By Keeping 'Cool'
I Can Better Help Others
Annita
From:
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: Re: I'm okay, (Response)
Date: September 14, 2001 3:10 PM
Cliff:
I'm okay, too. New York is far away from where I am at. Nevertheless, the pain for irrational acts of religious zealots (invites to pray, prayer e-mails, god bless you, the lord have "mercy," and in god we trust statements, etc., etc.) seem to surround us all during periods lacking of immediate answers.
Today I had a conference but was cancelled, "so that attendees can have time to go to worship at their churches (before noon) or pray with their loved ones along with our leaders." The reason to cancel a conference nauseated me.
But, on the other hand, I felt content to have the time to gather my own thoughts in my office and think of ways I can assist others with their immediate pain and suffering.
As a clinical Social Worker I am aware that if I can keep my "cool" I can be more effective helping others.
So, I will take this morning to put myself together not only to help others, but to keep my "cool" when the zealots ask me to join them in praying to their benevolent god. Yesterday, I asserted my Atheist gut to say to some that I didn't need to pray or fear a god because I do the best I can not to hurt others or myself. They seemed surprised but apparently didn't know how to respond to that statement.
What has been more disturbing for me, however, was to receive three e-mails with prayers from people who do know me personally and my philosophies of life!
Thanks for dropping me a line. United in thoughts with all who have lost loved ones and caring people together,
Annita
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