DISQUS

Derrick,

A great deal said in a few short words!

Jeanne

Mark,

Heather took the words right out of my mouth: If Christ could forgive those who crucified Him while He still hung on the cross, we can never, ever forgive too soon. However, as you've stated, we can't stop there; we must then engage in the serious business of dealing with the underlying feelings engendered by the sin, hurt, or crime that's been committed against us.

I would suggest that, just as is the case in the Christian life, forgiveness is not the end; it's only the beginning.

Jeanne

Mark,

As you know, the language is continually evolving, and word meanings, as well as usage, often change considerably over time. Yet this is a natural, organic, and slowly occurring process. It doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't occur at will. There are often many years of tradition, prejudice, and ideological inflexibility to overcome--as would appear to be the case with the word you mention.

This word could gradually move into general use with the newer meaning; but might it not be far more expedient to simply seek another, less controversial word--one with far fewer negative associations/connotations--and be done with it (at least until the next stage in the evolutionary process)?

Then again, your question as to whether or not we do in fact even need a new word at all is definitely worthy of serious consideration.

Jeanne

Andy,

This Google PR fiasco may not be quite over yet. Though my blog went from PR 0 before the update to PR 3 afterward (and has so far remained there), I know someone who had a pre-update PR of 3, which went up to 4 right after the update, then down to 2 about a week later, and which has now, as of the beginning of this week, dropped to PR 0. There seems to be little rhyme or reason to Google's heavy-handed penalties, and their fickleness really is quite perplexing.

One of your earlier commenters stated that PR 3 is the new PR 5, which really has me wondering; because, prior to the recent Google update, the iWebtool page rank prediction tool predicted that my Writer's Notes blog would be a PR 5 after the update, based on the number of backlinks to it, and it came in at PR 3 instead. Hmmmmm...interesting coincidence!

So far, I haven't lost any of the PR ground gained during this update; but I'm still wondering what might yet happen. I write sponsored content on my blog for several different paid-to-post services--even more than does my friend mentioned at the beginning of this comment, whose PR has plummeted to 0. Only time will tell, I guess.

But, I, for one, intend to continue doing things just as I've been doing them up to now. I plan to continue disclosing all sponsored content posted to my blog in fairness to my readers (rather than hiding the fact, as many have advised). The way I look at it, I'll tend to my business and let Google tend to theirs.

Thanks for all this fascinating info!
Jeanne Dininni

Mark,

Thanks for an honest and touching story. Having worked as a tutor over the summer, I can relate to your feelings. Teaching others is an awesome responsibility, and while your job may be to impart knowledge, the most important thing you give your students is yourself. And looking back on it after the fact, you realize how much you miss that connection, because, truth be told, it was very rewarding.

Great advice!

Jeanne

Mark,

I read the excerpt from Leigh's book on the High Calling website and was stirred by her message, as well as her engaging style. You are so right: I really do need to get the book.

Jeanne

Mark,

Thought you might like to know that I've joined the High Calling website. Really enjoyed your interview with Leigh McLeroy! It was just what the doctor--or rather the Great Physician--ordered!

Jeanne

Mark,

While my blog is a writing blog and not explicitly Christian, I do my best to live out my faith, both on my blog and at my "day job" as a clinician (tutor) for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes.

I'd be interested to know more about your community!

Jeanne

Hmmm...Not sure where the "windows of the soul" quote originated. Did a very quick search and didn't find out, but plan to check further as soon as I can find a few spare moments...

Thanks for your comment on my blog! The points you made about The Good Blogs were very timely, as you'll see when you visit again and read my response.

Take care!
Jeanne

This looks like a really interesting project. While it's true that the internet persona is simply one more manifestation of our usual human tendency toward mask-wearing, the internet can be particularly insidious, since we lack the benefit of looking into the person's eyes, which are the "window of the soul" and which can often help us evaluate the people we meet, allowing our intuition to kick in and warn us when we need to be cautious.

Thanks for an interesting post!

Blessings,
Jeanne Dininni