I hate the fact that politics (in general and not one specific party) have stigmatized and ruined the use of "thoughts and prayers." For many of them it is used as a scapegoat when something happens. This is especially true when it comes to gun violence in our society. Instead of dealing with the issue itself, they hide behind thoughts and prayers. I believe that they think that will be enough to satiate their constituents and leave it at that. And, in many cases, that is the truth. But not for me.
I will still say to someone "you're in my thoughts and prayers." You know why? Because that person IS in my thoughts and prayers. It is what I can do immediately in that moment when I learn of some tragedy. I am thinking about you and saying a prayer for you. Whether or not the other person appreciates it is up to them. But it is what I can do in that specific moment of time. It is not the only thing I will do. It is simply the beginning of a process for me. And, honestly, thoughts and prayers are as much about how I feel as it is the other person. It is a way for me to cope with sadness. It works for me. I understand that it doesn't work for everyone but I'm not everyone.
And I agree that in certain circumstances thoughts and prayers are NOT enough. We know what these issues are, and we know that they need to be fixed. There is a lot that is broken in our country and thoughts and prayers should not be hidden behind in order to avoid addressing an issue. That infuriates me but I must make my own path.
So, just know that if something horrific happens to you, the chances are quite good that I am going to respond by having you in my thoughts and prayers. You can accept it or not. That is up to you. But do not tell me that my feelings are useless. I'm not hiding behind them. They are my first step in processing and figuring out how to move forward with the situation. It leads to a lot more in my life and I am not ashamed of that. Just wanted you to know. That is all.
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