Kathy, I am sorry that life has been so unkind to you.

Yes, you and Maven are welcome here, as is everyone who can post according to the guidelines and the spirit of this forum. You can discuss what you believe, and you can expect for your beliefs to be respected. We will ask that you also respect the beliefs of others, and their freedom to choose the way that they think and believe. I don't need to remind you here of the rules, as they have been discussed elsewhere. Your beliefs are not offensive (although I have to admit that I feel sad that you don't have hope for the promise of something better than this life). The thing to remember is to allow everyone their own beliefs. People will feel offended if the point you want to make is that they haven't freely chosen their beliefs if they believe differently than you do. If you keep your discussion centered on what you believe and not about those who believe differently than you, then you will be fine.

I wish you peace.
Rapunzel