Texas Brisket

I thought I knew what meat tasted like... until I moved south (same goes for tacos).

There's just something about how they smoke it down here -- the BBQ sauce is second to none and their sides always seem to compliment the experience.

I digress.

Today I want to get real for a moment; let's talk about rejection.

It happens to everyone.

Whether young, old, wise, stupid, carefree, diligent, it doesn't matter.

No one is exempt.

Family, friends, loved-ones, it happens all over the world and is exhibited in many ways; so how should we go about handling it? Or, better question yet, how can we stop it?

The root of rejection comes from a place of hurt. When a person says they're uncomfortable or disinterested, it's because they perceive something about another that bothers them (people can be really, really passive-aggressive in this way).

Example: In my life, I've been rejected by people because of my worldviews.

In today's society, what a person believes in is who they are, and it can be very difficult to see around that. But that shouldn't be the case!!! People are going to believe differently, in fact, I can guarantee there aren't two people who share the same viewpoints on EVERYTHING.

So why cast all the shade?

Because different is scary (like trying BBQ-glazed ribs from another state/restaurant).

"I don't want to be around someone who believes differently from me, they might rub-off on me... or worse!"

What worse?

The reason people fear the beliefs of others is because the person in fear is unsure of their own beliefs.

You can see it on Facebook, Twitter, all the social media platforms. The most vocal people are often the most unsure of their own beliefs. Why would you have to defend yourself so strongly if you already know what the truth is? If it is the truth, it'll reveal itself to culture, and the colors will come through.

*****

Xenodochial people are those who are friendly to strangers. The system has made it easy to be friendly to others we don't know, yet differences in beliefs have put up invisible walls everywhere. Let me say that again -- everywhere.

This is why there's so much fighting during this season of elections.

Could get into a rant, but not feeling it today...

This week's challenge: Find someone who believes differently than you and think of three qualities about that person you appreciate.