tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post2366607111565427251..comments2024-03-14T05:57:19.066-07:00Comments on Pure and Simple: Ostracized Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-42966026897277078912017-09-10T00:41:10.463-07:002017-09-10T00:41:10.463-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.harada57https://www.blogger.com/profile/06015023155124017905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-88571845198103455122016-02-14T17:03:15.634-08:002016-02-14T17:03:15.634-08:00To begin a journey into truth see: https://revelat...To begin a journey into truth see: https://revelationunveiled.wordpress.com/Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18247769061953687640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-2184382613782221832012-10-28T15:37:28.942-07:002012-10-28T15:37:28.942-07:00Not only a high school cheerleader, but cheerleade...Not only a high school cheerleader, but cheerleader captain to boot! ha! Love and hugs to you too, friend! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-1527951186077089372012-10-21T23:20:48.170-07:002012-10-21T23:20:48.170-07:00Thank you Barry. You're so right in saying tha...Thank you Barry. You're so right in saying that we are better equipped to handle ostracism as we age, but it's still hard. Yes, apply the golden rule and encourage others to do the same. A little kindness goes a long way. Have a wonderful week! Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-70917221903233221772012-10-20T20:22:45.820-07:002012-10-20T20:22:45.820-07:00Ostracized is something we deal with over the cour...Ostracized is something we deal with over the course of our lives. As we age, we become more adept at handling this situation in a dignified and more effective way. One way is by our example: how we treat others. Another way is to help others see the good and capability they have within themselves even when others tell them differently. A kind and sincere word goes a long way. There are kind things that people said to me when I was younger, and in the midst of a difficulty; I remember those things as though it was yesterday. Great piece.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14569829184921627063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-24710310706047976872012-10-20T17:42:49.033-07:002012-10-20T17:42:49.033-07:00Colleen, your mother reminds me of mine. She was ...Colleen, your mother reminds me of mine. She was one who went out of her way for others, and her call in life must’ve been to teach me the same. Hats off to mothers who taught their daughters well! Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-70957475484442667912012-10-20T17:32:55.444-07:002012-10-20T17:32:55.444-07:00Bella, you are so funny. So you learned from you...Bella, you are so funny. So you learned from your sister, the underdog lover. I can’t picture you, though, as a mean girl. I just can’t see it no matter how hard I try. Were you a cheerleader, girl? love and hugs! Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-26259611383295728482012-10-20T09:15:36.737-07:002012-10-20T09:15:36.737-07:00This touched me very deeply. What a beautiful spir...This touched me very deeply. What a beautiful spirit you have. I really like your point about children noticing how others are treated and following suit. I do think many adults are like this as well. <br />When I was a child, I was fortunate that I was well liked but even more fortunate to have a wise mother who told me even from a very young age to befriend and care for those who were shunned and made fun of by others. I also have a heart for people who are left out and do try to always be kind and inclusive.<br /><br />Thank you for this beautiful post!Colleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13564805397010089954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-34453581019009487452012-10-19T15:50:21.563-07:002012-10-19T15:50:21.563-07:00Debra, this post reminded me of my sister. She, li...Debra, this post reminded me of my sister. She, like you, always had a soft spot for the outcasts. Whenever we went out and she saw a homeless person, she wanted to bring him/her home. The same applied to stray animals and friendless children. I used to tease her mercilessly and threaten to bar her from the "popular" clique if she continued to take the "losers" under her wing. I was successful for a time, but she was miserable. To this day, and much to my humbling, my sister continues to root for the underdog. And thankfully, so do I. It has taken much growing up on my part to realize that we are all deserving. Gone are the "mean girl" days when I thought only a handful of girls were deserving of being cheerleaders. But alas, this understanding has come after plenty of stumbles and falls that have shown me the true value of compassion and tolerance. Good for you for the kindness you showed Cassie! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-28638022164631166772012-10-17T14:51:32.273-07:002012-10-17T14:51:32.273-07:00LOL! I couldn't imagine Debra... you made me l...LOL! I couldn't imagine Debra... you made me laugh :PMelissa Tandochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13747825707650125721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-57474231818224134832012-10-12T20:33:35.973-07:002012-10-12T20:33:35.973-07:00Lynne, exactly! Rise above it. Last year when I w...Lynne, exactly! Rise above it. Last year when I was president of an organization I went through the worst experience; I felt squeezed in by two opposing camps within the group. Left and right carrying on, and I in the middle trying to keep the peace. I felt ostracized by both sides because each wanted me to take a stand (for their side). When I confided in a neutral friend and divulged how awful it was to be caught in the middle, she said, “You don’t need to be in the middle of this; you need to rise about it. “ Thankfully, that’s what I eventually did. And so I can really appreciate your words here. Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-89659207144856767412012-10-12T10:13:45.044-07:002012-10-12T10:13:45.044-07:00You have obviously struck a nerve based on the man...You have obviously struck a nerve based on the many comments! We all want to belong somewhere and I suspect that we all have had our moments (hopefully not longer than that...) when we were treated as outcasts. I currently have a situation where I've been ostracized from a social group in a subtle way. Sometimes I'm astonished at the behavior of adults! The key is not to take the actions of others to heart but to rise above and continue to treat others in a way that is fair and considerate. Lynne Wattshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02788918458763274157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-8833926169095200442012-10-11T17:33:57.390-07:002012-10-11T17:33:57.390-07:00Zarnab, I know it must be painful, these memories ...Zarnab, I know it must be painful, these memories that surfaced. But you know there is healing from these memories - yes, memories can be healed. And you already know that writing them down helps, as you are now doing. Some say not to look back, but our memories are still very much a part of us, and rather than repress them, which can wreak havoc physiologically, we face the demons head on in our writing or therapy or however we are able to face them. Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-48363607111222914202012-10-11T06:20:58.595-07:002012-10-11T06:20:58.595-07:00oneday,our teacher gave us a presentation and told...oneday,our teacher gave us a presentation and told that you all students have to interpret pictures...i chose the picture debra which you have chosen...the girl sitting lonely while other two are enjoying...it happened two months ago and now i am feeling the same pain from which i suffered long ago...the same picture and same topic...i have suffered from "OSTRACIZED"...i've experienced it so closely and still i am going through it...heart touching post...Zainab Zainabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00321293570418140790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-50807738873270653092012-10-09T19:19:24.249-07:002012-10-09T19:19:24.249-07:00Leah, I trust that you’ve found healing from the s...Leah, I trust that you’ve found healing from the stones hurled your way. I’ve meet those people you mention. Joe commented that Christian groups have a natural inclination toward group-think. In psychology it’s called the herd mentality. Thinkers who express anything different are all too often ostracized. I’m sure you can relate to the words of poet John Berryman: “Artists are extremely lucky who are presented with the worst possible ordeal which will not actually kill them.... Among the greatest pieces of luck for high achievement is ordeal. I hope to be nearly crucified.” Sending love right back! <br />Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-39585308151320747642012-10-09T14:54:02.847-07:002012-10-09T14:54:02.847-07:00Joe, recently my friend who moved here to the U.S ...Joe, recently my friend who moved here to the U.S from Jerusalem asked me to recommend a good translation because she was struggling to understand the KJV, but was told by some in her church that this was the ONLY true version. She said that when she read The Jerusalem Bible in order to understand the meaning she almost felt guilty because of her church leader’s dogmatism. I can’t tell you how many people I know who hold this same belief. One woman recently told me that any Bible who had a copyright date was not God-inspired. Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. I feel sure that Christ would want us to read any translation we could understand over one that was “Greek” to us ;-) <br /><br />Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-13518943403272459552012-10-09T11:00:40.101-07:002012-10-09T11:00:40.101-07:00Hi Debra, as an adult I can't remember being o...Hi Debra, as an adult I can't remember being ostracized, although I do recall being outcast by Christians. Once when the members of my youth group lined up and called me a false Christian. I think it was because I had had sex with my boyfriend. I was 19 at the time. Another time it was also from Christians who call me basically a witch because my doctrine differed from theirs. There were other times too but I can't remember them right now. Anyway, these events were EXTREMELY painful because I was being rejected by people I loved. Years later I can say that it has taught me to stand on my own two feet and not give my power away to any group. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you. Sending love Debra! Leah Griffithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10424758000036417506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-78165677381043473562012-10-09T05:43:12.512-07:002012-10-09T05:43:12.512-07:00Debra, I recently saw a church creed in which they...Debra, I recently saw a church creed in which they stated as one of their core values, "We believe the King James version of the Bible is the inspired word of God."<br /><br />I kept my mouth shut, but wanted to ask, "So, are you under the false impression that the Bible was originally written in King James English? Or do you just not understand the difference between inspired writing and translation of inspired writing?"<br /><br />In the end, I have to simply thank God for His amazing willingness and ability to use each of us despite our prejudices. I'm sure I still have my own areas of blindness...I just can't see my own as well...Joe Potehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00128078440003054702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-39965561735071948942012-10-08T20:21:51.171-07:002012-10-08T20:21:51.171-07:00Hi Christina, I’m glad you stopped by so I’d know ...Hi Christina, I’m glad you stopped by so I’d know where to find you. And what a surprise to discover the wonders over at your place, the enchanted forest full of glorious light and love – not to mention the awesome shadow box art I peeked over at. I’d love to hear more about your children’s book too. Keep the conversation going with our son on compassion. You must be so proud of the way he reaches out to children on the fringes. I know I'd be. Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-41648254005508985782012-10-08T16:29:36.600-07:002012-10-08T16:29:36.600-07:00Wow. God certainly leads us where we need to be. T...Wow. God certainly leads us where we need to be. This is my first visit to your blog and I am so touched by this piece. I have three young boys and we speak continuously about this. My oldest just started seventh grade this year and is has required so much conversation about staying true to himself even when it doesn't go with the crowd or make him "cool." He looks for the the children who are on the fringes and works hard to bring them close to him. Thank you for this work and your uplifting and encouraging words:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-64779212770279228172012-10-08T15:59:52.158-07:002012-10-08T15:59:52.158-07:00During the brief time I was part of this group I b...During the brief time I was part of this group I began to identify more and more with how Jesus felt when the Pharisees tried to trip him up with their questions. <br />The administrator started up her random queries one day, “What are your religious beliefs and what denomination do you belong to?” There were a variety of answers, everything from Vineyard to Anglican to Baptist to whatever. I wrote that I believed the Apostles’ Creed and was a follower of Jesus Christ, instead of identifying myself with a particular church denomination. <br />Then this question was posted: “What Bible translation do you read? Are you a KJV advocate, or do you believe that other translations are acceptable? How cliquish can you get? Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-18455679832720682012012-10-08T12:08:14.673-07:002012-10-08T12:08:14.673-07:00Nelieta, I had a nephew who wore thick glasses. I...Nelieta, I had a nephew who wore thick glasses. I remember how others called him clumsy when he couldn’t catch the ball; they made fun of him until they realized he was half blind. <br />Did you end up getting contacts, beautiful lady? Did you have surgery? You can’t be that blind to take such gorgeous photos. <br />Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-25927246014937290832012-10-08T11:52:10.437-07:002012-10-08T11:52:10.437-07:00Yes, ostracization is all too common, and, unfortu...Yes, ostracization is all too common, and, unfortunately, it doesn't end with childhood.<br /><br />I like how you put this:<br /><br />"...apparently, only pontificating was tolerable, and if you didn’t preach to the choir they didn’t want you. Their motto seemed to be, “You tell me what I know and I’ll tell you what you know.”"<br /><br />It's not just blog groups either. Christian groups seem to have a natural inclination toward group-think, that requires conscious effort to resist.<br /><br />Thanks, for sharing! Joe Potehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00128078440003054702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-47301555654726755262012-10-08T05:19:01.583-07:002012-10-08T05:19:01.583-07:00A great post Debra and you brought back some memor...A great post Debra and you brought back some memories when I was young. I wore thick glasses since I was about 5 years old and the children, including my own nieces and nephews made fun of me. It was terrible and I will never forget how it made me feel. You did a great thing for Cassie!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6392676309476353391.post-55906355433893782932012-10-06T13:45:40.250-07:002012-10-06T13:45:40.250-07:00Oh Melissa, I’m sorry you were ostracized because ...Oh Melissa, I’m sorry you were ostracized because of a sickness. When I was in first grade I felt like a leper when chicken pox left a huge black scab on my chin, in such a conspicuous place. It caused others to perceive me as somehow unclean. I remember well how upset my mother was when my grade on hygiene went down from an A to a B because of it. Can you imagine grading children these days on hygiene? But that was in the dark ages ;-) Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.com