Colin,
Back in November, Daddy found a support group on Facebook for SIDS parents...at least he thought it was a support group. It seems more like support sects that pit their grief beliefs against one another based on...guess what...their personal religious beliefs. It is sad to read some of the stuff that people say to one another and then defend it by spewing religious intolerance. The worst offenders are "devout" Christians, and that is truly sad since Daddy is somewhat recognizable as Christian and trying to find a faith long ago lost. Seeing how the way some of these "believers" act does nothing to help restore that faith.
Here is one example for you...one woman whose child recently died said "I don't believe in a god or angels or heaven or hell or any of that bullshit," only to be met with people criticizing her and saying that they can not believe her "non-belief in Christ" and that she will get no sympathy from them for her lack of belief in Christ. Wow! Now that is a "Christian" attitude. People who are looking for support to be met by "Christians" with shallow and surface beliefs. When it was pointed out that maybe the woman who does not believe in God was lashing out in anger due to the death of her child, it was met with "Thanks for you opinion apparently this is not the place for us Christians to give advice! Think I will not offer my help to anyone else." This again is a sad statement by a so-called "Christian." No wonder so many people are turning away from formal religions since those who profess to be devout are nothing more than simple hypocrites.
The death of a child is the same for Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and everyone else, including non-believers of any religion. It is devastating to the mind, body, and spirit. It is just sad that the main offenders, who do not realize this, are the professed "Christians". Given that 68% of the Earth's population is non-Christian you would think that those 32% might realize that the majority of the planet does not necessarily agree with their views, and maybe just be a bit more respectful. After all, if they are professing to follow Christ, they may want to read their bibles a bit more critically, especially in regards to love, compassion, and respect for their fellow human beings.
Sorry for the soapbox, Colin. Daddy had hoped to put it away for a good long time.
I love you and miss you every day!
Daddy
It is a shame how people who say they believe in God and his love can be so hateful and critical of others, especially during a time when all we need is comfort and support from others. We dont need others to tell us what is right and what is wrong, we just need to process it in our own unique, special way. If anything, we should all gather around each other and let them know that every emotion they are feeling is ok, including anger. I think God is OK with us being angry at him. Afterall he IS GOD and is all knowing and is aware of what we are going through, or at least he should be!
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