Acceptance
I received this yesterday, author unknown. I liked it and wanted to share it with You.
"Just because I am different from You, please do not reject Me or discount my worth.
Don't assume I am wrong and try to change me.
If I see things differently than you do, please try to consider why (or even ask me.)
What was different about the world I grew up in than the one you grew up in?
If my passions are stronger or weaker than yours, take time to discover the reason rather than judging me as radical, immoral, lazy, or indifferent.
Please do not assume that, because we have different values, one of us has to be wrong.
Be open to the possibility that many issues are more a matter of preference than morality.
Try not to take it personally when I do not see things or do things the way you do. Please realize that my values are deeply ingrained from my past (just like yours), and my actions are not necessarily a rejection of your values, but an expression of mine.
When you accept me in spite of our differences, you are telling me that I am worthy of your respect, friendship and love.
Your acceptance of me tells me that our relationship does not depend on me always agreeing with you or being just like you.
We may have to agree to disagree on certain issues-but disagreeing does not mean we value each other less.
We may have different beliefs, but we can still accept each other as valuable people.
You can help me understand why you believe the way you do, and who knows...... I just may be able to see your point of view and I may discover that you just might be right-but that has to be my choice"
Ken Flaska
