Into the Fire

. . . for long enough, you've no doubt experienced the potential downside to the gig.

Some blog writers wouldn't know how to incite anyone to anger if they tried, but others of us do it occasionally without even trying. I don't think anyone can comment on politics these days without incurring somebody's wrath, so I post ***warnings*** if I plan to air some pent up frustrations and intense dislikes for the state of the present administration. I admit to being surprised at a couple of irate comments leveled at me for book reviews and miscellaneous posts.

People seem to plant themselves on both sides of the fence in regard to posts and comments, some reminding us all that sarcasm or irony can't always be "heard" in cyberspace. I haven't decided if I agree with that statement. They expound on the danger of our wildfire tongues inciting people, to watch our words, and to basically be kind and gentle–or in other words: don't make waves.

This presents a potential problem for passionate people like me with strong opinions born of core issues. I'm not advocating being unkind, sarcastic, mean-spirited, or ugly with words. I am in favor of presenting ourselves as real people. In the process of doing so we should be mindful of offense but not driven by avoiding it. Jesus said some pretty offensive words to the Pharisees, but understand the reason I bring this up here. Jesus wasn't all soft and squishy like some would have us picture Him. Heavy on the Love and Grace, light on the Just and Judge. And neither am I comparing our measly blog topics to the life and death pronouncements of our Savior.

Writers of blogs choose their weapons with their words. Sweetness and light or dour and dark or anything in between. I think it's important when visiting blogs to take the overall tone of the blog into consideration before shooting out a comment never to return. Especially if your comment is negative. People do sometimes elect to rant on their own blogs and should be given that freedom. No one is coerced to visit there. And one blog post usually doesn't wholely identify or define the individual who writes it.

So. Or so what? Be reasonable. Keep a sense of humor. Let people be who they are. Each one of us will give an account to God.

Lord, help us to reflect your light, truth, and justice, complemented by your grace. Apart from you, we can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.