Apology to John

[Greg Newton]

I am writing this as an open letter to John Peterson.

Brother,

I apologize for the post I made about leaving. There are a lot of fine folks here who post and participate. I have been honored to meet many knowledgeable and kindhearted people here. Unfortunately, people who hate you, hate you. The negative attacks will always come, and I suppose that in those quarters there will be howls of derision because I am writing this. So what.

You are providing a service to others with this forum, your books and other products. I for one have always bought into what you are selling and have profitted it by it immensely. You have always been a gentleman, I have seen you deal with some of the most negative people in a way that is charitible and forgiving. You have been an example to me, and yes I appreciate greatly the friendship you have shown to me, because I do think of you an older brother.

Growing up, I was the oldest and never had anyone to look up to, and had to make my own way. It has been kind of nice having someone I could have as a role model and support; even at my middle age of 48. So anyway, I want you to know that I always consider you my brother as a friend and mentor and as a brother in Christ. I also pledge my support to you in any way I can be of assistance, and that means continuing to contribute to this wonderful forum. That is, if you'll have me here!

Sincerely,

Greg Newton

[John Peterson]

Hey Greg,

You don't owe me an apology. I'm honored to have you for a friend and brother. I hope that you and every person here knows that I am concerned only with what happens here on this forum and not at all with what is stated elsewhere. Sure, we all know that there are people that are extremely envious and mean spirited in all they do and say. But in truth, I have never once in my life met another human being that was always finding fault in others that was ever happy with themselves.

Seriously, their constant attacks against other people (including me, you, and Andy62 and other forum members) reveal their own self loathing and personal disappointment with themselves. This is why they try to cover it up by projecting fault and assessing blame on others. They act as though it is other people that have prevented them from achieving any level of personal fulfillment and achievement. Because I know this to be true, I do not hate or criticize a single one of my detractors. In fact, when I have had the pleasure of speaking with you and other friends I have always stated that I pray for my self proclaimed enemies because their projections of hostility toward me reveal more about how they feel about themselves than anything else they could ever say about me.They have deluded themselves into thinking that by trying to make someone else look bad that they make themselves look good and nothing could be sadder or further from the truth.


Now Greg, you more than anyone, know firsthand the truth behind everything that I teach. And I'm thrilled with what you have accomplished. So much so that you are prominently featured in both of the new books that will be coming out soon (And guys, I will announce when I have them ready to go to the printer so please don't hassle me about it).

Once again Greg, thanks for being a great friend and someone that I truly admire.

---John Peterson

[dynogoalie30]

I just wanted to add this in, very nice posts both of you made, your both class acts, just another reason this forum is great.

[John Peterson]

Hey dynogoalie30,

Once when I was in my mid twenties a guy that my grandfather knew (that my buddies and I called Smiley because his was face locked in a perpetual frown) and from whom my grandfather bought hundreds of dollars worth of groceries twice each month, came into the Union Gospel Mission where grandpa volunteered twice each month to help feed the poor and destitute. He said, "My gosh Johnny with all the money you have why don't you just give them worthless bums some money instead of feeding them all that expensive food you buy." ( on those days that he volunteered, grandpa always provided the food that he purchased from Smiley and it was first rate across the board ) . Smiley then went on to say, " All they do is take the money they would have spent on food and use it to buy booze." My grandfather looked him straight in the eye and said. "We're not giving them food, we're giving them love and kindness.Something they don't see often enough and won't ever get from some people." My friends and I that were there serving the food to the tables of the families with little kids were totally blown away by what grandpa said. A while later when we were cleaning up I said, "Grandpa, You're the classiest act that I have ever seen." He just smiled and, "Well Jackson, that's a nice compliment and I'll throw it right back at you because it takes class to recognize it in others." I never forgot that.

So with that in mind dynogoalie30, that was a very nice compliment and I'll throw it right back at you because it takes class to recognize it in others.

---John Peterson

[dynogoalie30]

Thank you John, thats very kind of you. when you meet and deal with great people like you and the other members of this forum, it is a great breath of freah air, and something I look foreward to everyday, thank you again John for the great complement

[Big Bear]

Outstanding post and great reply's!

John,as usual I loved the story.I always get a great visual when you write about family interactions,I can almost feel the different sensations,smell,and certainly see what's going on.It is a rare thing to have had such class mentors in this day and age,and I for one always appreciate it when you share it with us.It has helped you to be the powerful mentor that you are to us all here my brother.

It hurts me to see attacks on you and my other brothers Gordon and Greg.Sometimes the only way that I feel I can offer something is in more of an obtuse sort of way,like yesterdays story,'the relentless pursuit of unhappiness'.I hope this approach suffices?My reasoning is that in my Tradition,sometimes stories.song,poetry can help people to see that perhaps there is something fundamental missing in their lives or reasoning to create such hatred and anger.I am sad for them as well,and in my obtuse way I try to be helpful to all(even if 99 percent of the time I fall flat on my face-then again,I have learned much from getting up ,dusting off and trying again with a loving heart).

I don'tknow,perhaps I was just raised in a different time period,but I would never go onto someones site and attack the founder and friends.If I disagree it is so simple with this technology-click off the page and pursue what you are looking for elswhere.Then there is the anger,and waste of energy.It truly would be good for people to understand deeply,'judge not,lest you be judged'.

Who are we to judge really? We all are human beings with faults and difficulties.Ithink we all really understand this,so perhaps these folks can look deeply inwards and see the nature of their discontent.Then perhaps they will not feel compelled to spit venom,but offer LOVE in a troubled world....

peace and love to all here
that love this site,
to all that visit here and hate this site
and to all beings
in all directions
in this sacred universe,

jason

[Max McKinley]

Hey Greg and John,

We've talked or corresponded privately but I want to tell you both how much I appreciate your genuineness and integrity. You are brothers and godly men that I am truly thankful for having met through this medium. Thank you John for providing this forum, and thank you Greg for your thoughtful and intelligent posts. Y'all are blessings to all who visit this site.

Blessings,

[John Peterson]

You guys are great and I appreciate each of you.

---John Peterson

[Kevin Nickerson]

I have not met either John or Greg personally,but I met the most important thing I met their hearts where true character of a person resides.You can all the knowledge in the world but it doe not mean much without a a heart that reaches out for others and wants the best for each one.I've probably said some stupid things on this forum from time to time but John has always been kind and a true friend who hopefully I will meet one day.Greg I am happy you are are staying,you would be greatly missed by all you are a beacon and truly share John's heart.
"The heart is happiest when it beats for others"-God's Little Instruction Book"
"The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or heard,but must be felt with the heart"-Helen Keller(1880-1968)
Kevin

[Andy62]

I really hate to see Greg leave and I hope that he is not gone long. I have given considerable thought to this whole situation lately and have recalled similar situtations that I have seen in the past. The one lesson here that I have realized is that this is not an isolated situation as similar situations exist in all types of groups. Usually they are directed at one high minded member or leader of the group [ such as John]that is above the mediocrity of the members of the angry group and as a result they try to sabotage him or her in order to make themsleves feel more important. As with everything there is something that we can learn from this situation so that when we run into another group of losers like this we can recognize their characteristis and deal with them appropriately. Just remember these guys are losers and cowards and that their lives will eventually implode on them. There is a quote that I heard years ago that applies here, "The weak always gang up against the strong."

[monty]

Hey Guys,

Gotta say I talked to John a few weeks ago on the phone, all I knew of him is what I see here on the forum and in his books. Gotta tell you we were talking like we were old friends, he spent quite a bit of time on the phone with me and it was great to talk to him in person. I am sure Greg and others on here would treat me and others here with the same respect and care. I so appreciate all the folks on this forum it helps motivate me and keeps me in check on what I am actually trying to accomplish with fitness and my life.
Thanks Guys!!!

Monty