Playing Favorites
About forgiveness--a social commentary33 total reviews
Comment from dragonpoet
James,This short story is so true. We do pick and choose who to forgive and for what to forgive people for. Blanket forgiveness is the best for all concerned. Though we should go for justice in the case if brutal police. One can shoot the arm of a person holding a knife at someone to make him drop it, instead of killing him.
Good luck in the contest.
Keep writing and stay healthy.
Joan
reply by the author on 10-Aug-2021
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James,This short story is so true. We do pick and choose who to forgive and for what to forgive people for. Blanket forgiveness is the best for all concerned. Though we should go for justice in the case if brutal police. One can shoot the arm of a person holding a knife at someone to make him drop it, instead of killing him.
Good luck in the contest.
Keep writing and stay healthy.
Joan
Comment Written 10-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 10-Aug-2021
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Good morning, Joan. What a surprise to find a review today for one of my favorite prose pieces. Everyone seems to make an exception for the police...I wonder why?
I agree they ought to stop those with a knife in a more appropriate way, but who is to know what is going through their head and that particular moment? Anyway, I would hate to be in their shoes, right? I didn't win the contest but, as they say, it was great to be nominated!
Thank you for your wonderful review and for brightening up my day engaging in controversial ruminations. Have a super rest of your week, my friend,
Jesse
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You are very welcome on all accounts, Jesse. I am glad I picked your favorite prose piece.
Joan
Comment from Poetic Friend
James,
I hope all is well, my friend.
I love this story, and I can see why it was nominated as Story of the Month/ Well-deserved and congratulations.
You make valid and strong points in this story. In forgiveness, we should never play favorites. God wants us to be forgiving humans, regardless of the circumstances. Of course, forgiving isn't easy, but we should obey.
Moreover, forgiveness benefits our souls. An unforgiving heart is a heavy one because it remains burdensome. It takes tremendous energy to hold on to resentment.
Thank you for this message, James. Your work always holds powerful messages.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2021
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James,
I hope all is well, my friend.
I love this story, and I can see why it was nominated as Story of the Month/ Well-deserved and congratulations.
You make valid and strong points in this story. In forgiveness, we should never play favorites. God wants us to be forgiving humans, regardless of the circumstances. Of course, forgiving isn't easy, but we should obey.
Moreover, forgiveness benefits our souls. An unforgiving heart is a heavy one because it remains burdensome. It takes tremendous energy to hold on to resentment.
Thank you for this message, James. Your work always holds powerful messages.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2021
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Wow, what a wonderful surprise to find this in my box this morning! I am proud of this prose piece and am glad you chose to review it. I was thrilled to find out that it was nominated for Story of the Month!
You make strong points when you say that forgiveness benefits our souls. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I try not to hold on to resentment as best as I can.
Thank you for this marvelous review and exceptional rating!
Have a great Sunday, my friend!
James/Jesse
Comment from joycetreasures
Hi Jesse,
This is a wonderful poem on "Playing Favorites with Forgiveness." I believe we feel happier when we are fair in our dealings with people. It's not that difficult to forgive someone, if we really try. I don't struggle with forgiveness. It's like carrying baggage around. This is an excellent social commentary. Well done!!
reply by the author on 30-May-2021
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Hi Jesse,
This is a wonderful poem on "Playing Favorites with Forgiveness." I believe we feel happier when we are fair in our dealings with people. It's not that difficult to forgive someone, if we really try. I don't struggle with forgiveness. It's like carrying baggage around. This is an excellent social commentary. Well done!!
Comment Written 30-May-2021
reply by the author on 30-May-2021
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It is a rare person who doesn't struggle with forgiveness. I like your reasons for giving it a try...we become happier and, we can release the baggage we are carrying around. Both great reasons for being as forgiving as best we can.
Thank you for your kind words and your positive review.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Jesse
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You are welcome, Jesse:-)
Comment from mermaids
You have an interesting point here that I never thought of. We are quick to forgive certain people but not others. It gives the reader something to think about and contemplate the act of forgiveness. Excellent writing here that impacts the reader.
reply by the author on 28-May-2021
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You have an interesting point here that I never thought of. We are quick to forgive certain people but not others. It gives the reader something to think about and contemplate the act of forgiveness. Excellent writing here that impacts the reader.
Comment Written 27-May-2021
reply by the author on 28-May-2021
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I appreciate all your kind comments. I am glad I encouraged you to think about the act of forgiveness. Thanks for the encouraging review and the excellent rating!
Have a great day,
Jesse
Comment from Denie R
Wow Jesse this brings up so much to ponder. When Jesus was on the cross after being brutally beaten He said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." He said this when He was dyeing. Our country is a very unforgiving nation. We hold grudges, for things that happened hundreds of years ago, and teach our children to hold grudges as well. We have generations of children who don't know how to forgive because the parents don't forgive. We will always be divided if we don't forgive. Forgiveness is possible I've experienced it in my own life, but as grief does, it comes in waves, and we have to forgive all over again.
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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Wow Jesse this brings up so much to ponder. When Jesus was on the cross after being brutally beaten He said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." He said this when He was dyeing. Our country is a very unforgiving nation. We hold grudges, for things that happened hundreds of years ago, and teach our children to hold grudges as well. We have generations of children who don't know how to forgive because the parents don't forgive. We will always be divided if we don't forgive. Forgiveness is possible I've experienced it in my own life, but as grief does, it comes in waves, and we have to forgive all over again.
Comment Written 27-May-2021
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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I love the way you talk about forgiveness and how it comes in waves. Your point is that we need to forgive, again and again...that we never stop forgiving, which is a great one! No one else mentioned that, and I think that is important to realize! Also true is that as a nation, we will stay divided as long as we don't forgive. You have strong opinions about forgiveness, and I think that is great!
Thanks so much for the six-star rating, and the wonderful review!
Take care, my friend,
Jesse
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
I agree. This reminds me of a 'catch 22' situation but on a much more serious situation. I'm glad you included about the police and presidents. Some of the 'blame' id the constant 'in your face' from the media. You are right if each person could do as you wrote, then what a more peaceful place this world would be. I don't have an answer, but you give readers much to think about. We all could benefit from looking deep inside ourselves before we blame others.
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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I agree. This reminds me of a 'catch 22' situation but on a much more serious situation. I'm glad you included about the police and presidents. Some of the 'blame' id the constant 'in your face' from the media. You are right if each person could do as you wrote, then what a more peaceful place this world would be. I don't have an answer, but you give readers much to think about. We all could benefit from looking deep inside ourselves before we blame others.
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 26-May-2021
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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I love your insightful comments, Jan, about how quick we are, to blame without taking into account that the media, might be fueling and fanning the fire, of who is to blame. You are so right then, that we must look inside ourselves before we choose who to blame and whether we should blame anyone, at all!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful insights, and for letting me share my two cents as well.
Have a terrific day,
Jesse
Comment from kahpot
I think personal feelings have a lot to do with our decision making on who deserves forgiveness, if we relate to or admire someone we will soften our criticism, I found this to be a wonderful read and one that made me ponder many of my own judgements on people, very well written****kahpot
reply by the author on 26-May-2021
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I think personal feelings have a lot to do with our decision making on who deserves forgiveness, if we relate to or admire someone we will soften our criticism, I found this to be a wonderful read and one that made me ponder many of my own judgements on people, very well written****kahpot
Comment Written 26-May-2021
reply by the author on 26-May-2021
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You make an excellent point, my friend! Personal feelings have everything to do with how we judge people and situations. If we like a person's attitude and opinions on things, we will agree with their decisions. I am so glad this encouraged you to think about your feelings on the subject. I appreciate so much your kind words and exceptional rating!
Have a great day,
Jesse
Comment from Bill Schott
This story, Playing Favorites, has some odd comparisons to begin with as opposed to the general ones towards the end. A daughter and theft versus the neighbor's overwatering sounds too far apart to compare. A theft versus an accident. As far as politicians, forget about it.
reply by the author on 28-May-2021
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This story, Playing Favorites, has some odd comparisons to begin with as opposed to the general ones towards the end. A daughter and theft versus the neighbor's overwatering sounds too far apart to compare. A theft versus an accident. As far as politicians, forget about it.
Comment Written 26-May-2021
reply by the author on 28-May-2021
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Thank you, Bill, for your interesting comments. I appreciate the time and effort you put into reading and writing this review, and I thank you. Thank you as well for the excellent rating.
Have a nice day,
Jesse
Comment from Pam (respa)
-A good image, Jesse,
and well written piece
about forgiveness and what it means.
-It is a shame that so many
issues have entered the political
arena over the years.
-The point about the victim and
the police officer is a very good example.
-I also like the more local one you
mention in our family or neighborhood-
the daughter who steals and the neighbor
who over waters the lawn.
-Your writing is well organized and
well thought out, with good examples
and a very good conclusion.
reply by the author on 26-May-2021
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-A good image, Jesse,
and well written piece
about forgiveness and what it means.
-It is a shame that so many
issues have entered the political
arena over the years.
-The point about the victim and
the police officer is a very good example.
-I also like the more local one you
mention in our family or neighborhood-
the daughter who steals and the neighbor
who over waters the lawn.
-Your writing is well organized and
well thought out, with good examples
and a very good conclusion.
Comment Written 26-May-2021
reply by the author on 26-May-2021
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Thank you so much, Pam, for your in-depth analysis and positive comments. I appreciate your kind words very much. I am happy you like the examples I used when assessing forgiveness. Some readers weren't thrilled with some of them. The police brutality issue brought up some ire from a few folks, but I say there are two sides to every story and, that one is a good example of this. Thank you for seeing the complexities of the issues we face. Finally, thank you for the encouragement and beneficial review.
Have a great afternoon,
Jesse
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You are very welcome and deserving of the rating and review, Jesse. It is a delicate issue, but there are two sides, depending on the situation, and you didn't point out a specific one. It is a very complex issue and you did handle it well.
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Hi Pam.
I keep wishing I could give you a reviewer's contest vote but, I already gave you one this month. I agree, it is a complex issue, and no matter what issue we are talking about, there are always two sides to the story. Thank you again for your input.
Take care,
Jesse
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I appreciate the thought, Jesse, and I agree there are two sides to think about.
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Playing Favorites
by Jesse James Doty
I see what you mean but I don't agree with the police brutality sample. There are way too many black Americans killed for stupid reasons, like being high, trying to pass a fake 20 dollar bill, expired plates, traffick tickets, on and on... It has to stop and the police has to be held accountable.
Overall, I agree that forgiving is the path to healing.
Gypsy hugs
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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Playing Favorites
by Jesse James Doty
I see what you mean but I don't agree with the police brutality sample. There are way too many black Americans killed for stupid reasons, like being high, trying to pass a fake 20 dollar bill, expired plates, traffick tickets, on and on... It has to stop and the police has to be held accountable.
Overall, I agree that forgiving is the path to healing.
Gypsy hugs
Comment Written 26-May-2021
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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Thank you, Gypsy, for your commentary on police brutality...I agree that it is out of hand and needs to be curtailed. Some things are harder to forgive than others.
Thank you for the excellent review and rating and especially for the Gypsy hugs!
Have a good evening, my friend,
Jesse
