In the "Dear Abby" column today Abby answers a question that is similar to one posted here about how to respond to those who say they will pray for you when they know you are dealing with illness or a serious problem.  She states as part of her advice "And most people battling a serious illness welcome a "blast of positivity," whether it is couched in religious terms or not." I strongly disagree as it's just so frustrating to have to deal with that remark on top of other things. 

Just wanted to point this out in case others have better things to do with their time than to read the comics and advice column which I seem to find time for most days.

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I have not had tragedy in my life since I was homeless some years ago, and I learned from that experience a response: Thank you, but I could use something practical like food or shelter. Can you help?

That can be adapted for the issue of a family death or illness: Thank you, but I could use something practical like (shopping, fielding phone calls, walk my dog, help with dishes or housecleaning, &c.) Can you help?

SB. Abigail Van Buren (not her real name) is dead. The column is now being done by her daughter. Same dime store philosophy and advice her Momma used to shell out for fun and profit. Abby Jr. should have listened to John Prine.

John Prine! My fav. Every time I hear someone say "Dear Abby" that song starts running thru my head!
Thanks Ceil, I finally got to see it. Just another suck it up and smile response seems to be her answer.

Btw I did mention to two prayers that I really needed someone to transport the dog to the groomer and maybe run the vacuum around for me. Dog still looks terrible and if I can't vacuum soon I will have to rake! Golden retrievers drop a lot of hair! Fortunately the groomer is going to pick him up and bring him home next week.

   I do understand, but take the devout Jewish lady who had two hens, and one got sick. She prayed for the sick hen to get better and nothing happened. Then she killed the healthy hen to make chicken soup for the sick one.

   People mean well even if we do not understand thier belief system. Personally I don't believe others who say "we are all praying for you." The politicians say it, and all your friends and neighbors say it. Your relatives say it.

   Why would someone want to bow their head and start talking to themselves?

"I'll pray for you."

Interesting how those who utter this don't recognize that by saying this, they are only appeasing themselves.  Nobody needs to hear this, whether they are religious or not.  Telling someone you will pray for them does not make the gesture more likely to be effective, it only serves to pat yourself on the back for saying it to someone who is experiencing a hardship, or worse yet someone who is perfectly fine and happy in their life as a nonbeliever.

But, but... it's so much EASIER than actually doing something to help! ;)

Did you see the prayer by Rev. Black in the Senate that the fiscal cliff crisis would be resolved? Super helpful that they all stopped working to listen to him pray, right? Ha!

My reply: "What?!  You think God's too busy and he's going to let me die unless you remind him?"

Or this one from Emo Phillips: "I prayed to God for a new bike, but then I realized he doesn't work that way, so I stole a bike and prayed for forgiveness."

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