This first quote was posted by my Aunt, Donna Gibson.
Maya Angelo, American author, poet, dancer, actress, and singer.
“Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.”
A couple of episodes ago, we spoke about hate using a quote from the Rev. Martin Luther King. Jr. He said that hate was such a heavy burden that he chose love instead.
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Episode
That is a very good idea since most of the horrible things that have been committed in history are a result of irrational hate.
We are most familiar with hate crimes perpetrated against those who are not like our selves in some way. Race, religion, politics, and sexual orientation have been reasons given for committing atrocities on individuals and groups.
Not liking or condoning another’s lifestyle is totally fine. In a free society, it’s even OK to SAY you don’t like what they are doing. If you didn’t think the way you were living was right, you wouldn’t be living that way. Others on the other hand deserve the same right to live in their own way. They can also say what they don’t like about you, and you have the right to not be victimized by them.
Most of us have been treated badly because of some belief or lifestyle we have chosen. I remember losing a job one time because I refused to lie to a customer. The boss knew of my Christianity and tried to push me from time to time to violate my beliefs. I knew at the time that refusing to lie could get me fired, but it was worth it to stand up for what I believed. I did have a rough time finding another job, but 3 months later my salary was doubled when I was hired for the career I still have right now. Whatever your beliefs, I feel I was blessed for my stand for honesty and truth. It is my right to believe this, and your right not to, if you so choose.
When you are treated badly by those who have an irrational hate for something you stand for, what do you do?
A couple of quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
When someone considers you an enemy simply because you are different, you can confirm that by hating them in return. If you show love and tolerance for them, you can eventually win them over as they begin to feel rather foolish irrationally hating someone who is so understanding.
Let’s break the cycle of irrational hate. It has to stop somewhere, let it end with us.
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Ellen Degeneres, comedian and television personality
“Never follow anyone else's path, unless you're in the woods and you're lost and you see a path; then, by all means, you should follow that path.”
Independence and freedom are the dream of most of the people on the earth. Being able to determine your own direction and make your own decisions is a wonderful state to be in.
It is until you get lost. Most of us want control of our lives before we have earned the right to have that control. If we are going our own way and get lost, it takes a lot to admit it. Our pride can really get in the way, and we continue to wander aimlessly wasting time.
The older I get, the more I realize I don’t know. When we are young, we want that measure of control, confident we know it all. Some people never learn that they don’t know everything, and develop an arrogance that can actually result in their death if they don’t pay attention to where they are going.
Following the crowd like sheep is frowned upon in this society, but jumping off a cliff just because no one else is doing it is also not advisable. THINK! Think for yourself and evaluate you actions before you take them! There are so many traps and ways of getting lost out there in the world. Watch out for them.
Of course, if you do actually get lost, don’t waste your precious time and lifetime having so much pride that you won’t ask directions of others. You will find that many around you have already experienced that same mistake and won’t make fun of you.
Douglas Adams
“Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.”
Stubborn humans constantly get themselves into trouble they could have easily avoided if they had only listened. Don’t be so thick headed that you run headlong into disaster just so you could say, “I did it my way”. That’s a great way to get yourself seriously killed!
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“This podcast is very well thought out and nicely planned. The host doesn’t run on too long. I wish Jeff had licensing to actually hear the celebrity saying their audio- but we will have to settle for Jeff to read them. This is an interesting podcast- I don’t know a lot of people who are taking celebrities words and discussing how significant they are.”
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