It's sadly funny that adversity brings such clarity of life .
i have in the past few monthes been able to look at my life like never before.
I have looked at my victories and my failures ,all of which have gone to make me the person I am today
It has shown me a desperate need to get things right,before I can't do it any longer.
A need to speak to those I have hurt and apoligize,and reafirm the love I feel for others.
Unlike the person who sees his life flash in front of his eyes ,I am able to look more closly.
Would this sense of clairty have come under other crcumstances,woulod have been nicer ,oh well at least I am given the oppourtunity to do something positive with it.
And fully intend to do that.

Sven,

What lovely thoughts!

Sven, you have indeed reached a very important place in your life.

One suggestion, please: Consider the impact of what you want to say, on the people you want to say it to. First, do no harm.


Sometimes, what's necessary is that we be totally honest with ourselves, the personal inventory that 12-step programs endorse. Then, what do we need to do with others. Sometimes the best choice is to leave it alone. I don't know how to decide these things about anyone else, but I have confidence that you'll understand.

Of course, there will always be those whom we speak to clearly and directly. Preferably while holding their ears, so we can keep their focus.

Alan I have the deepest respect for you,however you made some asumptions in redsox's post that need to be adressed.
1, I don't for a second believe that my religion of Choice is the only religion.
2,I view all religions as valid ,there is not just one way to God to believe that would be myopic at best.
3,For many in this hectic world our beliefs get us through the day.
4, To not beleive that there is something coming after death must be frightening to some .
5. I feel so strongly about my beliefs that I am confident in espousing them to all who would listen ,and to those ,who don't agree I say well don't pay attention to me then.
Alan Like me you are facing a certain end sooner than either of us would like ,how we face that end is a measure of what we are .
I will not try to infringe on your right to beleive the way you do ,don't infringe on mine .
I continue to enjoy our dialogs Alan,and do hope you do also.

Sven, your response is an excellent example of why religion, and it's paternal twin politics, don't belong on these forums.

Here's my assumption: I am not the only person here without a supernatural belief system. Yet it's so often the case that religionists just assume that their view is the only worthy one, and they run roughshod over everyone else. When a differing view comes along, they cry that they're being infringed upon. If by "infringement" you mean no other view can be allowed, then I guess I'm infringing.

I won't be run over. Neither am I running over anyone. Sven, if you'll take the time to read first, react second, you'll see that I haven't attacked anything. I just stated that there are alternatives to a spirit-infused world, and that those realizations are just as appropriate as the religionists' views.

What did I say that was an infringement? Or, is this just another example of a fragile religionist who can't tolerate a differing worldview?

Alan
my dear friend the only infringement I fear is the inability to say what I feel on a site like this, where I think a few.... words of encouragement are welcome by most of the people.
who frequent it.
In my eyes God and his word provide that.
As far as fragility .. no I think not ...ability and will to stand up for what I believe,not a problem

yours Sven

Sven, I'm increasingly not knowing when I'm out of line, and I apologize for distressing you.

I really hope you can talk with a spiritual mentor about this, though, and let me know what you figure out: How is it that a friend's asserting an obvious truth, that not all are believers, makes you feel like you're in danger of losing the ability to say what you feel to be true?

Alan of all the things that we agree on [many ] the ability to disagree and remain friends,is the best .
Sven

Sven, absolutely.

Hey guys,

We can agree to disagree, right??

Love to all,

Lisa, I love a respectful, energetic disagreement among friends. My friend I rely on the most, been friends 14 years, is part of some Protestant religious order, something like a monk but called something else. Our friendship keeps our discussions lively but polite. I don't do such a good job nowadays, but he slows down for me.

Lively discussion in interesting subjects is usually the easiest way to learn.