you think what???

5 years ago... i had a pretty narrow understanding of 'community.' I thought that everyone thought like i did, and if they didn't, they were just confused... or maybe flat-out wrong. My reactions to what some people would reveal as their intimate beliefs were... well, inconsistent at best, and blatantly rude at worst. 'How can you believe that?' or 'that's ridiculous' were often my phrases of choice in reaction to a belief different than my own.

My, how time allows (or forces) us to grow and mature. Nowadays... i enjoy finding out what other people think. What i believe to be true about some issues is sometime merely THAT... what I believe to be true. There are people who i've had the chance to meet who wholly disagree with my beliefs, and even some Truths that transcend my personal belief, and rather than scramble for a way to defend that Truth, i've learned to let the Truth speak for itself. Some defensive positions become divisive positions, and sacrifice relationships...

I'm actually wrong most of the time, and it's only recently that i've accepted that for the fact it is. With that epiphany comes great freedom, however. Community and relationships are much more fulfilling when the focus is on the people, and the needs of those individuals... when alternate perspectives are allowed without condemnation, and dialogue is encouraged. A healthy dialogue from differing perspectives can not only help two parties understand the issue better, but it also strengthens the interpersonal relationship there, fostering community.

....all that to say, i think ashlee simpson's CD is a cruel joke, and i think i should get a record deal.