Thanks to all of you I am definitely not having the Worst Week Ever! This week has been one of the most invigorating, and thought provoking at Words For Hire. Wow! I could not have asked for a better party this week! I sat cross legged as I raptly listened to the thoughtful discussions and friendly debates.  All week I have replayed conversations in my head and your words have fortified, educated and inspired me.

Who needs BlogWorld or Conferences when you can gather everyone in your own living room? Evelyn Lim, Rebecca Smith, Melissa Donovan, Jaden, Janice Cartier, Alex Fayle, Steph Vandermeulen, Alina Popescu, Karen Putz,  and my new friend  Seamus Anthony all popped in this week. Even Amy who has been buried in thesis writing had time to stop in for tea.

You recalled past world events and examined them in the context of the present with comments like this:

“And I think of this: the Aryans were an actual group of people (Indo Europeans) who thought themselves superior to others – it is interesting Hitler used this term for his ideas of the “supreme Aryan nation.” Some archeologist/anthropologists believe they may have started the whole light/dark, male/female polarity thinking in human thought.”–Ellen Wilson

Ulla Hennig shared her thoughts and personal insights on the travesty of World War II and asked the hard hitting question: “And I? What would I have done if I lived through that time? I know what I would have liked to do – I hate fascism – but would I have done it?”

After derailing Wendi Kelly’s thought, Robert Hruzek had this to say: “There’s a great little principle the Apostle Paul wrote once that really says it all, and is applicable to anyone, anywhere. I’ll summarize it this way: Do not blindly accept what you hear; test it for its inherent truth.”

Wendi then offered a wonderful comment which included this bit of wisdom: “This is why I say- and I have pounded this in to my children-you must examine your OWN beliefs and truths and carefully study and examine, never blindly follow no matter how bright or shiny the glitter may glow.”

There was talk of Science from the always Deep Friar mixed with his own unique brand of humor. Kelly who is directly responsible for motivating Nick Cernis‘ new blog, 44 Forks may very well rack up a second credit if Friar takes the bait. Kelly also added a thoughtful take on leadership.

I think that (mad, evil, etc.) leaders with blind followers are neither revealing nor teaching, but bullying, preying on fears and insecurities, and obscuring. By the end of that, the followers beliefs and self-concept have been warped, but they’ve been taught not a thing.–Kelly Erickson

For me, “blind faith” is an oxymoron. I’ve found that to believe – really believe – I must look deeply into an idea, and then into my own heart. I think it’s a lack of faith and an unwillingness to test one’s convictions that lead people to do the unspeakable.–Brad Shorr

For me it’s something to do with taking time, and what happens in it, as it is, rather than trying to impose my will on it. Letting things unfold in their own way, and in their own time. —Joanna Young

Back from his hiatus, Jamie Grove offered this wonderful reminder: “It’s hard to get too tied up in the universe when you laugh at the absurdity of it all.”

Life is beautiful, absurd and wonderful. I hope that you live and laugh well today! I’m off to visit with many of you today. Have an awesome Thursday!

Karen