Wednesday, June 17, 2015

June 17: Writing Prompt #168-Shape Up or Ship Out

Write a letter to the personality trait you like least, convincing it to shape up or ship out. Be as threatening, theatrical, or thoroughly charming as is necessary to get the job done.
Dear Argumentative Nature,
You would have been useful had I ever been on a debate team.  I could use your skills faithfully as a politician if I was interested in that profession. Becoming a lawyer would have probably been a smart decision in order to best utilize you.  Alas, I did not choose any of these things.  And more times than not, I find your quick retorts, defensive stance, and ways of playing devil’s advocate get me into more trouble than not.  Would you please kindly refrain was rearing your challenging side when there’s no need for you?  Wait until I call on you. Hold yourself in check unless it’s absolutely necessary to save me from a worse fate.  Otherwise, help me to adhere to this:  Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 OR better yet, try this one: Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Philippians 2:14-16. Okay, Argumentative Nature, do you understand now?  There’s a time and a place to use your strengths, and there’s a time and a place to stay silent.  Help me to be that better person, who argues for what’s most important, for what’s right and what’s wrong with a righteous anger, but keeps my arguments to myself when it is not useful or uplifting to the ones I am speaking to.
Thank you for your support,

Susannah

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