I love Khalil G- Chanti- wise man indeed and your a wise women- What you say I feel too- it's true...Some hurt cuz, they have Low self esteem of them selves tho', and to hurt others, makes them feel superior in some BiG way- Just as Misery loves Company- Wish it wasn't true- but, it's to wide spread- My mother - hmmm.. my mom did...Wow- and I find myself practicing them words to my School Bus Angels daily-when strife arises--- Thanks for getting this one out too Chanti-Warm HuGs,Sheee

Nice article, Chanti. Love is not easily offended. Sometimes what we perceive to be unkind is really a lesson spoken. Yes, words have power both to slice and mend, but I have learned through my own life that when we are too sensitive and lack trust, we see unkindness sometimes in the words of others when there was none intended. I've also observed that the offended party is often so because they have not shored up within themselves the spiritual power to withstand the slings and arrows of devils. It's a two way street. We should be careful about what we say and write, but also, the easily offended should get over themselves. Either way, God will judge our words. And sometimes strong words must be spoken to make straight the crooked path.

Thanks for your article. Life is always about choices and accepted people where they are. God bless you!

Very good... and always good when Khalil Gibran can be fitted in... if things said are the truth, we may not like them, but we can accept them and hopefully change... and what you said about kindness being a choice is true, but I expand on that to say love is a choice - not a feeling... our feelings arise after we make that choice

Thnx for sharing this Chanti. And yes, I do know people who practice intolerance, while still trying to be kind. I alos know people who will try and poison the minds of others, against someone like me, who has done them no harm. I also know people, like me, whocrawl into their shells and hide from all of the hurt and bigotry that this world has to offer. One of the author's here told me she still has a hard time understanding how one, such as I, could be born "different." She wanted me to help her understand more. So, I have done my best to help her to understand more of why I am the way I am. I responded to her plea for help, and I have been so guilty of trying to help, of trying to be kind, that I too have practiced intolerance. Toward my mother for abandoming me in adolescence, when I needed her love the most. But I have since forgiven her, because I understand that maybe it isn't that she didn't want to accept me for who I am, but didn't know where to start. But she could have sat down with me and talked to me about it. Maybe that is why I was so intolerant. But I have since learned that when you practice what you preach, peaople amy talk nasty about you still, but it has no effect, and does not achieve the derision from others. This is a very good write Chanti, thanx hon for sharing. May the Lord be with you always, and at your side constantly. With much love, peace, & (((HUGS))), Barbie

"If I have to...Then I may as well be."

well done

Very nice article... and I really enjoyed reading it... thought there are things in it that I do not agree with 100 %.

Take care,
Koty

This is a fine article I read something this morning that I must say went along with this. About peace protestors and the woman said she came to the realization that she was not a peaceful person and that even though she had marched in peace marches she had not found the peace she claimed she wanted peace. She stated that she had to do away with the lack of peace within herself before she could be content.

Thanks for sharing this very fine article Chanti!!

Love Tinka

I, too, am a fan of Gibran, as well as a fan of
Chanti Niven. They are both full of wisdom, kindness,
and universal generosity.
Bless you, dear lady.

Well said. I am also a fan of Gibran. R

Very well done, Chanti. What you say is true and it would be nice to always remember the affect our words will have before we use them. This is possible when writing, but once spoken that is not so.

I enjoyed you article very much. You have learned much from your pain in the past and are an excellent writer.

Pat

Words do, indeed hurt. But there is also that train of thought that to appease just for the sakje of appeasing, is foolhardy and insulting to the appeas-ee.

Again the words of the wise utter from your lips and we listen and hear. You are so right we should be kind because we want to be kind not because it may be returned the same as we should love but not in demand of love in return
Sweet Chanti, nice write,

Felix

Excellent write....very wise words that we should all heed..

~Carole

Dearest Chanti. You are such a goddess. You dispense wisdom so easily. Sigh! I am in awe of you. Love to you in the utmost degree.

Regis

Dearest Chanti, those are very wise words indeed. I understand fully the need for tolerance, unfortunately there are those who do not respect, or have any notion of this outlook, hence there will always be conflict. However, I do feel we should all try at least, to be kinder to one another, learn from our own life experience and share the positives with others.

Paul;-]

Chanti,
More articles like this need to surface around the internet! The only thought I could add is that once words are tossed out in anger, they can never be taken back. Others can forgive and move forward but seldom to we forget cruel hurtful words spoken to us. Excellent article and very well written!

Sherry