SIGH

Sigh.
I offend people.
I truly don't mean to.
And it makes me sad.

I just can't tolerate untruth anymore.  And I guess people can't "hear" me when I speak the truth.  They choose to listen from their filters and then accuse me of things that I never actually said.
Sigh.

I am not trying to be mean.  I am not a bully.  I am acutely aware of how I say things & what their effect can be on people.  I choose my words very carefully.  And I try to only open my mouth when I hear something that is blatantly untrue.  

It sucks.
But I get it.
When you aren't ready to learn and change, you don't want to hear that what you are doing might not be the best thing, way, or path.  

And just to be clear, what I am trying to point out to people is that the "system" is wrong or their "information" is incorrect.  I am not saying "you" are wrong.  But it's always heard that way by people with their blinders up. 
Always.
Sigh.

By the way, I am by NO means perfect.  I have made some pretty shitty decisions in my life.  I've had some huge blinders on, too.  But I am trying to learn.  I am trying to be open.  I am trying to listen.  I am trying to better myself and my family.  I am on a journey.  And I guess that pisses people off.
Sigh.  

So can I ask you a favor?  If someone is trying to tell you that you have something green stuck in your teeth, don't get mad at them.  They didn't put it there.  They are just trying to help you out by letting you know.  
Thanks.  

And me, I will pray before I open my big mouth (but I'm not going to stop opening it!).  
And I will always thank you when you let me know that I have something green stuck in MY teeth.  
If I don't, just pull the plank from my eye & I'll see much clearer.  ;-)  
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3)

"Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works

and glorify your Father in heaven."

(Matthew 5:16)

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more

than we all ask or imagine...

to Him be the glory."

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, 

love one another, be compassionate and humble.  

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.  

On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, 

because to this you were called

 so that you may inherit a blessing." 

(1 Peter 3:8-9)