Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Johnson on May 24, 2011 at 10:39pm

I hope they will be alright, you are in my thoughts.

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Permalink Reply by Chris on May 24, 2011 at 11:05pm

In a way I feel like I would if a junkie asked em to fix up with them. I mean, I am not going to, and I am going to say so, but the context matters here. Are they pestering me about it? I might go off on a rant. Are they trying, in their miserable way, to be friendly? I might just say 'no thanks, I don't use.' Are they desperate for human interaction at a basic level? I might offer a cup of coffee and talk instead. Are they talking to a room full of other junkies and I just happen to be there? I might just smile and go get a sandwich. Which, considering my weight, could be worse than the fix.

Rarely do I find a junkie looking to debate about their addiction, though. To start one may be a hoot, but is probably in bad form and ultimately counterproductive. As far as pithy responses, I like "it's your god's fucking plan. He will do what he wants anyway. Just praise him for it and move on."

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Permalink Reply by ryan on May 25, 2011 at 10:16am

Um. Tell them that you'll send money to the local relief organization instead because that actually helps.

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Permalink Reply by M on May 25, 2011 at 12:52pm

My husband likes to point out how people live in these places that are known for this or that brand of natural disaster, then freak out when they happen.  I mean, we get that people will live wherever and we don't belittle the tragedy of lives lost and other such devastation, but...  You did plant yourselves there.

 

As for how I respond, I usually ignore requests for prayer or answer with, "I will think good thoughts for them."

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Permalink Reply by Reggie on May 29, 2011 at 9:42pm

Really?  That seems a bit callous.  It reminds me of people who blame rape victims for dressing in a provocative manner.  I live in St. Louis and have never felt that I or the people in my community would deserve calamity if a tornado were to run through my neighborhood, as one did on Good Friday.  But, I guess it is easiest to blame victims.

So, now your only choice is to leave your husband and come live with me in tornado alley!

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Permalink Reply by Michael Steven Martin on May 25, 2011 at 2:43pm

"Instead of praying for them is there a way I can actually help them?"

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Permalink Reply by Michael Steven Martin on May 25, 2011 at 2:44pm

"Which god would you like for me to pray to?"

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Permalink Reply by Michael Steven Martin on May 25, 2011 at 2:45pm

"What, and mess with God's plan? Never!"

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Permalink Reply by Natalie on May 29, 2011 at 4:08pm

It usually depends on who says it. If it's close friends, it's usually not said. If it's on Facebook I roll my eyes. If it's family (Mine are mostly Christians) I generally give the cult leader an evil glare and save my words for my atheist/agnostic/on the fence siblings. Unless provoked I'm not going to tell someone how they should do something.

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