The comments on Jess’ posts lately have reminded me of this, which I think we should all take to heart.
Thermopylae
Honor to those who in the life they lead
define and guard a Thermopylae.
Never betraying what is right,
consistent and just in all they do
but showing pity also, and compassion;
generous when they are rich, and when they are poor,
still generous in small ways,
still helping as much as they can;
always speaking the truth,
yet without hating those who lie.
And even more honor is due to them
when they foresee (as many do foresee)
that in the end Ephialtis will make his appearance,
that the Medes will break through after all.
Cavafy
This was first published here on 24 Aug 2012 by Chalcedon451.
One of the great joys that this blog has brought to me personally is the renewed love of poetry that Jessica brought to me. And, you know, if often speaks to our problems, which remain the same problems they always have been.
I have read my dearest friend Jessica’s post this morning, Vale, and while I am saddened beyond measure, I am not even slightly surprised. I am, however, quite angry at those benighted souls who caused it. While I am not following her immediately, the only reason is the loyalty that I owe to Chalcedon451, who has become one of my best friends. But I must say, if the tone of the comment streams remains as it is, my days here are numbered as well.
Jess’ friend who looked in here, is also a friend of mine, and asked me as well, how I put up with “those bloody bloggers”? I had no answer. Takes a special sort of person to drive people out of the house they built, if that’s what a Christian is, I’m not very sure that I wish to be one, either.
All Along the Watchtower 
I enjoy our differences. I think Jess spoke of a non-believer who was put off by this place; however, my faith grows because of it.
It saddens me to hear that people’s days are numbered. I only wish I could have created such a haven–yes, I choose the word haven. It’s one of the few–no, the ONLY– places that I know where Christians of all different professions can come and discuss our faith. Do I know every single part of each one’s faith, no, but this is a place where I can discover.
I am a Roman Catholic– I profess the faith, pray the rosary, believe in the Eucharistic theology, go to Confession and utilize all of the sacraments. To some traditionalists, I am a heretic. I defend Vatican II, defend the vernacular mass, celebrate the feast of Pope St. John Paul II–October 22.
I took to heart Jess’s words of love, even though I think her and I had a fairly good understanding. When my sister spoke words of anger against Christianity today, I showed her love and understanding, because I want her to find love instead of anger. I wanted her to understand that Christ is love then I can tell her why love was nailed to the cross.
I plead to all to defend and grow this special place.
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The friend she spoke of, as did I, does not have the depth of faith of Jess, or you, or me, but is an Anglican, who knows a certain amount, at least.
I have always found this place to be as you described, until lately, when too many simply repeat the same tired arguments, ad infinitum.
After nearly four years of it, I’m simply getting tired of it, and Jess, being more sensitive than this old man, also gets hurt more easily. I think you’re right though, I thought you two found middle ground where you could agree. That is much of her problem, she never had any problem with people disagreeing with her, she always had a problem with people calling each other names, warranted in their eyes, or not.
Makes a sad day, for me, and all of us that believe more in compassion, than in anger, and self-righteousness.
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James hit the nail on the head “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God”!
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He did, indeed.
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