The Candyland Perspective

Is it at all possible to be truly humble and find oneself taking offense?  I don't think so.  According to THIS DEFINITION  of "offend," it seems to me that in order to be offended, one must assume malice on the part of the supposed offender.  Being assumptive is pretty much the same as being judgemental, is it not?  How can one be judgemental and still be humble?  I daresay it cannot be done. Clearly, there are 'offending' situations in life.  All sin is offensive to the pure in heart.  But since every single one of us is human and does sin, it goes without saying that not a single one of us is truly pure.  Who am I to be offended by the actions of another?  Oftentimes at church I hear that this person was offended by that person, or that person was offended by so-and-so's words, etc.  I wonder if perhaps the offended person were to just not assume/believe the offender meant harm, how easily the situation could be remedied....

I have had Gordon B. Hinckley on my mind and in my heart so very much lately.  I've sought his words in print, online, and most certainly on youtube many times in the past two months.  This past weekend I attended Time Out For Women where his daughter, Virginia Hinckley Pearce spoke.  She shares such a beautiful semblence with her father.  Seeing his face in hers this weekend perpetuated my need to fill my life with his words even more. With a bit of serious consideration, I've decided to take on a challenge.  President Hinckley gave such wise counsel to all of us, and he often spoke directly to young people.  I had received his book Way To Be !, which is actually directed at young people, from my mom about eight years ago.  For totally stupid reaons, I didn't incorporate its words and challenges into my life.  I do believe it's high time that I do now though.  With its wise advice, I shall find a new way to be Candace; ...