Another high school shooting, this time in MD

[mom2rtk]

Why are some so hell bent on making those that offer prayer feel bad?

It's in the "talking points".

 

[Hikergirl]

That is the argument that I hear pro-gun people make all the time. It's not the guns, it's the people.

I fully agree it's some Americans have proven they can't handle the responsibility. Don't mean to imply that all gun owners are irresponsible. But there are far, far too many who are...and as we are seeing over and over and over and over and over, guns have the power to end lives...many at a time. So, just IMO, until this issue can be resolved, guns need to go away. Gun murder has been a growing epidemic for decades, it's boiling over to the point of being out of control. Time to make it stop...by definition, if you take the guns away, gun murders stop.

Well those people are correct, it isn't the gun killing anyone, it is a person using a gun, but the fact is there really is no argument, we have the 2nd Amendment that guarantees our right to bear arms. It isn't going anywhere.
Now I have no problem taking guns away from the criminals, you know the ones committing the murders, but there will never be enough support in the US to disarm it's law abiding citizens.

 

[luvsJack]

Thanks for explaining. Clearly we don’t have them around here, because I’ve never heard that acronym used in that way.



I disagree, but not going to debate it.

Why would you not want a school campus to be as safe for the students as possible?

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

It's prayer and not intended to be taken like having a genie pop out of a lamp to grant wishes. People of faith of all kinds have utilized it in the face of circumstances larger than themselves for centuries.

I know! Not suggesting otherwise at all.

 

[LSUmiss]

Maybe your feeling that people should have done more for your dad is coloring your opinion a bit?

Its hard for me to imagine not being comforted by the fact that many people are taking the time and the care to say a prayer for me and mine so can't say "I know how you feel".



Why are some so hell bent on making those that offer prayer feel bad? Because its the "in thing to do now"? Because someone on TV or in the news or on Facebook made some crack about "prayers not helping". People really ought to get over themselves.

It’s not that I think ppl should have done more for my dad. Meaningful condolences were also appreciated. But, just saying “you’re in my thoughts in prayers” seemed so trite & empty to us (it wasn’t just me). However, to go into anymore would get into a deeper discussion of religion & philosophy which is not allowed. I actually think the “thing” to do is offer thoughts & prayers. Think some are just tired of hearing & seeing what they feel are empty gestures. Think many have thought that for a while but so many ppl freak out if you say anything negative about prayer. I think maybe it’s “caught on” b/c ppl now feel more embolden to express how they really feel if they know they’re not alone. In this case, ppl also believe that more can be done so thoughts & prayers are literally the LEAST you can do.

 

[luvsJack]

It’s not that I think ppl should have done more for my dad. Meaningful condolences were also appreciated. But, just saying “you’re in my thoughts in prayers” seemed so trite & empty to us (it wasn’t just me). However, to go into anymore would get into a deeper discussion of religion & philosophy which is not allowed. I actually think the “thing” to do is offer thoughts & prayers. Think some are just tired of hearing & seeing what they feel are empty gestures. Think many have thought that for a while but so many ppl freak out if you say anything negative about prayer. I think maybe it’s “caught on” b/c ppl now feel more embolden to express how they really feel if they know they’re not alone. In this case, ppl also believe that more can be done so thoughts & prayers are literally the LEAST you can do.

But here is the thing, for the people offering those prayers it's not empty. For those that believe in the power of prayer, they are truly meaningful. Not always as healing but prayers for strength and comfort at times of grief and hardship.

Not sure when anyone who doesn't believe in prayer felt they were alone????

The fact that downing someone's belief has "caught on" is really sad. Of course its only caught on to one side, if anyone puts down beliefs the other direction everyone is suddenly "oh so offended".

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

In this case, ppl also believe that more can be done so thoughts & prayers are literally the LEAST you can do.

I don’t think we should assume that this is necessarily ALL that person might do, which seems to me like the implication when this is said.

I’d personally argue that hashtagging something en vogue on social media — without doing more — is no different. Actually, I think more likely to be less meaningful in its intent.

Either can be heartfelt or perfunctory, and neither gets to the comprehensive approach we’d have to take if we were serious.

To my mind, either of these is only harmful if it crowds out that more fulsome discussion on solutions. I don’t personally see offers of thoughts and prayers having that impact.

 

[Hikergirl]

It’s not that I think ppl should have done more for my dad. Meaningful condolences were also appreciated. But, just saying “you’re in my thoughts in prayers” seemed so trite & empty to us (it wasn’t just me). However, to go into anymore would get into a deeper discussion of religion & philosophy which is not allowed. I actually think the “thing” to do is offer thoughts & prayers. Think some are just tired of hearing & seeing what they feel are empty gestures. Think many have thought that for a while but so many ppl freak out if you say anything negative about prayer. I think maybe it’s “caught on” b/c ppl now feel more embolden to express how they really feel if they know they’re not alone. In this case, ppl also believe that more can be done so thoughts & prayers are literally the LEAST you can do.

I agree that more can be done in this case, but in that moment when you find out that tragedy has struck someone, or many in this case there isn't alot you can do except let them know that they are being thought of in that moment.
It doesn't mean that is the only thing that can be done for them, but it is something and I just don't get why people feel that they have to chastise those who are offering it. Why do some have to turn something that is meant to be positive into a negative?
If you (general) don't feel it is enough or it does nothing in this situation, that is fine but why would you make that assumption for the people going through it?
I think the pp hit the nail on the head- it's because it's the "in" thing, it is in the talking points.

 

[kimblebee]

It just means the mods haven't been here yet.

I know.. I was being sarcastic.

We’re still waiting on a sarcasm font lol

 

[Southernmiss]

We've been dealing with a family medical issue since early February with one of our kids.

All anyone has been able to do is send us good thoughts and prayers. Those have kept us going through all this as there really has been nothing anyone could do until we got a diagnosis and proper medical treatment plan.

That has meant.the.world.to.us. I believe in positive energy and that spiritual guidance can help in many situations, regardless of if you believe like I do.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I know.. I was being sarcastic.

We’re still waiting on a sarcasm font lol

Sarcasm not allowed either.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

What's the over/under on # of pages before this thread gets shutdown? I'm going to say 12.

I'm going with 9 or 16.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

While some make bets, I'll just say thanks to all with whom I've chatted here -- nice to have had a respectful exchange touching on different aspects of this issue without getting into a political argument. Wish it could happen more these days!

Now back to rD and rumors/news...

 

[robinb]

We've been dealing with a family medical issue since early February with one of our kids.

All anyone has been able to do is send us good thoughts and prayers. Those have kept us going through all this as there really has been nothing anyone could do until we got a diagnosis and proper medical treatment plan.

That has meant.the.world.to.us. I believe in positive energy and that spiritual guidance can help in many situations, regardless of if you believe like I do.

I am so sorry you're going through this. I'm sending out my thoughts to you {{hugs}}. I hope you find some answers soon.

I guess the whole "thoughts and prayers" thing rubs some people the wrong way when it comes to gun violence because that's all that the people in charge seem to be able to offer.

 

[Southernmiss]

I am so sorry you're going through this. I'm sending out my thoughts to you {{hugs}}. I hope you find some answers soon.

I guess the whole "thoughts and prayers" thing rubs some people the wrong way when it comes to gun violence because that's all that the people in charge seem to be able to offer.

My sincere thanks for your thoughts and prayers

I agree. I am befuddled why as a nation we can't get a grip on school shootings.

 

[LSUmiss]

But here is the thing, for the people offering those prayers it's not empty. For those that believe in the power of prayer, they are truly meaningful. Not always as healing but prayers for strength and comfort at times of grief and hardship.

Not sure when anyone who doesn't believe in prayer felt they were alone????

The fact that downing someone's belief has "caught on" is really sad. Of course its only caught on to one side, if anyone puts down beliefs the other direction everyone is suddenly "oh so offended".

Actually I disagree. I don’t think everyone offering them is sincere. For some, it is their belief & they do mean it. But, I Think it’s like the ice bucket challenge phenomenon. Many ppl just want to be included & “thoughts & prayers” is the thing to say especially on social media where they can get “credit” for it. A pp said that if she says that she truly does pray for them & admitted that is likely not what everyone is doing. How many ppl you think really do this or just say it? It’s not downing anyone’s belief but downing insincerity. Think ppl are sick of handwringing & insincerity so they’re calling ppl out on it. And what other side do you mean? I don’t understand?

 

[LSUmiss]

I don’t think we should assume that this is necessarily ALL that person might do, which seems to me like the implication when this is said.

I’d personally argue that hashtagging something en vogue on social media — without doing more — is no different. Actually, I think more likely to be less meaningful in its intent.

Either can be heartfelt or perfunctory, and neither gets to the comprehensive approach we’d have to take if we were serious.

To my mind, either of these is only harmful if it crowds out that more fulsome discussion on solutions. I don’t personally see offers of thoughts and prayers having that impact.

I agree completely on the hash-tagging.

 

[AppleDumpling]

Why would you not want a school campus to be as safe for the students as possible?

Of course I want schools to be safe. You assume that the presence of armed guards makes a school safer. I believe otherwise. IMO, adding more guns is not the way to reduce gun violence.

Again, I can’t elaborate without getting into politics.

 

[rickybobby]

What we need is more marches. That seems to help.

 

[luvsJack]

Actually I disagree. I don’t think everyone offering them is sincere. For some, it is their belief & they do mean it. But, I Think it’s like the ice bucket challenge phenomenon. Many ppl just want to be included & “thoughts & prayers” is the thing to say especially on social media where they can get “credit” for it. A pp said that if she says that she truly does pray for them & admitted that is likely not what everyone is doing. How many ppl you think really do this or just say it? It’s not downing anyone’s belief but downing insincerity. Think ppl are sick of handwringing & insincerity so they’re calling ppl out on it. And what other side do you mean? I don’t understand?

You honestly believe that someone who believes in the power of prayer is just trying to jump on the bandwagon but don’t believe the dozens choosing to insult those same believers are not?? Lol. Ok.

Do you understand how prayer works? Everyone that says it doesn’t have to immediately hit their knees. It can be a quick prayer in the moment, a muttering of “please give them comfort”, adding names to prayer lists, mentioning them at a prayer group—there are honestly dozens of ways to pray for someone or remember them in your prayers.