A Note of Thanks and Clarification

by Shirley Peter
(Atkinson NE, USA)

I just sent an email to this site explaining that I see a definite difference between complaining and sharing. After coming on here to see if others had made any comments, I would like to add to my email that I sent.

First I want to thank you all for your comments. We learn from others sharing in what they think about what we've said.

To the lady that said she was a good listener, I believe that I am also and I was only stating what I felt about complaint in general and how I dealt with it in my life. But I would not start in telling someone that is complaining to stop.

We are called to help our fellow Christian sisters and brothers when we see that they have somehow transgressed God's word. But I have never found that to be helpful, so instead I myself listen even if it is not something I want to hear to much in my life.

And I would try to help anyone that was looking for a better way, and that was simply what I was sharing here. Why I stopped complaining and how. If it helps someone else I will be thankful as I do want to be a blessing to others.

To the one that thought she was complaining. I personally know her and know that she is sharing not complaining, at least to me. She struggles with chronic pain and that is a difficult thing to deal with, but she continues to be faithful and a blessing to others, so Cathy, this did not mean you.

For the other lady that said she was trying to stop complaining, I commend you for realizing that it will be a blessing to yourself as you learn to be thankful instead. I spent many years, even as a Christian being an "Israelite", and was very unhappy. I am sure I didn't make others happy either.

But now I am trying to always look at my cup as filling up, look at what is right in my life and have a thankful heart.

The email I sent is below. I hope that I am not doing this wrong. I really thank you Karen for giving us a voice. I am going to urge others to participate as I believe this is good for our souls, and our walk with the Lord. God bless. Shirley


Hi,

Thank you for allowing me to share my story about complaining. I do want to make clear, though, that I do not mean to put a muzzle on people sharing their pain and difficulties. We are here to be servants of others and to help when we can, and part of that help is listening to others.

I am speaking of actual complaining similar to what the Israelites did after God had freed them from 400 years of slavery. They grumbled about every thing and actually said that maybe they would have been better off to be back in Egypt. There are people who seem to not be happy unless they are finding fault with things in their lives or even with others. That is the type of complaining that I do not want to hear, or be guilty of myself.

So please, if any of you think that I meant that we need to go around with a false smile on our face and not share with others the pain we are experiencing, please forgive me for giving that impression. My article was not meant to make anyone feel that they are complaining when they are hurting and having a difficult time.

I am always ready to give an ear to people who are hurting, having been in that place many times in my life, and would not throw cold water on anyone by insinuating that they are "just complaining" and that they ought to get a grip. I am willing to share with others how I have dealt with my pain though and found peace even while suffering and in pain. In Christ love, Shirley.