Enmity

I guess it's what I get for going to church.

But yesterday as I sat listening to the Sunday School teacher lecture on the dangers of pride, I didn't feel that bad. I mean, don't get me wrong - I'm not void of pride. I look at People magazine's Web site on a near daily basis and mock and criticize people who not only don't know me but probably could care less what I think. But I'm certainly not a cocky person when it comes to my appearance or social status or shoe collection. (Which is woefully pathetic these days.) So while I felt gently reprimanded, I took heart that pride is low on my personal totem pole of sins.

Then, someone in the back row began to relate a story about a story about pride that had been shared at a "Best of Especially For Youth" conference here in Denver. In passing, he mentioned that John Bytheway was supposed to be the speaker, but was hospitalized so someone else spoke in his place. Then, he resumed his story on pride.

John Bytheway? The John Bytheway who I criticized and attacked for being a career Mormon only a few posts ago? He was in the hospital, most likely suffering from a broken heart after reading my comments -- you know, if for some unknown reason he had happened upon my blog. I felt HORRIBLE. Here I was calling him to repentance for being an enthusiastic member of the youth conference circuit and he was in pain or dying or worse. (Though I'm not sure what's worse than dying short of being dead.)

Why do I find it so humorous to poke fun at others' expense? Why do I think that public or semi-public figures are fair targets for sarcasm and criticism? As a reporter, I understand that they legally can't argue libel in certain instances that a average Joe could. However, as a human being and a church-going gal, I should know better than to cut down others no matter their fame. Even Ashlee Simpson. And, seriously, that's hard for me to admit.

So I apologize to John and his family and all others who read my post. It was cruel and unnecessary and totally prideful of me. I wish Brother Bytheway the best with what is being called a back injury.

And to think, if I hadn't gone to church, this post would be a rant about Oprah.