“What if the things that offend us actually present a possibility for our growth?”–Shane Hipps
We seem to be so easily offended anymore. Political correctness. Safe zones in our colleges. Politics. Religion. The list of potential powder kegs is quite long. When did this happen?
I like Shane Hipps’ question: “What if the things that offend us actually present a possibility for our growth?” What if??
Frankly, everything presents an opportunity for growth. It is all a matter of perspective. Will we accept the challenge to grow or will we choose to be offended? Yes. Being offended is a choice. It is true that people can be jerks and say things that are intended to be hurtful. On the other hand, sometimes people say things out of honest ignorance—that don’t realize that what they say can be offensive. Comments can be intentionally provocative, as well. I have a few friends who are very good at this. Whatever the intent of the speaker, we are wholly responsible for our response.
I feel like we have gone too far to protect people’s feelings–not that I believe we should hurt people’s feelings. My point is that, in doing so, we rob one another the opportunity to grow. This is particularly important for children. Protect then as much as we will, our children will have their feelings hurt from time to time. This is not necessarily a bad thing. (Again, not saying we should encourage children to be mean to one another.) At some point in life, we need to develop resiliency. We need to be confident in ourselves. When one is offended, one can choose to be hurt, or one can choose to ask questions of one’s self and of the offender. Why does this bother me? Is there truth to what was said? Did the offender mean to hurt me? What are the offender’s motives? Is there a misunderstanding? Etc.
When we choose not to be offended, we open the possibility for dialog. We welcome the opportunity to grow. If there is truth to the offending comment, one has the opportunity to improve one’s self (despite the fact that the offender was, perhaps, disrespectful).
The world is full of jerks and always will be. Best we can do is not be one. When we encounter one, find a way to grow.