An apology to the people of Monachos.net
 

I wanted to apologize for the divisive and confrontational content of some (well most actually ) of my posts from a couple years back. I was a fairly new convert to the Orthodox faith and like many suffered from a misguided zealousness to "defend the faith". By "faith" I really mean my own subjective opinion/s of what the faith "really is". I said things that were really counterproductive to the ecumenical relations of Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox among other things. In fact I found some of these postings so embarrassing that I haven't been back here hoping they would disappear into obscurity. Alas they were written under my real name so my name is sort of indefinitely attached to those views as long as this page is up doh!.http://www.monachos.net/forum/images/smilies/frown.png

Please forgive me.

A sinner

Doxa to Theo (Glory to God) that you have humbled yourself in this public forum ... that is very sweet! You have my forgiveness though you have never caused me any offense.

That is the beauty of forgiveness ... it acknowledges the plasticity of our emotions and personalities - WE CHANGE.

Many people remain 'stagnant' with their approaches and attitudes towards people, the philosophy - once offended always offensive! No. We grow .. life hurts it "moulds" us (or in the words of Scripture) we are "tempered like iron".

((( hugs )))

May you continue to grow in your repentance .. may we all learn by your example and may those who I offend with my poor gramatical writing style forgive me also as my heart and intention is good but my English skill says a different story!

Vasiliki

Scott,

I just read over your 2007 posts. I don't see anything there suggesting an apology. I admit I did not read all 13 pages of your stuff, but if it makes you feel better. I forgive you.

I think most people understand the internet is a poor place for quality conversation. We can't see each others body language, voice inflection or tone of voice. Without these; words are subjected to the person's mood de jour. Or our own. Regardless, if your conscious was bothering you enough to start this thread, I for one did not see anything offensive in your writings. All is well. Sleep with a clean heart.

Paul

I agree that I associate your name with good posts and information which is beneficial to me. I always knew your name because of the archives and there was nothing to offend me, or to make you look like you need to apologize. You, please, forgive me.

If we don't regret our pasts, we just aren't paying attention.

I did not know you then, but I have plenty of posts that I my pride would rather were unrecorded. However, that's precisely the reason they are good to remain. My pride needs the opposition. :-)

Lord have mercy on us all.

I wish that at least 80% of my posts would just disappear.

Let us all forgive one another.

Effie

Dear Scott,

God forgives, and I forgive.

You haven't offended me in any way. I too have said many things that make me wish that I could disappear, or at least my posts. May we all learn to bridle our tongues. Or in this case, our fingertips on the keyboard.

Please forgive me too, a loquacious sinner.

In Christ,
Mary.

Good point. I did not think of it in terms like that. I guess I can always have that as a reminder of how not to behave.

I've actually kept a copy of one my posts, although it did get deleted from the forum... about once a year, I re-read it and boy, does it burn! And I wonder to myself, What was I thinking? Hopefully, I'll learn to think things through before I broadcast them.

Ha ha ha Better than wishing the internet to disappear. Where would we all meet then? :P Do not feel so bad... God uses all things for the better. We are naughty children but with a Wonderful Father.

There are some dumb and cringe-inducing things floating out there with my full name attached to them. All I can do about it is thank God for teaching me humility, and also pray that employers don't go digging around too deeply...

You guys all are making me have teary eyes! Do not feel so bad! I love you all and all your posts! And I am sure others and you all feel the same way about other peoples' posts. Even when we do not like/agree with a post it does not mean we do not like the person. And as this thread shows more than anything we do not like/agree with our own posts, but that does not mean we do not like ourselves http://www.monachos.net/forum/images/smilies/smile.png we actually love ourselves :P

So if we disagree it is ok. That is life and from that we all learn. I dislike to see some of my favorite monachos friends here all feel so bad about their posts. It is all fine!

Scott, thanks for starting this thread.

I must say I have said some pretty dumb stuff. But I guess it is all in the learning curve.

In case this is of any help/consolation to some here, in the following is a prayer that helps me in my struggles with pride in all areas:


Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
when you're perfect in every way.

I can't wait to look in the mirror
'cos I get better looking each day

to know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man.

O Lord it's hard to be humble
but I'm doing the best that I can.

--Mac Davis

You mean, it's not just me who gets to be better looking each day??!!! If mirrors get worn out every time they get used, I"d have to buy a new mirror every day.

Dear Rick,

What a cute little jingle....Hehehe!

I don't know how it keeps you humble though?

Alice

You can't be humble when you are flying with turkeys.

I must say, this thread is all the evidence anyone would need to know that Monachos is a different sort of place. I have recently pulled back from most of my online reading and interaction, feeling that it was almost universally unhealthy. But this community remains a safe place for me to visit, know and be known.

You all have my undying gratitude, and for your sake I give thanks to the Father of all.

Don't worry Scott, we all make mistakes! I am new and haven't likely seen your posts but I forgive you. Just make peace with yourself.