We once had a neighbor that would shout at us about the Devil. Naturally, our favorite thing to do was jump on the trampoline and scream-sing The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Neighbor-lady would wave her dirty little garden shovel over the fence and screech that she was, “going to pray because we were going to HELL!” Ten-year-old me found that HILARIOUS. I was a jerk. More importantly, I am pretty sure that woman wasn’t praying to save my soul. People love to say that they will pray for you. Don’t get me wrong. I truly believe in the power of prayer. I also believe that some people legitimately do pray, but does everyone? Am I the only one who wonders about the sincerity of the blanket “pray for you” statement? And if they are praying, what exactly are they praying for? When someone that barely tolerates me states that they will pray for me, I become very nervous. Are you weaponizing your petitions, Gladys? Am I going to suddenly develop a mysterious case of explosive diarrhea? I suspect it is a legitimate thing. I bounced right off that trampoline and practically broke my butt not too long after our neighbor sent me, my sibling, and my friends to hell. I love the thought of people praying for protection and peace for their fellow man. I truly hope I am wrong in thinking some people might use it to garner attention, or worse, to implore their maker to strike down others.
Maybe my point is… say what you mean?
Maybe my point is…sincerely pray for peace when you announce your intention to?
Maybe… I just want people to quit trying to sic their creator on others.
OR MAYBE… I just want people to quit trying to send me to hell.
General Musings of a Gen Xer 