I think I want my friends to judge me

I know JUDGMENT is such a buzzword. We don’t want to feel judged by the church or by our pastors.

I even have had friends who have such strong views about the way they think things should be that I feel I can never do right around them. It sucks to be cringing because I’m expecting the next thing they say to be correcting me on something.

So if I had my impulsive preference I don’t want any of my friends to have negative thoughts on what I think, say, and do. I want to believe that I am always right.

And I think that’s the direction modern culture is heading in. No one ever wants to be labeled as JUDGY because we promote how important it is for everyone to have their own thoughts and freedom to do what they want as long as it doesn't make anybody else uncomfortable. So we keep our thoughts to ourselves.

But if I’m honest, even though judgement is unpleasant, sometime that’s what I need in order to get over a hump. It’s what I need to grow or be challenged to rise to the next stage. It's what I need to see my blind spots.

So, I think among my friends who I know and trust most I want them to judge me a little bit more. What I mean is that if they see something I’m doing is foolish, I want them to care for me enough to let me know in a kind way. Maybe if we can even foster a matter-of-fact honesty that simply states our views so the other person is made aware, we quickly move on, and the receiver gets to evaluate it in their time, as they see fit.

Instead of getting so up tight about it.

I think we probably all are a little too close to our decisions to see the biggest picture, and our maturing as an individual always has further to go. So I think I want my friends to discern and tell me when they are a little concerned. Or just as a matter of fact when they see things a different way. I’d think I'd like to know.

Thanks guys.

Raw Spoon, 5-17-19