Am I the Only Agnostic?

[mudpuppy]

but when you're struggling a good church is one where people bring you dinner, listen to you, and hold you in their private prayers

Very true, write.
Our's has been very supportive through my wife's illness.

mud

[WRITE]

Our's has been very supportive through my wife's illness.

That's wonderful Mud.

How is your wife?

***

I removed my 'rose-coloured glasses' with my last church when I got sick and the minister didn't care. She really didn't, it was strange, the persona she wore in public was very different to how she was in private. Not many people liked her because of the difference, she was impossible to feel close too. Far too young for ministry if you ask me! She was joined by another minister, he was equally uncaring. My friend told me he ignored her cries for help with her grandson a year ago and she went to him recently and said 'remember that?' He said 'oh yes, I didn't know what to do. I was meaning to get back to you.' She said 'well don't bother, he's in prison now!'

I smiled when she told me, I know she's a beautiful person who will wait to make her point, but I wonder sometimes how much damage poor ministry does when people are vulnerable. We hear these messages in church but unless the love is real and people are prepared to back it up with their actions it's not only meaningless- it's really painful when you need to ask for support and aren't heard.

Funny- I got an invite back to that church this week. Haven't been on their mailing list before, no idea who put me on there...

[mudpuppy]

How is your wife?

She's on a roller coaster but the trend is up not down. One day she is feeling strong, the next the anemia makes her weak or she has pain. But overall she is much better than she was. She starts her second round of chemo next Tuesday. Other than the slight anemia and the fatigue that goes with it, she has tolerated the chemo extremely well with almost no nausea.


mud

[Hopalong]

Good for her!
And you too, Mud.

You give "husband" a good name...you do honor to it.

Hops

[WRITE]

She's on a roller coaster but the trend is up not down. One day she is feeling strong, the next the anemia makes her weak or she has pain. But overall she is much better than she was. She starts her second round of chemo next Tuesday. Other than the slight anemia and the fatigue that goes with it, she has tolerated the chemo extremely well with almost no nausea.

sounds like a roller coaster for you too.

I remember someone telling me years ago, with a tender look towards her husband at the other side of the room 'it's harder for him'.

When I think of you upon my bed, through the night watches I will recall
That you indeed are my help Psalm 63