Every now and then life delivers a blow that momentarily breaks you. Horrible experiences are like amyloid plaque, they build up on you as you pass through this nutso life.

@MidnightRider Yes. Especially since reaching mid-life I sometimes feel a brutal despair—there so little we can do about the agonizing separations, the vulnerabilities…so many incomprehensible realities and unanswered questions. I find the world of my thoughts to be more real than the world around me. I’ll think: perhaps I’m crazy? But then I’m like: nobody notices…guess they are to? Then I let all that go and try to enjoy being alive. Very strange.

@WellWellWell3 @MidnightRider Yes it does. I live in Western NC and we are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. My family came through it relatively easily. We lost power and our frozen food but nothing more. Others lost everything. The damage is surreal.

But I don't feel the despair like you describe. I give those things over to God. I don't fully understand what happened and I ask the same why questions. We volunteered at our church to give out supplies. Helping others helps us.

@danielbsmith I mean I am so glad this method of operation works for you. The problem I have with it in my brain though Daniel? How do I give over to God what God allowed to happen in the first place? Is God ever culpable for being a poor steward of the ant farm that he built Daniel? He works in mysterious ways is a copout.

@MidnightRider What about all of the good things in life? Fine food, a first date, dancing, music, art. Who is responsible for them?

@danielbsmith I don’t think it’s an invisible man in the sky. I know you do and I acknowledge that, but I’m just not there with you, my man.

@MidnightRider @danielbsmith as a Christian I also wonder about evil , don’t think we Christians don’t ask those questions, why wars ? Why diseases? Why did God create a world in which humans would go to hell knowing they would rebel against Him ? Of course we ask them , but the reasons to believe there is a God are also powerful.

@Jorro @danielbsmith If God reported to me at work, he'd get a shit performance evaluation. I treated my adopted dog better than God treats the least of his children. Also, he allows his flock to be dominated by assholes.

@MidnightRider @danielbsmith I totally understand, evangelicals mainly are idiots ( I’m as evangelical, by the way ) and their behavior is insane, they are trolls .

@Jorro @danielbsmith God isn't lining balls over the centerfield wall either or Trump would be in prison. Every civilization there ever was has been a Tierney sponsored by shit humans, so yeah how bout that God?

@MidnightRider @Jorro Christianity teaches this life isn't our ultimate destiny. It's preparation and practice for another. That's why people like Trump are allowed to exist and influence us. They test us. So far, the church in America has mostly failed that test but this election will hopefully show some growth and recovery toward decency and actual biblical values. The rot is finally being addressed.

@danielbsmith @Jorro Who wants a " dress rehearsal" life? To me, when people say this, they minimize what this life is worth. It's always "free beer tomorrow". You know just in case all our learned platitudes are incorrect? I'd like to enjoy what's left of this life, I hope everyone does because it's a hard fight. The older you get the truer this becomes.

@MidnightRider @danielbsmith I agree in that , we can live a good life , we are blessed to live in this country .