What I learned

Today's question from Lydia Schoch: Lessons I learned from a book character.
The book is Friendly Persuasion by Jessamine West. William Wyler made it into about the best movie ever made. I posted a review of the movie here.
 I learned a lot from a number of characters in the story.

1. The entire Birdwell family taught me that those of deep faith are human and fail to uphold their beliefs. They realize their failing, feel shame, guilt, forgive each other and then go on learning from their mistake.
Acceptance of what is to come. When told that Rebel raiders are coming Eliza says, "If they come they come, like fire or flood."
2. Jess Birdwell taught me that self doubt is vital in understanding the future. He taught me to accept all those around me, even those who condemn or judge unfairly.
3. Eliza Birdwell taught me that there comes a time when force or violence in necessary if there is no other option. When her pet goose is threatened and there was no way to keep a man from ringing it's neck she picks up broom and clobbers him over the head to stop him. Violence should be only a last resort and then to get the other person's attention.
4. Friend Purdy made me realize that of all the characters in the story he is the one most like me, to my shame. He's self-righteous, judgmental, a braggart, and hypocrite. A character named Sam Jordan summed it up when he says to him: "Whatever's right for Purdy and to be right for everyone else." I have the tendency to think those who agree with me are right and those who don't are stupid.