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Once again, there is unrest in the Adlandpro family.
A POTW candidate, duly nominated and presented to the
community, should be allowed to stand until all the votes
are counted. The candidate with the most votes should
be declared the winner. Period.
What makes Adlandpro such a great community is the family
atmosphere. People in this community get to know one
another, get close to one another, and get to see both
the good side AND the not-so-good side that each one of
us has.
In the cold, cold, outside world, we can go through our
lives unnoticed and with little conflict, most of the time.
We are protected by our own anonymity.
However, in a family, we are close to each other, know
one another intimately, care for one another greatly, and,
because of that care, are hurt much more deeply when a
member of our family wrongs us or seems to wrong us than
we would be by a stranger.
We pay a price for getting to know and care for one
another. That closeness makes us vulnerable and able
to be hurt, and that hurt can and does sometimes also
anger us.
It's easy to think that we would be better off not
getting to know one another or opening up to others and
becoming vulnerable. If we remain cold to all but our
very closest and longest relationships, we remain
somewhat impenetrable and protected.
But if we open up and develop new friendships, we become
VERY vulnerable and WILL be hurt from time to time.
However, I believe it is WORTH the risk! Relationships
with others is one of the greatest sources of joy we
can find in this life. They are what give us those
warm memories we can think back on fondly, and will be
with us wherever we are.
If a member of our local family wrongs or hurts us, we
suffer, experience anger, hurt and sadness, but we get
over it, forgive, and hopefully, continue to develop
a deeper and stronger relationship that will stand even
greater wrongs or hurts if they come along.
Just as we would not go out into the streets and stand on
the corner telling all passers by how our brother at home
has wronged us, so we should also refrain from doing it
here in the Adlandpro community. Such things need to be
dealt with privately. Regardless of the feelings
associated with such a situation, airing it publicly
will not make us feel any better, will not solve the
problem, and will succeed only in driving a deeper wedge
between the people involved.
The Bible says that a quiet answer turns away wrath. It is
better to walk away from the conflict until the anger dies
down so that it can be dealt with in a way that can bring
reconciliation.
If reconciliation isn't possible, there is STILL no reason
to make the situation public. There is no progress or
healing in tearing down someone who has torn one of us
down. Instead of healing, hurt is piled on hurt until
many more become involved and possible irreparable damage
is done to the community.
I sincerely hope that when the votes are counted this week,
regardless of who gets the most votes, that the winner will
be the winner the community voted for and that this great
Adlandpro family will come out just as strong as ever with
words of congratulations and encouragement.
God bless,
Dave
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