Recently on facebook a friend posted of the most upsetting things I’ve ever read.  A post about of hatred and cruel words thrown at those that did not deserve it. At kids! I’m not upset that my friend posted it, I’m upset because it happened.

I recently came to a decision that has helped me internally deal people like this.  It came through some serious thought while eating a waffle.  I started with my assumption that people like those in the post likely believe that they are doing good and that they are promoting that goodness through their actions.  From there I decided to take on a supremely difficult task and put myself in their shoes.

Shoes on

I believe that X is right.
Part of X being right tells me that Y is wrong.
So wrong, that if Y continues, the effects could be catastrophic.

There are others that believe these things too.
There are groups that act to support X, as well as stop Y.
I have thought about this a lot.
I believe that the methods of this group are good.
I believe that it is important for me to act.

I act to support X.
I act to stop Y.
I can’t give up

If I do, we’re all at risk.
I can not let Y win.

X is good.
X is right.

Shoes off

OK… now I take their shoes off.  All that I can do is look at the strength of conviction in these others.  I hate the direction, but in a way, admire that dedication.  Their decisions seem so wrong to me. In a way, our X and Y are switched.  I struggle with this a lot.  If it were my kids, I’m not sure I could do this, but I have made peace with it because of this –

I hope that some day they become as passionate toward efforts that are truly good.
And selfishly I hope, that goodness is very different from what they currently believe.
What a force we could all be, if we were able to identify true good.
I hope that it’s possible.

I don’t just sit by and let it happen.
I do my X’s.
I resist my Y’s.
And I hope that I am right.

…A way out of context quote but it’s in my head right now
“You may be right
I may be crazy
But it just may be a lunatic you’re looking for
It’s too late to fight
It’s too late to change me
You may be wrong for all I know
But you may be right” -Billy Joel

What is your X?