post.
If this post was directed at me, which I am 99.7% sure it was, I want to say that I DO take pride in not singling out people, nor publicly chastizing them, nor making a big deal out of things, wherever possible. There have been a couple of people who have chosen to leave the board over this specific issue, and a couple of others who were banned from the board when this issue escalated into unacceptable attacks on myself and other moderators.
I don't know where we go with this issue. I DO know that such behaviour is not allowed within an Al-Anon meeting, per se, and with good reason. Yes, such words as "Let Go and Let God" are used there, and there isn't any inconsistency shown there.
If you want to "fire me" over this issue, I will expect a severance package with 3x my annual salary as compensation.... Let's see, as a board moderator, I get $0 per annum, so that would mean you all collectively owe me.... hmmm..... $0....
Let's please get the focus back onto recovery
Tom
__________________
"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
I have a personal thing about reading God instead of Higher Power. I just try to keep it in context. CANADIANGUY Tom - I don't think that you should be fired. Your perspective is so, so welcomed. Yea to recovery!
I want to thank everyone who opened up to this discussion. I hope it makes you feel better now, and you learned we all just need to remember to own our own experience,and respect one another.
Part of recovery is learning to be couragious enough to say how you feel. To question something so we better understand it.
It is not always easy to say how we feel,after our feelings being stuck away and stomped on.
Anyway I was quite impressed at everyones willingness to step out when it was uncomfy and share. It is part of our recovery.
thank you so much for your support by sharing and caring and inputting into this debate. It has been quite an eye opener.
I try very hard to keep my faith to myself, even though in all other walks of life I have been encouraged to share my faith. I realise this is not appropriate here. Unfortunately my faith comes through because it is a part of me and has become ingrained in me.
That is why I have so many people who come and ask me about the part my faith has played in my life and circumstances and how I manage with the things I have had to deal with, without becoming cold, bitter, resentful and angry. That always surprises me as I do not see my faith as a visible part of me...I see it as an integral part of me that is PRIVATE, it is just the way I live, speak, and act. However I cannot deny my God, and indeed would not do so.
I do not use this forum to promote my beliefs, never have, never will, I come here for recovery, to share and care and give my experiences and my love of others to others.
I just keep it plain and simple and try to be me, if my faith and my God come through in that then it is simply that it is a part of me just like I have two arms, two legs and a head. I cannot cut it off or out of me. And it would be wrong to do so, as it would be wrong of me to expect anyone else to cut out the heart of their beings.
Someone asked me, - "How important is it?"
Very when I feel I am being silenced and censored inappropriately.
However, I am glad that I did have the courage to bring this subject up and I am amazed and encouraged by the response. I feel that the family has benefited by this open, tolerant and honest debate. I respect everyone who has commented.
In my opinion, it is important that it has been discussed openly and above board, not in private messages and or between one or two, but that the subject has been opened up for ANYONE to comment on, without it becoming a battle ground, or a trial by one or two. I feel that a lot of tolerance has come through and from all sides. Perhaps this is what we must all focus on, TOLERANCE.
Thank you again, I am more than happy that so many have been involved in this discussion and I have learned much.
I hope that censorship is not necessary, I just want to be me, and allow everyone else to be themselves too.
"Let all the world, live as one."
I pray this every day simply because I LOVE PEOPLE, all people, and want the very best for all. Suzannah
__________________
Out of the ruin of my past I have found the fortress of myself and I know how to defend it.
Strive for WISDOM; Seek SERENITY; NEVER compromise your INTEGRITY.
This is what I meant by we witness our own being,by our actions too.It is vital for ME however to share I am a JW as that is the number one thing in my life)