Kindness Matters

A couple of days ago I made what I thought was a simple, thought-provoking comment on a public page that supports Creation.

I shared something Wendell had once said. I wrote, "My late husband used to say, "If we evolved from apes, why are there still apes?"

To my surprise, the responses I received were not thoughtful or respectful. Instead, many were cruel, belittling, and full of anger. Some even called me names; two called me an idiot. And all of them tried to educate me on my ignorance.

I was saddened, not so much that people disagreed with me, but by the harshness of their words. We live in a world where respectful conversation seems harder and harder to find. What happened to disagreeing without tearing each other down??

I can't help but wonder why people get so shaken when someone shares their faith. Why does what I believe upset you? I don't get upset over what you believe.

If a person talks about a favorite book, hobby or even diet choice, others usually just nod and move on. But when faith is mentioned, suddenly walls go up and emotions flare.

Maybe it's because faith touches on deeper questions of life, purpose and accountability, and those can be uncomfortable to think about?

Still, it is puzzling to be that instead of simply disagreeing, or even moving on without any comment, some respond with downright hostility. Wow, that was hard on me. I think I will stay off public forums from now on.

I'm thankful for my faith, because it reminds me that my worth is not determined by the insults of others. I believe we were created by a loving God, and I will continue to share that hope, even if it is unpopular.

Sometimes, it's not about "winning an argument" but about planting seeds of thought and trusting God to do the rest. But more than that, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.