To Those Who Have an Opinion

Dear Outspoken Friends with Whom I Agree Heartily,

I am so grateful for your passion and your well thought-out words. I am truly blessed to know you and to stand alongside you as we try to speak gracious truth and respect the imago dei in each of us. It's wearying being front and center, and it is a sweet reminder that even if I step back from the conflict every once in awhile, God is at work, and others will continue to speak up. Sometimes it feels like we're in a losing battle, and I have to wonder (especially on social media) exactly how much badgering and bullying it's wise to take. But I guess we seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and try to push on in wisdom and in faith. It is an honor to stand with you, dear ones.

With Much Love,
Chandra


Dear Outspoken Friends with Whom I Mostly Disagree,

I am so grateful for your passion and well thought-out words. I am truly blessed to know you and to have respectful dialog with you as we try to speak gracious truth and respect the imago dei in each of us. It's wearying being front and center, and I respect your willingness to stand up for what you believe. I need your diverse opinions. I need to be challenged and shaped by you, to have other voices in my life who think so much differently than I do. I am not always right, and I am (mostly) willing to admit it. I am so glad that although we may be on opposite sides of an issue, we stand together against badgering and bullying. In our friendship, I will continue to seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and push on in wisdom and in faith. It is an honor to know you, dear ones.

With a Grateful Heart,
Chandra


Dear Trolls,

I am so grateful for the ministry of the Holy Spirit that helps me keep my temper and pray for you--I will try to respect the imago dei in each of us. You do have an opinion, all right, and it is a mighty high opinion of yourselves. Sometimes I wonder why I keep you in my social media circles or even try to engage you when I see you in person. I would respect your willingness to stand up for what you believe, but I think what you mostly believe in is your own intelligence, witticisms, and sense of rightness. It's a poor platform upon which to build your house. I am not always right, and I am willing to admit it. I do not think that you are willing to admit your failings, and that makes for poor discussions, but even worse relationships. I will continue to seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and push on in wisdom and in faith when it comes to engaging you.

With the Patience Born Only of the Spirit,
Chandra Crane


Dear Silent Friends of all Convictions and Persuasions,

I suspect that most of you are either being passionate and articulate in other arenas, or wiser than am I when it comes to matters of throwing pearls before swine. Yet, I call you to stand up, speak out, and be willing to show support for myself and others when we incur the disdain of the trolls. Because every voice matters. If I can feel that you stand alongside me--in respecting the imago dei in each of us, if not in the actual issue--I can better be humble and open to necessary correction and respectful disagreements. Sometimes I, too, need to be reminded of the sin and folly of badgering and bullying. Sometimes it feels like I'm in a losing battle, and I don't ask you so much to join me in futility, as to see if your voice added might turn the tide. I am glad to know you, and glad for your affirmation of me in so many areas. But to affirm me is not to speak against them, and if no one but those being bullied speaks out, it will surely continue. And I know you well enough to know that is not your desire. It is an honor to know you, dear ones.

With Great Affection,
Chandra