Gitzen Girl - Latest Comments in Sting of Words

Re: Sting of Words

dmarch — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:30:34 -0000

I can't believe what I just read. I am just fuming right now and don't even know how to respond. Again, you amaze me in seeing the lesson in this horrible encounter. To see it from their perspective truly reflects the wonderful person you are. I can guarantee that any of us would have been there in a heartbeat to kick some a@#! Nobody, especially you, deserves to be treated the way you were treated. I am literally shaking with anger right now! It is so unfortunate that so much anger and selfishness is dwelling within themselves. You are right, they DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU, and made assumptions about you that definitely are not true. We all judge some time or another, but to choose to act in such a way, in front of the child, is infuriating. I am so sorry this happened to you. Continued prayers for you and your neighbor situation.

Re: Sting of Words

Guest — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:19:51 -0000

ummmmmmmmm, the MAMA BEAR IN ME is alive and kicking right now. SERIOUSLY. And while you are a WONDERFUL person for seeing the lesson in this so quickly, I would just be seeing red....as I am now. ;-) Your lesson here was spot on however....I think about that a lot. The snap judgements I make about other people, the ones made about me. It makes me sad to think that your neighbor has done that and spread it to someone who was never allowed to form her own opinion of you before actually meeting you.

And you were seriously a MUCH better person than I would have been. Seriously. :-E

Recent blog:=- Getting Out Of The Way

Re: Sting of Words

Shannon — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:16:59 -0000

sweet lady...I am so proud of you. You took the high road. I wanted to take the low one FOR you just now. You've heard the real meaning of "assume" right? Take the word apart...that is what she was doing to her sister and herself. I have "issues" with people who assume all of us handicapped are angry, alone, resentful people. You showed the entire building it was not true by turning a horrible situation on its ear and not participating in it. You gave that three year old a gift, showing him/her that illness doesn't have to be scary or mean or angry all the time. I am proud of you. I am so sorry you hurt. I wish I could take it from you.

Re: Sting of Words

Samantha — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:37:26 -0000

So sorry that you had that experience. I think you are right that her preconceived notions, which were made through things she had heard, as well as whatever her state her life was in that day all came together for that mad moment. It makes me think not only about your point about not judging people quickly but also when someone comes at you considering where they are in their life. I think that way it is much easier to forgive if you walk a little while in their shoes and understand why they completely lost it. Of course it doesn't make someone doing something wrong, right, but it does help me forgive.

Recent blog:=- TOUCH

Re: Sting of Words

Sarah — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:56:13 -0000

Whoa girlfriend that's a ridiculous response to a knock on the ceiling - it was made even worse in my mind after reading Suze's post about the raucous sex. OMG! However once again you amaze me with your ability to turn clearly an attack on you to a reflection upon yourself and life lessons/observations. All of which are so true. As a mother I resolve to never act that way in front of my child (okay my irish temper really can't say I've never overreacted to a situation)but more importantly to teach my children the most important lesson in this post which is to not judge others. Sending you a big hug and lots of love, Sarah

Re: Sting of Words

Marla Taviano — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:49:28 -0000

Before I forget, Gabe's camera is a Nikon D50. And he uses Aperture (software) to adjust the pics some before I post them.

Did you ask something else too?

Recent blog:=- let’s talk politics

Re: Sting of Words

Leslie — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:23:51 -0000

How awful for you! I'm so sorry! Next time, sic Riley the attack dog on them! (Isn't the mohawk supposed to mean he's tough?!)

I onced judged someone as being a goofball and an idiot...3 years later I married him!

Recent blog:=- Growing Up

Re: Sting of Words

Paige — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:54:31 -0000

Thank you, thank you for that post today! Oh, how it opened my own eyes and made me think about how many times I have done the same thing. I love visiting your blog each day, because each post you write is a blessing! (Now, if I could just win one of those lovely paintings!!)

Praying for you!

Re: Sting of Words

tahnijoy — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:27:54 -0000

wow. thank you so much for sharing that. although it seriously bothers me that someone would treat you that way, i think you are right about making judgments and that we are doing the same thing in judging her back. (although behavior like that is clearly not very nice)
thanks for sharing this story because i need to be reminded, i'm pretty good at judging.

Recent blog:=- the remembrance of it.

Re: Sting of Words

Tamra — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:34:29 -0000

Sara, why am I not surprised to see a post like this from you? You amaze me every time I stop in at your blog place. God has given you a great heart and oh I have much to learn. Much to learn. I am not good at confrontation and avoid it much like you. The one difference is that I turn it inwards and let it eat me alive. Thank you for once again being such a great example to us all in how we can turn sad situations such as this into lessons of humility.

Recent blog:=- Thankful Thursday

Re: Sting of Words

cynthia — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:30:25 -0000

Sara,
Having experienced unjustified anger and judgments myself, I know the horrible sick feeling that comes after encounters such as these. I also know how easy it is to succomb to rage or self-pity or with you own preconceptions. I want to tell you that the Lord is smiling at the way that you handled this! You did exactly what He wants us all to do: "do not judge anyone so that you yourself will not be judged." Once the accusations start flying it easily can become way out of hand and easy to excuse our own bad behavior. Proud of you girl! You took the opportunity to learn something about yourself and about others also. Bravo. Thanks for sharing with us.

Recent blog:=- compelling love

Re: Sting of Words

Kate Gal — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:47:44 -0000

Sara I am so sorry. We all make snap judgements about people but for heavens sake, you were below them and it was MIDNIGHT!!! Sheesh.
Prayers. And thank you for the insights, and willingness to be open to the other side...
(I disagree with their 'side' and their way out of line reaction, but I'll go along with other side).

Re: Sting of Words

Melissa — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:20:46 -0000

What a wretched woman! If I lived closer, I would so yell at her for hurting and judging you. Not in front of the three year old, though. I'm a little classier than that.

Yeah, I think I need to re-read your post for today's lesson. It just makes me mad that she was so crappy to you. :(

Recent blog:=- A Light at the end of the Tunnel

Re: Sting of Words

Denise — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:48:32 -0000

Well that just stinks. Like you, I'm such a non-controversial person that when I'm faced with controversy I cry. After the fact, I can come up with a million come backs, or hundreds of reasons to defend myself ... but maybe that's not what I should be spending my time doing. Just the fact that you spent time after the fact trying to see it from "her" perspective speaks volumes about the kind of person you are.
I think that one of your IRL friends or neighbors should write down your blog address on a little slip of paper and put it under her door. She could learn a lot from you and your integrity.

Re: Sting of Words

Michelle — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:34:12 -0000

I think I've met this sister. Unfortunately, she can come in many shapes and sizes and can even be related. :'(

It can feel awful to be misunderstood and worse...to misunderstand. If anything, my illness and others' responses to me, have definitely taught me to give the benefit of the doubt.

We never know what is happening in another's life.

I'm sorry this happened to you, but it is good to get the lesson learned. He truly does make all things work together for good...even those terrible distasteful moments we wish we could erase.

Love you, Gitz!

Re: Sting of Words

Candace — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:15:16 -0000

Hey sweetie. I am so sorry I wasn't home when she did this. First, I would have called the police and then I'd have come downstairs to try and get her away from your doorway. My big, ferocious guard dog Martini would have chased her away! :) (That was just to make you laugh!) I wish she'd have thought about it overnight and came to apologize to you. At the least, Kelly should apologize, either in person or with a sincere note. Hopefully the mean sister doesn't come back again and the neighbor gets a job and moves soon.

Hugs to you and Riley. Puppy kisses from Tini.

Recent undefined:=-

Re: Sting of Words

Robynn's Ravings — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:52:20 -0000

Had to read the comments as well before I wrote and it would seem the Robin's/Robynn's represented here are having the same reaction. Is there something in a name?!

My gut reaction is wishing I could rip someone out of their apartment and yell some sense into them. I'm shocked and outraged. But I think your response is far better and a good lesson for us all. Such spiteful, hateful words issue from a heart of bitterness. She is destined (without a heart change) to live a life of rejection, strife, brawling, and anger. MS is the least of her problems.

I had a similar situation with a neighbor and put up with it for 8 years. We asked sweetly, we asked kindly, and I wanted to be forebearing for Christ's sake. When another neighbor finally said, "ENOUGH!" and called the police, they presumed it was us and didn't speak to us for months. I decided then and there that hurting people hurt people and just acted like they were friendly and still waved and said "Hi!" when I saw them. But I also realized they mistook our kindness for weakness which allowed them to use us and cost our family a great deal of peace.

Next time, I would not engage but simply let the police handle it. Our neighbor was right and it fixed the problem immediately. I was enabling them by waiting it out so long. GOOD FOR YOU for trying SOMEthing. I'm just sorry it cost you a face-to-face with someone so scary. As usual though, you are looking for the lesson to be had and you are so right here. We do make snap judgments sometimes without REALLY knowing anything. A good reminder, Gitz. Thank you, friend.

Re: Sting of Words

Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:37:49 -0000

Sara, I'm so sorry this happened to you. But thank you for sharing your conclusion and the lesson we can ALL learn from it.

Recent blog:=- Me, Myself & Lies: Week 1 Recap

Re: Sting of Words

Suzaluza — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:26:13 -0000

I AM SOOO MAD!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe you didn't call my cell phone!?!?! I was gone camping, but you can bet your a@#@ I would've driven back to put her in her place! You know how you always say you are more willing to fight for your friends than you are for yourself - well, feelings are mutual and I think I could hurt her a lot right now with all the anger I'm feeling. I LOVE Colorado Lady's post - why the heck can't Riley bite the people he's supposed to?!! Too much dog whisperer??? I admire you for being so Christian about this, but no one should EVER treat another human being the way you were treated! Did you mention that you have to listen to them having loud sex night after night after night?!?! Love ya lots. I'll be calling you now! :(

Re: Sting of Words

coloradolady — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:01:45 -0000

o.k. I have cooled off a bit. I guess I did not want Riley to bit the ole' witch, he could have possibly got sick from the bite.....but the thought was entertaining even for a bit.

Recent blog:=- Blue Monday : Turning Outdated Glass Jars into Art

Re: Sting of Words

coloradolady — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:48:09 -0000

Sara, If I could reach through this computer and give you a hug I would. If I could reach through this computer and pull that girls hair out..I would.

No being nice here, she might as well have charged my own daughter with this bull. I am so mad right now, I can hardly think. I had tears in my eyes thinking about you at that door having to listen to that garbage. .

I wish Riley would have bit her! She deserved it.

I know you prefer to look at the bright sides of things...but right now...I prefer to be mad....and I so wish I was there. I am not afraid to fight, and I will...just like a mother hen. >:o

Recent blog:=- Blue Monday : Turning Outdated Glass Jars into Art

Re: Sting of Words

Lindsey — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:25:16 -0000

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry this happened to you! I live on the top floor of our apt and I'm gonna be more careful about how loud I am now!

Recent blog:=- Betty Crocker for a day

Re: Sting of Words

Julie Garmon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:12:46 -0000

Absolutely brilliant post. Stunning. I have your emotional make-up. I shrivel with confrontation. You are incredibly wise to think about this long enough to glean truth from it. You were able to get outside your pain--amazingly--and see it from another perspective. Something like you experienced with your "neighbor" could do me in for a few days. Thanks for showing me a new perspective.

Re: Sting of Words

Guest — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:19:51 -0000

Sara - What that woman said and did is NOT OKAY! Forget the "judgment call"! People should not be making noise in the middle of the night! Period - End of Story. You did not do anything wrong. I'm sure that other neighbors are disturbed by these rude people. Being kind, and thoughtful is wonderful...but it doesn't mean that you should be taken advantage of!

I'll get off my soapbox now...and go pray for your unkind and inconsiderate neighbors...that they will realize that the world does not revolve around them!

Recent blog:=-

Re: Sting of Words

Mandy — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:10:49 -0000

Oh Sara I'm SO MAD RIGHT NOW!!! I love that you have a wonderful attitude about everything. You are an amazing person. A much better person than I. Because If I were there right now, being a very confrontational person when needed, I would be MORE THAN HAPPY to CORRECT that woman. UUUGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

I guess the lesson here (other than the super-nice one you just wrote about): Next time, just call the police instead of banging on the ceiling. ;)