You want to know something that has always interested me?
Perspectives.
As a kid, I didn’t think about them. Whatever my parents thought or whatever the church thought, was all I cared about. Honestly, I didn’t even recognize that there even COULD be other perspectives at that time.
As I grew up, and began to have my own perspective on things, it was very hard. I could understand lots of different people’s points of view, but in my circle growing up, all other opinions were simply bad and possibly even evil.
When I got older, got out of the house, and began to start forming my personal view of the world from scratch again at 19 years old, something snapped when I thought about this analogy… I LOVE ANALOGIES!
Fire.
It has the ability to keeps us warm and dry. It can be used to create energy through steam powered mechanics. It can be utilized to help natural ecosystems start fresh.
It also has the ability to burn our skin, and take lives. It can be used in warfare. It can get out of control and destroy natural ecosystems.
It’s all in your perspective.
If a fire took the life of my husband. I would probably hate fire.
If I have never been burned and enjoyed bonfires with smores, I would probably love fire.
THIS IS THE POINT:
You cannot look at something and declare it good or bad. Anything can be good or bad depending on your perspective.
Examples: diets, medication, food, marriage, work, music, hobbies, trips, government
All of these subjects are examples of things that many people have differing opinions on, and they will fight tooth and nail to prove that their perspective is the right one… but that’s the thing… it’s just a perspective and perspective vary.
Now there are some things that are pretty black and white. Rape. Molestation. Murder. Pedophilia. Those are a few black and whites.
But when it comes to most of what I see people arguing about, it’s the stuff that really doesn’t matter in the long run.
And other thing to remember, is that a perspective is developed throughout a person’s life. Their upbringing, their experiences, their battles will shape their opinions of the world.
You may not have the same perspective, because you haven’t had the same life… AND THAT’S OKAY!
There are going to be things that you disagree with, that no one will understand why you do.
When I see a child being screamed at or treated poorly, I remember my childhood, and I get very upset. Those who don’t know me personally, may not understand my behavior towards that kind of situation because they don’t understand what experiences created the opinion in my mind that children should not be treated that kind of way.
With all that is going on in our country right now, the differences of opinion are a daily conversation. If we are ever going to be able to unite together, we have to become aware of our perspectives and give grace to other perspectives, even if we don’t understand them fully.