Good way of explaining it! However, I would have to say that my actions are more often far FROM uncompromising. My problem in the past has been that I’m too compromising and so end up with a complete lack of self-preservation. After realizing this behavior in myself, I made a goal to balance it out. The same happens in most cases with me: if my actions are not in line w/the Writings, etc, I need to re-evaluate how I am operating.

The racist joke question: I would have to say that I find such things unacceptable, but it depends on a)how well I know the person and b) what kind of reaction the situation warrants. I am not afraid to tactfully point out that we may have different opinions and that the way they phrased their comment could be offensive to me, and I would appreciate more concern for my beliefs in the future. Like you said, not being perfect, I realize that I may offend peoples hearts, but I try my best not to.

Does that answer it?

Given the above, if your external actions are at least temporarilly uncompromising, where do you draw the line between preservation of character and the feelings/opinions of others? What if someone tells you a racist joke, with sincerity? Somewhere around pg. 70 or so of Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, He tells us not to offend the feelings of anyone, even if the person is an ‘evil-doer’. Of course, He had the benefit of God-given perfection, but what would the Master do in cases like that?

i realize the question is a little vauge, but i’m just looking for thoughts.

i think sometimes the only way some of us (myself included) figure things out is if we talk it out or see those things reflected in someone else. works for me!

i need to learn to be more firm on what i will/not do for others – i end up being nice or putting up with ppl i don’t feel comfortable with because i can’t deal with conflict.

um. yeah i need to stop making my comments sound like self-therapy