BEWARE OF THE IDES OF MARCH

contributed by

Rev. Lowell Dean Allen

retired United Methodist pastor

“Et tu, Brute!”  Beware the Ides of March

Julius Caesar in ancient Rome met his end at the hands of a close friend Brutus on the Ides of March.

How very betrayed we feel when our closest friend(s) “stab us in the back!”

There must not be a more demoralizing experience if and when it happens.

And it does happen too often.

Climbers in the office, or those climbing the social ladder, with the attitude of  “me first”, have no concern for those whose efforts have made them appear good. It is just “get out of my way.”

Teens can be very hurtful in the social network in order to be included in the “with it’ crowd when the leaders have persuaded your friends that you are not to be a part.  Gang leaders put your friends to a test to “out” you in order to be part of the gang.

There are even those who make up untrue stories about you when they think it will give them an advantage.

You discover an adult best friend is having an affair with your mate.

These are only a few examples. You likely have your own to share. The question is “How do you handle the depressing information?  How do you recover the ‘I’m O.K.’ feelings as genuine?” In almost every instance you need to understand that there is nothing “wrong” with you, nor have you done the wrong thing--it is not your fault.

Finding a counselor or therapist that is not emotionally involved is the best way to work through the morass of bad feelings. Don’t delay doing so. Otherwise the “stew” your mind is in continues to boil!