Maven's "Free Thinkers" thread was an interesting discussion. It's too bad others were offended, and it's a real shame the thread was locked. I was hoping to see where she was going with it, and was also hoping to contribute my own thoughts to her thread.

When it comes to religion and spiritual matters, I don't carry a label or belong to any groups. I'm not comfortable posting in Christian threads, and I'm equally uncomfortable posting in "Native American Spirituality" threads (I'm not native, and I support natives who fight exploitation of their culture).

Maven's thread was the closest I've found to my own beliefs (free), but it was promptly locked. Does this mean people like Maven and I have no place here? Does it mean we can only talk in private - because our words are too offensive to the rest of the people here who claim to be strong in their faith?

Maven

My life sucks too. My childhood was spent dealing with my mother's illness, her alcoholism, and her suicide attempts. My first husband left me to raise a child on my own. Soon after my best friend died at the age of 26. Months later, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer (Dad and my best friend were the ONLY people in this world I trusted).

I became caregiver to both mom and dad, in addition to being a single parent and full-time worker. It tore me apart when dad died, but then mom added to the stress by dying 8 days after dad in 1991. It was overwhelming to mourn for two parents at the same time.

I met a great man and married again. My life was FINALLY coming together and I could focus on MY life and what I wanted to BE when I grew up. I decided to go back to school and pursue a degree in social work. The first step was to get some new glasses, but that exam stopped me in my tracks - stopped my life altogether. I was diagnosed with the same illness my mother had (familial amyloidosis), and I was told I only had a few years left of eyesight and mobility. Why bother going to school? That was over 10 years ago. Obviously, I can still see - but I've been sitting in this chair all this time. I'm 49, and my life is basically over. I'm permanently/totally disabled now and just waiting at the bus stop.

A good life is never guaranteed - in this life or the next. It's what we do with the life we have that matters. It's not about what we get out of life or take out of life - it's what we give back to this world and others that makes life good or bad.

How would you feel about life if you were told this is it - no afterlife, no do overs? How would you feel if you were told this IS heaven (life on earth)? Would you appreciate the beauty of sunrises or sunsets more? Would you cherish warm, sandy beaches, autumn leaves, or snow-capped mountains? What about the sound of an infant's belly laugh or your favorite song? Do you think you'd miss any of these things after you're gone?

Nothing you will say can offend me, so I'm asking ahead of time to keep this thread open. If others are offended by our conversation, they can focus and post on other threads available to them. If Maven and I are not welcome in this Sanctuary, please let us know.