In Good Hands. Page 2

Good post Lori! I agree with you.
Adele

Okay, so who called the 'Wet Bell-Bottom Police"?

(I'm just kidding!) [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

I am just going to point out that the word 'Debate' was used by Mommabear first. Just because is wasn't used in the same context as it is being used now, doesn't mean something bad.

And if it is bothersome -- again I'll state that faith plays no role in my dealing with FA's. The randomness that I associated with what goes on with respect to the FA's is just life. I can't control everything -- though I do my best to control what I can -- be on top of things -- and hope. Aside from that it is all a cr@p shoot.

That being said, the difference for me is that I don't believe my truth has to be the same as another's. Yes, yes, there are those general societal rules that I think most people agree upon, like murder is wrong, drinking and driving is wrong, etc. But I am fine with not believing and not having it play a role in my life, and am still okay with others believing what they want, and having it play a role in their life.

I differ from Stephi in that I don't view the issue of right and wrong the same way she does. When it comes to religion, I'm okay with being right for me about not believing. That is my truth, for myself. I'm also cool with her having her faith, her belief, as her truth -- what is right for her. I don't feel as though she should believe what I do, unless that is what she feels is right for her. She (and do correct me if I've misinterpreted) believes that I should believe what she does. That I am wrong unless I believe as she does. That all the other religions in the world are wrong, and the only true, right, belief is hers. I do realize that there are many other variations of the Christian faith -- that range in view, if you were going to try and put together a scale (like a right wing & left wing religious measuring line).
And I guess this is another aspect of religion that I find a bit sad. That need to be right. Why not be right for yourself? Why not have your religion be what is right for who you are and what you need and believe, without the notion that others must believe the same thing. That others must be right with you. Why not let them just be wrong? Why isn't it okay for me to have my own truth?

Adele brought up the hijackers. Well, (and I know this will probably open me up to evisceration), but I always wonder -- and it can apply to any religion -- isn't there enough for people to worry about in their own life? There are so many children starving, so much misery, so much destroyed by war and in need of rebuilding, why can't the focus be on that? What is it that makes someone strap a bomb to themselves for the purpose of blowing up others, just to be right? Don't they have children they care about clothing and feeding? What is is about my not believing that is so distracting that another person would rather wage war than see to their own life and their own children? I just don't understand it. And yes, why bring religion into the whole topic of war, the horrors that are going on in the name of power and money? Because many of them are started or waged in the name of religion. In the effort to be right. The effort to force others to set aside their own beliefs and accept another set.

Quote:Originally posted by Munchkin's Mom:
[b]
If it was designed to be for Christians only, I have absolutely NO problem with that. However, perhaps that should have been stated clearly? Might have kept the discussion from veering off track. Unless I was mistaken about the track it was originally aiming for, which is entirely possible. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img][/b]

nope, it was designed for all faiths. I started by volunteering my own feelings. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

But of course, some took it as an opportunity for Christian bashing. Yet again. I mean, all I did was answer my own question the best I knew how. I was really hoping to hear from other faiths. But you know, those snide remarks find their way in. I even initially ignored them, hoping to give others an opportunity to express themselves, but hey, that's how it goes sometimes.

Quote:Originally posted by gvmom:
[b]
I am just going to point out that the word 'Debate' was used by Mommabear first. Just because is wasn't used in the same context as it is being used now, doesn't mean something bad.

[/b]

does that all depend on whether one can debate without bashing. as i recall i used the word "debate" long after it initially began. or the attempts at thought control........... [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] wow, even I didn't see that tangent comming. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img] interesting.

MB--somewhere in some board, someone indicated that you're Greek. Perhaps it was in the Recipes board.

Is that so? If so, you're not Greek Orthodox? I don't mean to get too personal here--and you can refuse to answer of course. It may be TMI. Just seems to me based on these posts that you probably don't attend a Greek Orthodox church.

[b]But of course, some took it as an opportunity for Christian bashing.[/b]

Are you referring to me? I would like to know. I think that when it comes to religion I can be an equal opportunity basher. However, I am not bashing here. I am questioning. I did say I usually don't engage in discussions about religion. This could be one of the very reasons why -- if indeed you are referring to me about bashing. The act of questioning for me is real. I don't mind if what I believe, or don't, is questioned. I wouldn't view it as bashing. I'm sorry if those that have a belief, whatever sect you may hail from, find questions along the same lines as a bash. When it comes to religion, at least within this thread, I am serious. The questions that I pose aren't meant to be trite or cavalier, snotty, whatever -- they are real, and I am curious.

"You seemed to feel like you might be attacked or mocked for feeling the way you do."
Coevallis mom posted this to me after i said in my very first post that some people might feel that I was misguided.

let me throw out some words that have been used- insulting, cursed, preach, judgement, disrespectful, odd, slap in the face, condescending, makes my skin crawl.

maybe that's why I felt critcized and bashed, that I needed to defend myself.

[This message has been edited by stephi13339 (edited March 18, 2006).]

Quote:Originally posted by McCobbre:
[b]
It seems to me this is somewhat analagous to the LDS church members (Mormons) "baptizing" Jews after they had died so they would be saved. Jews have requested that they stop, stop, stop. But they continued doing it. I'm not sure if it has stopped now.

But this is entirely disrespectful. Condescending even.

And prayer, depending on what kind, can be, too.

Again, speaking as a Christian here. I've seen this--people praying that others become like us, saved in the way we're saved. Have it just like we do. Because my way of understanding God is THE way. Makes my skin crawl. So condescending.

I will pray for others. But not in this way.[/b]

Steph: Many of the words on your 'list' that make you feel criticized and bashed are in McCobbre's post (above) and SHE IS A CHRISTIAN. She's not bashing Christianity - she's bashing the way SOME go about trying to save the souls of others, specifically the Mormans who baptize after death even those souls that have their own beliefs.

This is not Christian bashing and you shouldn't feel like someone is attacking YOU.

(ok - so I had to jump back in and add my two-cents)
But only because I was astonished that some members feel that they've been bashed. I had to go back and re-read all the posts and I STILL don't see any 'Christian-bashing".

Quote:Originally posted by McCobbre:
[b]MB--somewhere in some board, someone indicated that you're Greek. Perhaps it was in the Recipes board.

Is that so? If so, you're not Greek Orthodox?[/b]

wasn't even married in a Greek Church. Gave up a Greek wedding (for not only myself, but also for my father and was married in a catholic church for my MIL.) I mean, even after she told me (6 1/2 years into dating and then engaged to her son): "You're a nice person, but we had really hoped our son would marry a catholic girl."

I was christened in an Orthodox church as a baby. It was my father's religious/cultural identification. And to a point, mine. It still is, I mean, I have a soft spot for the community. I have no misgivings about attending a Greek Orthodox church every now and then. It brings me home. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] I completely understand the significance it has and the cultural ties.

But honestly? My father's faith differed little from my own. I mean, what I feel [i]really mattered[/i].

But you know, I was baptized in a Baptist church, and in a Catholic church as well. I mean, I don't believe my salvation hinged on it. It felt right. That said, my oldest has been christened not only in a Catholic church, but has also been baptized in a Baptist church. Youngest? hasn't been baptized or christened. Probably too much to explain, but I don't feel that his salvation hinges on it. I don't feel it changes him, but rather is an act of obedience. Christening, however, I would welcome, as I feel it is more of a presentation to the community. I don't feel it's wrong either way. Maybe if this next baby is christened, I will have my youngest christened along with them as well. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] I was always sad we didn't choose to do it at the time. [/B][/quote]

It was happy to explain. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

[This message has been edited by MommaBear (edited March 18, 2006).]

[b]Are you referring to me? I would like to know.[/b]

Still would like to know -- ????

Quote:Originally posted by gvmom:
[b][b]But of course, some took it as an opportunity for Christian bashing.[/b]

Are you referring to me? I would like to know. I think that when it comes to religion I can be an equal opportunity basher. However, I am not bashing here. [/b]

I guess then, it might be habit forming. Habits can be that way. I mean, people not even realising when they do it?

And hey, didn't mean to slight anyone else who felt bashed. I don't think posters limited it to Christians, either. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img] That said, I was just speaking for myself.

But hey, you wouldn't be the first. I mean, to have a habit, or bash.

Quote:[b]I am questioning.[/b]

I'd say you're preaching to the choir............but then we might be in a metaphorical church...........PEOPLE PRAYING, I mean.

Quote:[b]I did say I usually don't engage in discussions about religion. This could be one of the very reasons why -- if indeed you are referring to me about bashing. The act of questioning for me is real. I don't mind if what I believe, or don't, is questioned. I wouldn't view it as bashing. I'm sorry if those that have a belief, whatever sect you may hail from, find questions along the same lines as a bash. When it comes to religion, at least within this thread, I am serious. The questions that I pose aren't meant to be trite or cavalier, snotty, whatever -- they are real, and I am curious. [/b]

You talked about being eviscerated before for what you say. Metaphorically speaking. Well, at the risk of being the same, here I go: At the [i]least[/i], I took you as "sitting in the seat of the scornful". KWIM? But hey........you wouldn't be the first.

McCobbre:

just adding, it doesn't matter to me if I identify formally with any "religious" Christian affiliation. KWIM? My beliefs wouldn't change. The problem I've had is finding a church that we don't have to scrape off the icing in order to get to the cake. KWIM? Or the main course. There's a lot I can't stomach in some churches. Don't know how else to explain it.

I'd be comfortable in an Orthodox church, just don't think it would be fair to either my husband or my children. KWIM? There is such a cultural component. I wouldn't want them to feel isolated.

gvmom- not I don't feel that you've been bashing me, maybe throwing some heated questions my way, but not bashing. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] I don't normally have these type of conversaions. In fact, the last time I did it was with my now-husband and I was arguing for the opposite!!
McCobre- it does feel like you're bashing me. all those things that you said about LDS, you started by saying it was analgous to me. and can I ask you a question? what do you mean you don't believe in a literal **** or devil? do you believe in a literal God or Jesus Christ or heaven?

[b]I guess then, it might be habit forming. Habits can be that way. I mean, people not even realising when they do it?[/b]

[b]And hey, didn't mean to slight anyone else who felt bashed. I don't think posters limited it to Christians, either. That said, I was just speaking for myself. [/b]

So then, this is a statement of personal acknowledgement?

[b]But hey, you wouldn't be the first. I mean, to have a habit, or bash. [/b]

I have many habits. And I have bashed, but as I stated before I am not here. And yes, it is true, others have habits and others bash. Some have habits and bash, some habitually bash and some bash habits.

[b]I'd say you're preaching to the choir............but then we might be in a metaphorical church...........PEOPLE PRAYING, I mean.[/b]

To what choir would I be preaching, if I were? (which I am not; I have been questioning)

[b]You talked about being eviscerated before for what you say. Metaphorically speaking. Well, at the risk of being the same, here I go: At the least, I took you as "sitting in the seat of the scornful". KWIM? But hey........you wouldn't be the first.[/b]

Yes, I was speaking metaphorically about being eviscerated. And do you not think that I shouldn

Quote:Originally posted by stephi13339:
[b]
McCobre- it does feel like you're bashing me. all those things that you said about LDS, you started by saying it was analgous to me. and can I ask you a question? what do you mean you don't believe in a literal **** or devil? do you believe in a literal God or Jesus Christ or heaven?[/b]

Sorry--no intention of bashing. Just stating that it's possible to be a faithful Christian and disagree with another Christian.

And I wasn't comparing you personally when I put in the comment about the Mormons "baptizing" Jews. I wasn't aware that you were the only one discussing prayer that way. I just saw a similarity to some extent--not even that great of one--but one nonetheless. And I thought it was interesting to point out.

If you are actually Mormon, I was not meaning to offend. This is a story that is in the news--I was just using it as an analogy.

To address your last question: my theology is no doubt quite different from yours (I'm just guessing). I've found Paul Tillich's description of God as the "Ground of Being" and process theology's idea of God as being affected by life very helpful. Do I believe that God is out there some where, out side of creation, looking down on all of us? No. God is in and through and among. And the ground of it all. Between us, reflected in relationship (thus, for me, can't really exist in the "just Jesus and me" kind of understanding). God is changing and growing, not static. But also the first and the last--without end. Ever present.

Jesus? Oh yes.

Heaven? Probably very different than the traditional understanding of it.

Now, I should go. I need to wrap up my Sunday School lesson prep.

Quote:Originally posted by MommaBear:
[B] It was happy to explain. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
B]

And delightful to read. Thanks.

I really like the Orthodox liturgy. I get lost . . . and found in it. And I appreciate that the Orthodox Church offers us outsiders blessed bread. I won't ever get that kind of hospitality from the Catholic Church (well, not from most, anyway) [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] (And that's no slam to my Catholic friends--it's just part of the eucharistic pain and quandry.)

There is such mystery in the Orthodox liturgy. To me, it does such a great job of pointing to the mystery of faith.

Kalispera (Sorry--I think that's how it's anglicized? I've really only spelled it in Greek.)

[This message has been edited by McCobbre (edited March 18, 2006).]

Quote:Originally posted by stephi13339:
[b]let me throw out some words that have been used- insulting, cursed, preach, judgement, disrespectful, odd, slap in the face, condescending, makes my skin crawl.

maybe that's why I felt critcized and bashed, that I needed to defend myself.

[This message has been edited by stephi13339 (edited March 18, 2006).][/b]

Steph--If you felt I was bashing you, know that it was not my intention. The "condescending" and "makes my skin crawl" came from me, as Adele pointed out, but if you'll look at the context, are not directed at you.

What they're directed at are the types of behavior that I find objectionable. And that would be behavior by Christians or any other religious group. It's behavior that says the only way is to believe just like me, and if you don't, I know what's best for you, so I'll do what I can to help you until you know what's best for you.

I think there are other ways to engage people that are more helpful for all of us and for the community of faith.

-------
I notice that you don't have many posts yet--and a good many of the ones you do have are here in this thread. Some wonderful people on the board have joined this thread. People I count on. It's my hope that you won't be turned off from these message boards because this thread has made a few turns. This website is extremely helpful to me. I don't know how I would get along without it.

By and large we are welcoming of debate here. Good natured. And even forgiving.

I do hope you stick around and that your feeling "bashed" doesn't in any way hinder you from participating in other areas.

[b]Some wonderful people on the board have joined this thread. People I count on.[/b]

McCobbre, I do hope you count yourself among them. I know I do.

Quote:Originally posted by McCobbre:
[b] I really like the Orthodox liturgy. To me, it does such a great job of pointing to the mystery of faith.[/b]

there you have it. I mean as far as answering questions about it. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] Thank you for putting that into words. It's not like it can be condensed down into a pop quiz. Or an essay. It is the evidence of things unseen, I mean.

There's a new Greek Orthodox church going up near us (hasn't been many of them in my neck of the woods)..............maybe we should check it out.

Honestly? I never felt "different" in certain communities. I mean, in my thought processes or personal attributes. Religion aside. Maybe my husband and children wouldn't either.

ps....completely understand about the bread.

As I am getting ready to go and teach sunday school right now I have to

Quote:Originally posted by gvmom:
[b]

You know, I do understand that your prayers are yours. Whether you are asking to pray with me in person, or on your own, etc. And I do respect your right to do what your conscience guides you to do. Really, I do. There is just an honest puzzlement for me. I mean, I am trying to come up with an analogy that works -- and I really can't come up with a good one. Oh, wait, maybe. It is kind of like when your parents ask you not to have premarital sex. Well, unless you turn up pregnant or tell them, how are they to know right? You could still do whatever you wanted on your own - right? But, isn't there a part of the whole thing, that beyond the benefits of waiting, there is a certain respect extended to your parents' request. They may not be present (and that would be creepy if they were)in the moment when you choose to either engage or not engage -- but isn't there something about the request, by virtue of respect for them, that would at least make you hesitate (or feel guilty)? [/b]

Maybe that's because, deep down, you know they are right and they love you. And that you're selling out. Selling them out. Cheap.

Whole different concept. Regardless of the analogy.

Well, I was trying to come up with an analogy. Sorry it wasn't good enough. I honestly don't know about whether I would have felt cheap or a sell out about having sex despite my parents telling me not to, because they never did. My Mom found out that I was on birth control from another Mom (thanks to my best friend at the time for ratting me out). She actually was just upset that someone else's Mom knew about it before she did. As for my Dad. Well, I remember one odd, 2 minute conversation, where "Things can 'Happen'" and "Just be careful" were said. "Okay?" "Sure Dad, okay". So, while I figured they would prefer that I wait, no long lectures, no discussions, no pamphlets, explanations, etc. I guess it is back to the drawing board then to figure out an analogy.

Stephi, first of all thank you for your kind words, I do appreciate them. I am at peace knowing "That all things work for good...." [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Mommabear, I grew up going to a Greek orthodox church!...my dad is Greek and my mom joined the Orthodox church when she met my Dad so they could be married there.
I even went to Greek school [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] The only problem I had going there was that they do the whole liturgy in Greek so I was clueless to understand what was going on. Now my Dad has told me they have a younger priest who does it in english and greek.
I stopped going there when I went off to college...during my college days I received Christ as my Savior and started going to an evangelical church.
Just thought I would share!

Shelley

this is kinda on topic so I thought I'd post it here.

Today has been a stressful day. I went to church early so I could clean (saw someone with a PB sandwich before) and to ask the pastor if we could officially make the church peanut free. He said yes so that's great- but it was so stressful to have to educate everyone about the dangers and residue. Then my husband shows up at church with sophia- and she'd had a rxn at home, a few hives on her face. We have a peanut free house, so what was it?! Maybe my nephew had PB on his hands and touched something? Maybe my makeup- DH caught her with mascara. So we gave her benadryl and she was sleepy but fine. We have dinner- pot roast, rice, onions and peas. She wasn't eating her peas- or anything really- so we thought just for peace of mind we'll put some on her belly. we were positive she'd be safe- it was her very first food at 6 mos. But she hived up!!! benadryl, AGAIN, and she's fine. ughhhhhhh! my poor husband- he had tumoral calcinosis when he was a child. its a rare disorder that usually only dialysis patients get. originally they thought it was cancer. it affected him a lot he won't even talk about it. Now to see his daughter (his first bilogical - he's my 6 yr old stepdad) have something life threatening... Please pray for peace of mind for my family. healing for my daughter. comfort for my husband. and a bottle of wine for me. (thoughts and well- wishes would be greatly appreciated too [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img])

Stephi -- great news that your church is going peanut free. I am sorry though that your day ended up with a reaction for your daughter!!! I'm confused though -- do you think that there was something in the dinner that made her react again, or do you think the additional hives were something secondary from earlier? Either way, I know it must have been stressful and sad to see your little one with a bunch of hives!!! Hang in there!

2 rxn in one day from 2 different things, I think. the hives from early this morning- total mystery as to the source. the hives at dinner was the peas. we put peas on her stomach "just to see" because we've heard how the two (PA and peas are so close) and she got hives. wouldn't it have to be the peas? The hives came up in the exact spot that we put the peas. doesn't that make a secondary rxn seem unlikely? besides, her rxn in the AM was on her face......I'm not that familiar with secondary rxn...can u tell me about them?

I don't know too much about secondary reactions. I might actually post your experience in 'Main' to see if other people have had something similar. That is pretty amazing having hives show up on her tummy just from touching the peas. You must be stressed out!!! Sitting here thinking about it a bit more, and yep, I'd post in 'Main'. There has to be someone that has info on secondary reactions and also about the whole peas & peanut connection.

Interesting discussion! Maybe God made me an unbeliever for a reason...

Cathy

[img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

Quote:Originally posted by Momcat:
[b] Maybe God made me an unbeliever for a reason...

[/b]

how about calling it "free will"?..........

Quote:Originally posted by gvmom:
[b] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img][/b]

trying to figure out if ridicule is an improvement from ba....., um.....scor....um..........let me think. Oh, yes. [i]questioning.[/i]

but hey: [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

my question: How is it possible for someone to direct so much resolve, bitterness, and hate towards something one doesn't even believe exists?

To answer the original question of the thread:

Faith plays no role for me in dealing with peanut allergy. I have come to terms with the fact that I don't control everything that happens in life. $h!t happens. For no reason. JMO.

Cathy

[b]my question: How is it possible for someone to direct so much resolve, bitterness, and hate towards something one doesn't even believe exists? [/b]

For some reason when I read this I thought of those Dixie cups with the riddles on them.

But you got me, I don't know how it's possible. I guess though you may be able to give me the answer depending on whether or not you believe I exist.

stephi13339 got the part right about Satan existing.

He lives in a big White House in Washington, D.C.

When I saw this topic name, I thought that someone wanted to talk about a new Allstate Life Insurance policy. Boy, did I get that one wrong.

OK...OK, I'm retreating into my neutral corner with my bag of popcorn.

[img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] rofl

Quote:Originally posted by gvmom:
[b]For some reason when I read this I thought of those Dixie cups with the riddles on them.

[/b]

I guess that's better than thinking of me as a despot dictator burning books or limiting free thought, huh? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

[i]I'll take it as a compliment. [/i]

[This message has been edited by MommaBear (edited March 20, 2006).]

Quote:Originally posted by Annoyed:
[b]stephi13339 got the part right about Satan existing.

He lives in a big White House in Washington, D.C.

[/b]

I thought that was the [i]antichrist[/i].......

Quote:Originally posted by sebastian:
[b] The only problem I had going there was that they do the whole liturgy in Greek so I was clueless to understand what was going on. Now my Dad has told me they have a younger priest who does it in english and greek.
[/b]

that [i]rebel[/i].... [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img]

[b]I guess that's better than thinking of me as a despot dictator burning books or limiting free thought, huh?[/b]

Is this another rhetorical question, or are you labeling yourself again? Frankly, that isn't how I think of you -- and hopefully nobody thinks of me that way either.

BTW, since you really aren't a Dixie cup, and I can't turn you around or upside down to get the answer, what is it? Oh, or fill you with liquid either -- I think on some of the new cups you get the answer when you fill them. Anyway --

Maybe GOD = DNA

Quote:Originally posted by Momcat:
[b]Maybe GOD = DNA[/b]

ok, now work with me. Hypothetically, if this is your "faith", then elaborate on:

"Faith plays no role for me in dealing with peanut allergy. I have come to terms with the fact that I don't control everything that happens in life. $h!t happens. For no reason. JMO."

I mean, it must play *some* role in "Living with PA". Yes? I mean, aside from "Sh!t happens." [i]for a reason[/i], I mean, since are you pointing to DNA being responsible (the reason) and do you feel you have no control over that variable? Here's a popular one: [i]do you hope for a cure?[/i] Do you feel biologically doomed? [i]cursed[/i]? Or possibly lucky? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] I mean, in that $h!t could be a lot worse?

[b] ok, now work with me. Hypothetically, if this is your "faith", then elaborate..[/b]

Well, I guess it depends on how loosely you define "faith". What I mean is that I believe that the proximate causes of PA are certain genetic factors. If you are looking for an ultimate cause for PA (a "reason"), I don't believe there is one.

[b] Do you hope for a cure? Do you feel biologically doomed? cursed? Or possibly lucky? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] I mean, in that $h!t could be a lot worse?[/b]

As for my personal feelings regarding PA, no, I do not feel I (or my children) are doomed, cursed or lucky. Sure, things could be worse. Sure, a cure would be nice. For now, I just accept what is and do the best I can to deal with it.

Cathy

[This message has been edited by Momcat (edited March 20, 2006).]

Here's my take on faith and FA. Personally, I don't believe God gave my ds food allergies, just like I don't believe God caused me to go through infertility for 3 very long years.

I believe good and bad comes to everyone's life, we're human, we live in an imperfect world. I believe God can be a source of comfort during difficult times if we let Him; and that we appreciate the good more after going through something bad. And that we can learn important lessons after going through something difficult that may help us later.

For example, I've definitely applied what I learned through infertility in dealing with my ds' allergies. Reading through medical information, questioning doctors, researching, and being able to handle difficult medical issues. All of that has helped me. I wasn't able to find comfort through God going through infertility, I didn't try, I was angry.

However I have found comfort from God in dealing with ds' allergies. I don't envision him managing every morsel of food that goes into ds' mouth. I think He's got much bigger things to manage than that. But if ds needs Him during a reaction, I believe God will be there to help.

So, there is my .02 cents. Meg