“That Completely Changed My Thinking”: 40 Perception-Changing Stories By Our Community

That’s very similar to a story from the Bible, where a widow came to the temple and donated two small coins to the offering. The priests and rich people were saying that she wasn’t putting in enough, but Jesus told them that even though they were putting in 10% of their income as required, she was putting in all she had. Those two coins were worth more to God than all the donations of the rich people, because it showed that she actually cared about the temple, instead of just doing what was asked.

and I bet you still have that gift since is more valueable than all the others

I'm not crying....you're crying

Beautiful story!

She seems so pure, its so nice you made friends with her!

Fu*king racists. I'm famous for using wrong words (ahum) but never intentionally. I'm trying to think of a word that would hurt me like the N-word and I can't think of one. I've never thought about this. I'm glad you posted this Martha.

we have a similar word with the same connotation in South Africa and it drives me to rage when I hear it, or a mix of rage and the urge to projectile-vomit on the white guy who uses it. Totally unacceptable. It's vile. It implies that the person being addressed isn't human, or is sub-human. To use that word is to be a nazi, nothing less.

It's a word that says someone is seen as subhuman. As inescapably lesser. As deserving of all the injustices and cruelties that black people have been subjected to, now, and throughout history. I can never understand how it feels to be called that. I can tell you that hearing a white person use that word forever changes the way I regard them, because their beliefs and ideals are unspeakably vile.

I wish retail workers were given instances where reacting normally was allowed when placed in extreme situations. Racist customers were the worst breed and being able to scream at them or chew them out for their unacceptable behavior should be allowed without consequences.

C***k is one for Asians...I found it unbelievably insulting and upsetting. Still upsets me when I hear it. Racist pigs

I've always wanted to be a high school English teacher, too, so it's easy to connect with that. This is so inspiring, thank you so much for sharing!!!

I have an assumption that some people (in the context of a brief interaction with a cashier at a grocery store) would think you meant something more serious (not that moving across the country is not serious) by saying "I'm thinking of abandoning ship". Meaning they might have thought you were thinking of ending your life. I'm glad you weren't and didn't and that the customers words helped you! Happy teaching!

I like the sentiment. I really like the sentiment. Congratulations on achieving your goal.

Good on you for following your dreams! Sometimes the best life advice comes from random strangers :)

Cashier isn't a verb. You worked as a cashier.

Troux, that's a good story. I also think about this. People say that animals have no emotions but only instinct. No way !!! When we are away for a whole day the cat(s) sit by the window and wait till we are home and then won't leave us out of their sight for the rest of the day and the following. Aaaw.

Animals do have complex emotions just like us. It takes time to speak ‘bird’, or ‘horse’ or ‘dog’ or ‘cat.’ It is about learning what their body language means, what their vocalizations mean. Above all else, the expression in their eyes. In moments of stillness it is such a pure and serene place to be. I am more in tune with those animals around me because I have learned this. Even our fish do a happy dance when we come in the room where there tank is, I used to be able to stroke the tops of our Goldfish, Ciclids and Blue Gourami’s heads. Fish have long memories, can count, some species use TOOLs. I routinely give sugar water to bees, pick them up and never get stung. Body language, your mood conveys your energy and intent It is about showing respect, reverence and listening to what they have to say. They are a part of our world as much as we are a part of theirs and they do speak to us. The natural world is where we came from and there is so much to learn from it and them.

And was it a coincidence that the fox came to the spot where they buried their pets?

I just had to put down my 15 1/2 year old dachshund last week. But I hired a vet to come to my house. He was in his favorite bed and I had my other dog right there all snuggled together so she could understand. One of my adult sons was able to get here also. They put some much love and trust into us, they deserve a good life too.

My problem is that for me animals are the same as we are, they feel the same pain, sadness, fear, love, happiness. I always see them as equal to humans, and honestly - even better. It brings me lot of sadness and suffer as well. The understanding of animals, and my power of compassion for them.

THIS IS BEYOND TRUE. I am also a mental health counselor working with the inmates. The male inmates are more respectful to me as a female then some guys on the outside. Most of them are genuinely appreciative that someone is empathetic and supportive as most of them have never experienced that before. A large majority have also experienced childhood trauma.

So ... society failed the guy who bought an AR and started shooting at kids? Society failed the mom who let strangers abuse her child? Society failed the guy who mixed some poison into baby formula? What about the drunk driver who took out a whole family? I'm sure you have cases where your help is needed. But I wouldn't go as far as to say that society failed everyone who's in jail.

I work in a state juvenile correctional facility. That means prison for kids. The “inmates” that we call Youth really frequently come from hard environments filled with trauma. Yes, they made choices to get themselves here. And their experiences really explain a lot of how they developed such distorted thinking and engage in such awful behavior. I can tell you that we are constantly trying to improve the treatment, education, and support these kids get because what we do is not enough for all the kids. AND when it comes down to it, these kids will have to live with the consequences of their choices. I have a lot of empathy for them because I can see them as a whole person where most people just see their crimes. Keep in mind that no one is 100% good or bad and don’t completely write someone off because they’ve been to prison. Many people do turn their lives around.