As of this writing, I have two of my six kids engaged to be married. I am so excited that I am going to be a grandpa someday I can hardly sit still thinking about it. One reason I can’t wait for grandkids is I want to see how my kids handle the fulfillment of our parental curse, “I hope you have a kid just like you some day.” That is going to be fun to watch.
I am so thankful, though, that all my kids are growing up. Some people don’t, you know. Some remain childish all their lives. One way we recognize them is by how they handle offenses, or even worse, if they get upset at micro-aggressions.
I was raised in a time when we were all taught, “Sticks and stones my break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Now, don’t get me wrong. I know words can hurt; but to get massively upset over a micro-aggression?!?
Some of these offended folks go to the extreme of blocking traffic, chaining themselves to something, interrupting meetings, canceling meetings, and other such nonsense. And the media gives these people airtime, and they raise millions of dollars for their cause.
In their cries for “TOLERANCE” they have become very intolerant of those who are truly reasonable. The majority of society DO NOT block traffic, chain themselves to something, or get media time for doing childish antics. The majority of the people are reasonable and we expect others to be reasonable as well. But, here we are.
The good news is that we, the reasonable, can do something to slow this down (it will take some time to turn this whole Titanic around).
We can choose to not be offended
This is simple, but not necessarily easy. It takes a certain mindset that thinks before it responds. Oh, we can choose to get really upset, hold a grudge, ruin our friendships, and our reputation. Or we can choose to grow up, laugh at ourselves, and move on. And we can choose to not let the words and actions of others dictate our lives. In other words, we choose not to play their game.
Understand who the offended really are
These easily offended people are spoiled and childish. And their ideas are very easy to refute. Granted, they are entitled to their own opinions, but not to their own facts. We do not have to recognize, respect, or give in to foolishness just because someone believes it. They can believe that cows have souls and feelings and they can become a vegan because of it. But if they want me to give up eating my steak, then WE have a problem.
Understand that an offense only produces a feeling
And feelings are one of the least important things in all of life. However, I am out of room and will take this up in the next post. Don’t feel bad, though. I’ll be back, “Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.”
Until then, tell me of a time when you were able to laugh off something you could have been offended at.