After reading these posts I am not sure if I am suppose to talk about my disappointments in dealing with other people or my joys. On thing I agree on is we should show friendship, love and concern for all people regardless of how different they are from us. So in saying that I will share some of my experiences.
When I was much younger I came to visit a friend in Florida. Although, I was a northern, a snow bird, LOL; I was treated well everywhere I went. While visiting a car broke down in front of the home in which I stayed along Alligator Alley, better known now as !-75. We invited the people into our home. It was such a blessing as the people were missionaries on there way to the Miami airport. While the men fixed the tire, we prepared a meal and visited. It was hard to have them leave as we became instant friends.
A few years later, I married and moved to Florida, and soon found out living with the in-laws was not going to work. We set about looking for a home to buy, but then had the long time of waiting for the loan to go through. In the meantime things became worse and I was forced to find another place to live to maintain my sanity. So I went to a church, that I had not ever attended and ask for help. This kind pastor, refer me to another pastor, who helped me find a place to live until we got our house. The people of whom I stayed with gave me free room and board. I insisted on doing odd jobs for them as thanks for letting me stay there. The home was huge, I was given 1/2 of the side of the home to stay in. The people were so wonderful, to me a stranger they had never met.
So I would not label all Christians as uncaring, most are very loving and kind to everyone they meet. They are bad apples in every basket, but not all are bad.
Then I had a experience that hurt me quite deeply. I was attending a church who's customs and beliefs were not quite the same as I grew up with, but it was refreshing and interesting to see and do different things of faith. I had been going for a year and thought I had many friends there, but when I ask about joining the church, I was told the Bishop had to give his ok, and he was coming soon. So I waiting and tried to help and be a part of all that was going on. Then I was told the minister had forgotten to ask him. In the meantime three other people joined the church. The next year I ask again. About this time four others wanted to join as well. The next week went I went to church these four people were being congratulated for becoming members of the church. I sat in shocked silence. Later I ask the minister why I was not called, and he said he had forgotten all about me in the rush, as the Bishop had come unexpectly. Needless to say my heart was broken.
However, good things come to those who wait. I stopped going to that church and started attending a smaller church in town. I was accepted right away. I attend church and Sunday school. I have helped with vacation Bible study and am very glad now that I did not become a member of that other church. I heard later that the other church only wanted members with lots of money.