Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

I thought my “Petty Pet Peeves” post was self-explanatory. Light, not dark. Just a few things that bug me—“petty” being the operative word. Small things really except for the Happy Holidays, etc., nonsense instead of Merry Christmas. Inconsequential. Nit-picky but not to be taken too seriously.

Little did I know I would be labeled “joy-less” and have my Christianity questioned. Accused of tearing down to build myself up. Wow! Complaining about nearly everything? Hmm.

Let’s start with book reviews on this blog. I think you could probably count on one hand the number of “bad” reviews I’ve written here. And, honestly, I gave valid reasons for not liking the particular novels and acknowledged that each book would probably find an audience to love it. There have been far more rave reviews posted here than any other kind.

Yeah, I’m defensive. I went through a bunch of my posts to determine whether or not I’m always complaining. I didn’t see that. And I’ll admit I was shocked at the accusations.

So . . . I’m rendered a bit speechless. At least one person is probably glad about that . . .

Father, you know my heart. You’re all I’m living for. Continue to instruct me according to your will and ways. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Posted in

4 responses to “Well . . . wow.”

  1. Dayle Avatar

    I have been accused of being bitter and negative by some. I understand where they’re coming from. I don’t consider myself these things. So how can this be?
    Hypothesis: (the squeaky wheel gets the grease) I’m passionate about the injustices in the world. I believe we can fix many of them. (Not all of course.) So I tend to harp on them. As humans we tend not to converse about the normal or innocuous aspects of life.
    Since I do this, it can lead some to the impression that it consumes me–which it doesn’t. But I do understand the assumption and should keep that in mind.

    Like

  2. Nicole Avatar

    I know we understand each other, Dayle. I hear where you’re coming from and get your approach in commentary. Your heart is evident if people take the time to get an overview of who you are on your blog posts.
    Being a passionate person myself, as in my moniker “Passionate: right or wrong”, I think we can be guilty of obsession over certain things which either profoundly affect the human kind or that just tend to “bug” us.
    Sometimes it’s difficult to determine when someone posts with venom or sarcasm or satire, but I’d say it’s fairly easy to tell a considerable amount about blog people if you read enough of their material. And it’s just as easy not to read them if you decide you don’t care for how they write or what they post or even how they respond.
    Hey, I was shocked at Andi’s double outbursts, and, yes, being thin-skinned and sensitive, it hurt. I love Jesus with my whole heart and to have that assaulted by her words over what I considered a fair book review and a light-hearted post felt like a kick in the gut. But so be it. I failed her.
    Thank you for saying something, Dayle. I appreciate you.

    Like

  3. Robert Liparulo Avatar

    Nicole…you are FULL of joy. I realize that sounds facetious, but I mean it literally and truly. You have often brought joy to my life, with your kind emails, prayers, and encouragement.
    I find it amazing that we can’t have pet peeves–or things we don’t like or even hate–without someone calling us joyless. I believe people who experience true, over-the-top joy also experience deeply felt annoyances. We’re feeling people.
    I wonder if Jesus was a joyless person because he accused the Pharisees of being hypocritical and was angry at the money-changers?
    Never fear, Nicole…you’re fine.

    Like

  4. Nicole Avatar

    Thank you, Robert. You are so thoughtful. I so needed that. Mucho blessings to you, my friend.

    Like

Leave a comment