Gratitude.

[poptart]

I wanted to start this with a big thank you to all of you and this board, those of us who aren't members are so fortunate to have a place like this especially in these times.  I do wonder how fortunate people here realize they are that this place even exists, to find someplace in this country that has some civility left is becoming quite rare I think.

Next, I'm taking a hint from Orthodox Christian, why do I bother posting here if I don't believe like they do?  He's right.  This past year ended a lot of things and made me ask a lot of questions, among them who am I?  What am I about?  As someone who's mixed race and LGBTQ, I am very much from a more oppressed demographic, one that has had to play the game to get along.  I really do think it's difficult for the privileged to really understand where someone who's disadvantaged is coming from let alone care they even exist, you guys have been more than kind to all of us.  I tend to avoid most online Christian spaces except say, the Episcopal and ELCA ones, if I posted on half the US based Christian sites, I'm quite sure I would be treated harshly, just as many on my end are treated by the same people IRL.  On top of that, i've reconnected with my old Buddhist temple, friends and others from my childhood.  This has further led to a feeling of alienation hence why I'm asking myself, why do I bother if I don't believe like many of you do?  For the most part, the posters here are really, really good people I think.  Whenever Polynesia, Buddhism and most recently Islam has been brought up, it's been more about building bridges and trying to understand vs. picking a fight.  Most of you have been more than kind and understanding towards the likes of me as has your leadership.  This is how Christianity did spread early on, word of mouth and kindness. 

I'm with Chum on this, when things really get bad in the USA I do think the Mormons will come out ahead, like this board your leadership has been very wise and charitable during all this.  Here's hoping this continues and some of the not so long term thinking people out there catch the hint.  

Thank you Mormondialouge, please continue to do good in a polarized world.  

Edited February 15, 2022 by poptart

[Calm]

2 minutes ago, poptart said:

why do I bother posting here if I don't believe like they do?

Because it is boring to hang out in echo chambers…

[poptart]

1 minute ago, Calm said:

Because it is boring to hang out in echo chambers…

I edited that a bit, answered it too.  Hint hint, you're one of those really, really good people.  You've come to the rescue more than once when I stuck my foot in my mouth.  

[Calm]

Just now, poptart said:

I edited that a bit, answered it too.  Hint hint, you're one of those really, really good people.  You've come to the rescue more than once when I stuck my foot in my mouth.  

I enjoy your company.   

[poptart]

13 minutes ago, Calm said:

I enjoy your company.   

Same, thanks.

To be fair, you really do try to understand people, that is so rare.  

[Calm]

34 minutes ago, poptart said:

Same, thanks.

To be fair, you really do try to understand people, that is so rare.  

Try, yes.  Get close, probably not, lol. 

[poptart]

58 minutes ago, Calm said:

Try, yes.  Get close, probably not, lol. 

A few times you were quite close, I think anyway.  

[SwedishLDS]

I respect your struggles and wish for your success. 

[Orthodox Christian]

On 2/15/2022 at 1:58 AM, poptart said:

I wanted to start this with a big thank you to all of you and this board, those of us who aren't members are so fortunate to have a place like this especially in these times.  I do wonder how fortunate people here realize they are that this place even exists, to find someplace in this country that has some civility left is becoming quite rare I think.

Next, I'm taking a hint from Orthodox Christian, why do I bother posting here if I don't believe like they do?  He's right.  This past year ended a lot of things and made me ask a lot of questions, among them who am I?  What am I about?  As someone who's mixed race and LGBTQ, I am very much from a more oppressed demographic, one that has had to play the game to get along.  I really do think it's difficult for the privileged to really understand where someone who's disadvantaged is coming from let alone care they even exist, you guys have been more than kind to all of us.  I tend to avoid most online Christian spaces except say, the Episcopal and ELCA ones, if I posted on half the US based Christian sites, I'm quite sure I would be treated harshly, just as many on my end are treated by the same people IRL.  On top of that, i've reconnected with my old Buddhist temple, friends and others from my childhood.  This has further led to a feeling of alienation hence why I'm asking myself, why do I bother if I don't believe like many of you do?  For the most part, the posters here are really, really good people I think.  Whenever Polynesia, Buddhism and most recently Islam has been brought up, it's been more about building bridges and trying to understand vs. picking a fight.  Most of you have been more than kind and understanding towards the likes of me as has your leadership.  This is how Christianity did spread early on, word of mouth and kindness. 

I'm with Chum on this, when things really get bad in the USA I do think the Mormons will come out ahead, like this board your leadership has been very wise and charitable during all this.  Here's hoping this continues and some of the not so long term thinking people out there catch the hint.  

Thank you Mormondialouge, please continue to do good in a polarized world.  

Thank you Poptart for your contributions. If in some small way, people on here have helped to restore your faith in people, then we have all been blessed.

[Jeanne]

Best to you, poptart.    You are an inspiring way of analyzing things. and making things work for you.  Hope you shine a light on all things good in your life.

Hugs from Vickie (Jeanne)

 

[let’s roll]

Godspeed to you poptart.  I appreciate your perspective and hope your hiatus from this site is a brief one.