Do you know me?

I realize that our influence is important, that at times we have to stop and consider the impact our actions have on other people. I also know that we can't and shouldn't live our lives based on the endless scrutiny of those around us. There will always be others who disapprove of our choices and actions. The key is to "live in good conscience before all men."

Now I can't say that I have always lived in good conscience, or that I don't have any regrets for decisions I have made - I have plenty. I do however TRY to live life to the fullest and with the manner and character that sets a godly standard of behavior that others can see in my actions and behaviors.

All of that brings me to the point of this blog - DO YOU KNOW ME? What I mean by that is do you know me well enough to give me the benefit of the doubt when questions arise? Do you know me well enough to ask or inquire if you have a concern? Do you know me well enough to judge me based on a single comment, facebook post, or circumstance that seems uncharacteristic.

In the past week or so I have had two situations arise that made me question the public nature in which we live our lives (our pre-occupation with everyone's facebook pages),and  people's ability to quickly pass judgment on others. The first situation involved a distant acquaintance who, after looking over my daughter's facebook page (my daughter he has NO relationship with), decided she needed to be called in question over her interest in the Hogworts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. No she isn't a witch or sorcerer, but loves the Harry Potter books. The inquiry went beyond appropriate concern to an almost Pharisee-like pre-occupation with judging.

The second incident had to do with posting a facebook picture of me drinking Butter Beer (a creme soda) on my profile page. I was reminded that some people may not know that is a soft drink I am holding in the picture. So that raises the question, "Do you know me?" Are you willing to give me the benefit of the doubt?

I had a preacher friend who went in a bar looking for the wayward son of a church member. Now had you seen this man walking into the honky tonks and bars around Ft. Bragg, NC would you have judged him on what you saw, or given him the benfit of the doubt.

Lesson for the Day: "Let's be really, really careful on how we judge others!"