Everyone has an opinion

Sometimes when I sit down to write I have a million ideas swirling through my head. I have so many things that I am interested in. I have quite a lot to say on several topics. Some of what I have to say can be shared with the world and I am usually happy to do it. Then there are those other times…

There are just those issues that I know I don’t need to comment on. It’s not that I don’t have an opinion to share. Sure, I know what I think on the subject. However, is it my place to bring the subject up? If it has to do with something I know how to do sure, but what about those things that I see from the sideline? Should I be willing to speak on those things too?

The answer is yes. I should be willing to share my comments regardless. In sharing my comments, should I share everything? No. Where is the line?

For me, I want to produce content that reflects who I am. I refuse to tear down. I refuse to insult. I want to encourage. I want to motivate. I want to offer hope. I want to offer perspective. Is it always the right perspective? For me perhaps, but I don’t make the assumption that it is for everyone.

To that end, I am going to make a potentially inflammatory statement. Are you ready? Life is too short to be a jerk. So, don’t do it. You will be glad you didn’t. Sure, you have an opinion. Please share it. I want to know how you feel and what you think. If need be, let’s have a spirited discussion. We can do it as friends.

Please know this about me: God loves you and so do I. We will never agree on everything and I like it that way. It keeps things interesting. I can disagree with you and still love you. I can disagree with you and still be great friends with you. I have too much respect for you to do otherwise.

I speak from experience when I say I understand life is fragile. I would far rather walk through that fragility with honesty and respect and care. I want to spend my time on earth loving people and making friends. Life is better together.

Plus, as we get into really good discussion where we disagree, we get to know each other better. We get to examine our own paradigms. We get closer to getting things right. We get the benefit of being with each other. Sometimes, we get to be proven wrong and agree with the ones we are in discussion with. I like that.

Everybody has an opinion. We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t. There. I said it. I feel better now.