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I'm Not "Winsome." And You Know What? I Don't Care.

I'm a pretty easy-going guy. I get along with most people. I've even been hilariously described as "patient." Ha! The truth is, though, I get annoyed. Even angry. I couldn't deny it. I'm issuing a blanket statement here: I've probably said a mean thing or 5 to some of you. If we know it, you know what I intend to do to make it right.

The internet is a cruel partner. It amplifies personality. I've been told variously that my online personality comes off kind of strong. Fair enough. Some of that is intentional. Would you believe, if you are not like other people, they ignore you? If they don't like what you say, they put you on the outside of the circle, even if they are nice outwardly? I hate that I notice this now.

I both love and hate my Christian formation from the time before I was Catholic. I loved learning about Jesus, and learning to love Him. I loved all the wonderful people who poured themselves into me. I loved that so many of them weren't afraid to get dirty to bring me closer to God.

You know what I hate? Your words. I hate the words you use to silence the voices in your head, the ones that get louder in the moments when your realize that this particular Bible text doesn't fit in your little box. I hate your insularity; what really bothers me is that it masquerades as a broad-minded catholicity. But we know the truth.

You know what else? I'll read whomever I want without fear, because when one knows the truth, one is not afraid to find it where one didn't look. You make a mistake to think that I'm afraid of you, or that I feel persecuted by you. I don't need anything from you. But here's the tough part: you do need something from me.

So, I can be tough, and insistent. When truth and goodness and true peace is at stake, I do not serve you with politeness and niceties. Kindness binds me to tell you the truth. If you believe love is lacking, feel free to say so. But you'll look in my eyes, as far as possible. If you can do that, I'm happy to take a rebuke. But "winsome" is a coward's word; it's the scarlet letter for the one who reveals that the circle is too small.

I'm not speaking of anyone in particular here, but to paraphrase a popular meme from this week, if the shoe fits, feel free to lace that SOB up, and wear it.

Comments

Tiffany Borges said…
Boo to the Yah. I must read your blog. You're the Strunk to my White, man.
8:22 PM
Jason said…
I'll try not to disappoint. I checked out a little of your stuff, but I must admit only a vague awareness of this, how you say, "Google+". Wasilla, Alaska? Did I read that right?
8:46 PM
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