Will B. DISAPPOINTED

DISAPPOINTED

I was perusing social media last night, partly because it’s part of my job, the other part because I love to see all the special moments in people’s lives. What I saw on the Olney Rants and Raves Facebook page made me physically sick to my stomach and I felt a little embarrassed as well. I try to not judge others for their words as much as possible - heck, I try not to judge others at all - but the words used against others which I won’t repeat were just hateful and spite-ridden. This sort of thing usually happens about once or twice a month on Rants and Raves.

It is very difficult to see what someone is feeling just by reading their words; it has happened to me on more than one occasion. What turned into a witch hunt of a local business owner was all over a simple misunderstanding of what the business owner was trying to convey. Many took it the wrong way as the person bashing other businesses. I know this person and it is not in their nature to be mean. Nevertheless, it began an onslaught of ridicule from many and some didn’t even know the story before jumping on board to roast the poor guy. Someone even posted something from their past that alleged illegal activity that the owner was never convicted of, only charged. These things can damage reputations and businesses. We need to be more tolerant of what is going on in situations where people’s reputations are at stake.

Olney is a very small community and everyone is someone’s father, mother, daughter, son, neighbor, or co-worker. We are largely a Christian community and are known for our hospitality and toughness as well. The toughness we should be proud of is coming together as a community to overcome obstacles and not being mean to each other. God forgives and loves us and expects the same from us. Please think before replying with hateful words on social media or in person for that matter.

John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Corinthians 16:14: “Do everything in love.” Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” This is Will B saying, love each other and treat others as you want to be treated.