Loving the lost

[beetiger]

The depression is hitting heavy again, the way it did a few years back. I recognize it now, so I'm hoping I can meet it part way before it blindsides me, this time. Casual IMs and friendliness help a lot with that, so don't be shy.

But I don't want to talk about that. The main reason I haven't posted much lately is that I don't want to talk about that, and that's been most of what's on my mind, except for T-shirts about which I suspect you are bored.
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At one of my previous jobs I had a friend who was a literalist Christian. She was a sweet person, and we were sincerely friends -- we sang together in the company choir that went to nursing homes at Christmastime, she helped me choose bridesmaids' dresses for my wedding, we talked a lot. But I knew that she was utterly and completely sure that I was going to Hell.

I can easily see why I could be friends with her; I just thought she was wrong on that topic, and it wasn't an important topic to me, so I just connected with her on other things. But I find it hard to understand how she could be friends with me, believing that I was damned. Perhaps she thought that there was still a chance there somewhere. Or perhaps, like those who befriend the elderly or those with terminal illness without worrying about how much time they'll have together, she just thought she'd share her love in the present and not wory about the ultimate results.

When does it make sense to give up on a lost cause?

Comments

[loesaurus.livejournal.com]

One of the people I used to work with that I am most fond of was a girl who's father was a Pastor. She was attending a Baptist college, and was the nicest, easiest person to get along with. She was the sort of person that didn't make me cringe when she said she'd "say a prayer for me" if I was having some random difficulty.

She referred to a lot of the world around her as the "secular world" and was most interested in the lives and thoughts and goals of those she worked with. She wasn't an in-your-face christian - I think she may have learned from her father to focus her energies where they were needed. She may have believed we were all going to hell in handbaskets, but also believed that her interactions weith people might have an affect on their lives.

I am probably not making sense - but there are some devout christians out there who embody all of the good, positive teachings from christian theology, who love people for who they are and make even a pagan like myself aware of what simply real, beautiful people they are. Your friend sounds like one of these people. She doesn't look at you as a lost cause - you have many redeeming qualities she appreciated and could connect with. Just like you did with her. Hmmm. Sorry to ramble - just for what it's worth. :) Hope you feel better before too long. Recognizing that slide downhill goes a long way toward preventing it. My AIM is in my userinfo. I am on Pacific time, but feel free to IM if I am on.