To be clear, I find this appalling. I share because I think these kinds of stories -that white people provided something of benefit to the enslaved- are still taught and believed far too often. But as religious belief is linked, and education is often shunned, I'm not sure how we break through.

Sadly, some of my ancestors owned plantations and practiced slave ownership. My mother tried to teach me that slavery wasn't always bad--that our ancestors "treated their slaves well" and thus, in return, were greatly loved by them 🤢 She takes great pride in this. She is also a religious fanatic.

Hugs! It's tough. Mine probably won't be here for long--we are nc & that won't change. I did self-work on the past harms but was surprised when a trauma response bubbled up anyhow. I realized it was the sorrow for what could have been. It's such a sad one to work through, isn't it? Hang in there. 🫂

Blessings, dude.

Truth? Because I was indoctrinated and used all kinds of mind games on myself to continue believing. "Doubt your doubts" sort of thing. Same as many Christians today.

It became too hard to fool myself anymore. I care too much in truth to pretend "care."

I hope you find the beauty I've discovered.

Weird that you think many of us didn't faithfully attend church, some for decades.

American Christians likely would have crucified their storied Jesus.

They complain about "xtian," mistakenly thinking it removes Christ, but they have removed him for being too "weak and woke" all by their little sad selves.

This can be a normal database entry when an inmate has been recently moved and typically updates within 2-3 days. Fingers crossed 🤞

Wonderful! 🫖

I knew someone who spent more on his dog than on his (then) fiance's engagement ring, spent loads to upgrade his Jeep & buy games- while forcing her to eat Ramen (w/ a gluten allergy), & generally limited her spending. She also brought home an income. He didn't get it when she escaped the marriage.

That's tough 😞 If it's joint inflammation... I've tried it all and stumbled on a goldenrod and wormwood salve that works amazingly well (for me at least!) but you'll not likely find it commercially and will need to make it yourself. Kinesiology tape helps me, too. I'd ❤️ to hear what works for you!

What a difference it makes, right? I didn't realize how amazing life could be until I left. I'm slowly finding people who share my values and am constantly surprised that I actually *fit* (in my solitude-loving way) with others... that I don't have to constantly fight against the grossness.

Same! It's been so refreshing!

Nope, I can't hang with MAGA. I'm an ethicist focused on values such as systemic justice and empathy--MAGA goes against everything that I am at my core. I was lucky enough to move away from my TBM, MAGA family though, and feel like I'm finally living the life I was meant to live.

We need to start a list of all ICE agents who have been identified taking illegal action and committing human rights abuses. Authoritarian regimes fail, and legal consequences will be forthcoming. Remember Nuremberg (and subsequent trials)!

I love this for him!