I was just reading over the postings from the course of the day and night yesterday. I just have to say how grateful I am to get to know so many other persons who have some of the same beliefs as myself. Zerbie, thanks for your words of encouragement, and it really does help me to face the fear and feel stronger than ever. It is so hard sometimes to let go and let God, but that is all that gets me through sometimes. I also believe fully in the capacity for good in humans, even when something as awful as this happens, or Matthew Shepard, or Shep's recollection of the incident he witnessed/was part of. I wish I had lived close enough to go to the vigil last night. I, as a trainer and full believer in the need to educate people, work hard every day to change minds and change hearts for a peaceful, openly loving good.
I do believe, Joe, that you are right to not want to take part in something that takes advantage of a bad situation, and that right now is the time for comfort and thoughts for those that were wounded, witnessed this incident, and for the perpetrators even. I admire you for standing by those beliefs and having them be heard. Not every situation creates an opportunity for us to say what we have to offer. Sometimes, when it comes to information, timing is everything. Otherwise, no one pays attention.
I sometimes think that our society's attitude is that those that are traumatized should just "get over it" and stop dwelling on it. I have worked with a lot of children and adolescents in foster care, whose whole lives have been one long trauma. I know that it takes a while to heal, and that the process belongs to the person, not others who may try to control it in some way.
Again, I am so grateful to have this resource and to know how many of you are out there- it gives me great hope for the future.....
Have a peaceful, prayerful day all- sending hugs and prayers and love-
