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200 words, building community, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, heart, helpful, Homelessness, integrity, kindness, listen, meaning, Relationships, Taking offense, words, world issues
We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it. – Abe Lincoln
It astonishes me how many times I take things personally. The energy it requires to take offense can border on ridiculous.
Don’t get me wrong.
There are times when standing up against something offensive is warranted.
But we, as a society, have taken this too far for the most part.
I’ve spent a good chunk of my life working with vulnerable populations. Within this sector, well-meaning folks have declared certain terms offensive.
For example:
Many a supporter has said to me, “I’m concerned about homeless people and I want to help.”
Some might respond with, “…that offends me, I’d prefer if you said people who are experiencing homelessness.”
Instead of hearing the heart of the one who wants to help, they hear the words that offend them.
Ironically, those whom I have met living on the streets, refer to themselves as homeless people.
Yes, it’s important to not intentionally and maliciously offend, but it’s equally important to not be easily offended.
And so, I want to be someone who hears the heart behind the words.
Don’t you?
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
Wyrd Smythe said:
Totally, yes, the intentions behind the words are far more important than the words themselves! That works both ways… As you say, good intentions can lie behind ill-chosen words, but also bad intentions can lie behind well-chosen words!
There’s an old plea: Try to hear what I meant, not what I said!
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dianasschwenk said:
Good point Smitty! ❤
Diana xo
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rachelcarrera said:
Amen, sister! 😀
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Rachel! ❤
Diana xo
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markbialczak said:
This is an important message, Diana. Look into the intent of the message first. Education can be done quietly and privately, later, about any offending words that the deliverer of heartfelt help did not know about while offering it.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. I totally agree. Thanks Mark! ❤
Diana xo
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Jim McKeever said:
Perfect! Way to cut to the chase, Diana …
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dianasschwenk said:
I do like cutting to the chase Jim – thank you! ❤
Diana xo
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Ian Munro @ leadingessentially.com said:
YOUR beautiful heart summarized in 200 words or less!❤️
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you very much Ian! ❤
Diana xo
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Minuscule Moments said:
Good stuff Diana.
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utesmile said:
Such a wonderful post, I hear- t you!
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dianasschwenk said:
(smiling) I hear-t you too Ute. ❤
Diana xo
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Let's CUT the Crap! said:
A . m . e . n . ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
haha Thanks LCTC! ❤
Diana xo
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Let's CUT the Crap! said:
You are welcome. 😀
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russtowne said:
Reblogged this on A Grateful Man and commented:
I like to believe it isn’t a coincidence that “hear” is embedded in the word “heart.” It serves as a reminder to me to truly listen with my heart. I love your post and the Lincoln quote. Thank you!
Russ
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much Russ ❤
Diana xo
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jmgoyder said:
I completely agree Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Julie!
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Chatter Master said:
Diana YOU have expressed this so perfectly! Thank you!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Colleen. ❤
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
Yes I do want to hear the heart behind the words, not always easy but I do try
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dianasschwenk said:
I knew it Jo-Anne! ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Hearing the heart behind the words …. love this Diana. Abe had it right as well!
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dianasschwenk said:
Glad you loved this Val. ❤
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
There are some people who get so offended by ‘political incorrectness’ that it becomes difficult to have a conversation with them in case they take offense at some innocent comment made.
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dianasschwenk said:
I know what you mean Elizabeth! We all have our triggers though, I try to remember that. ❤
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
Agree so much with your thinking here, Diana, and Abe’s as well. We have gone over the edge sometimes with political correctness, and are losing the heart’s message in the process of editing our words. ❤️ Great post.
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dianasschwenk said:
Agreed. Thanks Van! ❤
Diana xo
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David Kanigan said:
Yes!
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dianasschwenk said:
haha! Thanks David. ❤
Diana xo
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Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
Ah-Subjective political correctness. Whatever it accomplishes, it surely isn’t progress.
The house built on sand.
-Alan
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dianasschwenk said:
Interesting thought, Alan – thanks for sharing it here. ❤
Diana xo
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cyclingrandma said:
Very important advice here, thanks, Diana. Good to know when to let things go and not get too obsessed with what people might say without thinking.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Lisa, that’s what think as well. ❤
Diana xo
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April said:
I want to hear the heart behind the words. That seems to be a perfect way to live.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes, thank you April! ❤
Diana xo
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Wendy L. Macdonald said:
I couldn’t agree more with you, Diana. There’s a verse that says “man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” I say it’s the heart that matters most. ❤
Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy ❀
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Wendy – good one! ❤
Diana xo
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Don said:
That quote by Lincoln, Diana, is brilliant. Great post.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much Don! ❤
Diana xo
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