Long
before text messaging reduced words to their first letters, writers and
editors referred to a commonly over-used plot as IOIHK – “If only I had known.”
Books, movies, stories, areas of miscommunication, and misspent lives have infamously fallen into the IOIHK category. But in this time of rampant misunderstanding between various peoples and traditions of faith, we poets, writers, pastors, teachers, parents, politicians, caregivers, and other leaders can be mindful of cultures, levels of maturity, and opinions unlike our own.
Remember:
If Only I had Known often means we didn’t bother to find out!
The remedy, of course, is to check our emotions and check the facts.
- Ask questions to clarify.
- Listen – truly and intently.
- Aim to hear another perspective.
- Research.
- Investigate both sides.
- Look for workable solutions.
- Show respect.
- Build bridges.
- Embrace
the blessing of diversity!
Can we do this on our own? Probably not! But we can agree to pray
for God to help us to be open to other perspectives and peaceful possibilities for healing.
©2021, Mary Harwell Sayler, poet-writer
P.S. If you're writing a book or script, please be sure IOIHK is not the story plot!
…
