ARTICLE: Judge not

Re: Raydeane Owens’ article “Telling Yourself the Truth” in Live Well CDA magazine:

Here’s the thing about passive aggressive writing: it never represents a universal truth.

In the trade school industry, we take a photo of students when they enter the program and another when they graduate. Their change is visible. To those who never knew them — but judged them from afar — they “recreated” themselves. Those who walked with them along their life’s journey, on the other hand, offer respect and honor for these often extreme changes.

So many people, every day, rise above bigotry, alcoholism, racism, drug abuse, cultures of shame and judgment — even when it’s been engrained in them since childhood. These souls find the courage to change friendships, disassociate with destructive cultures, and align with their truest self.

It is becoming increasingly discouraging to continue reading these religious articles that pick apart humanity — suggesting we look at the lives of others and form an opinion about how they are “doing” life instead of cheering them on and assuming they are doing the best they can.

And how ironic it is that Jesus was also crucified because of judgments made by people who *never really knew him*. How disappointing that the Coeur d’Alene Press continues to publish words that take aim to speculate on a fellow man’s heart, discredit a fellow man’s choices and to use the HOPE of scripture to cast shame upon people.

Mrs. Owens’ views IN NO WAY represents the kindhearted and compassionate people of faith in this community. In a time of diverse lifestyles within a United faith, perhaps the Coeur d’Alene Press could offer more hope-filled messages where we are offered ways to see the good in others and not look for opportunities to cast judgment.

MELINDA CADWALLADER

Coeur d’Alene