# being approached by religious folks

Category: Let's talk

## Post 1 by Godzilla-On-Toast (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 02-Jul-2004 16:08:59

Some of the strangest encounters I have had with the sighted have been with religious folks. I've also heard a lot of stories from others. Now, I have not had the misfortune of having demons exorcised from me at a bus stop, or somebody wanting to pray for me loudly on a street corner, or putting their hands on me thinking they can make me see by power of will, but still you get interesting reactions. I know one time I was quietly waiting for the little van that was to take me to the community college I went to, and this woman and a couple of kids approach me. She tells me she has some special healing technique that she wants me to tell my "professors" about. So she proceeds to take my hands in hers and recite the Lord's Prayer. Does this twice, and no effects. Another time, I was with friends and this guy comes up and says he's going to give the sighted member of the group a phone number of a healer or such. I think my friend talked him out of it. Hehehe! Recently, I got turned around and needed to find Radio Shack. This woman approaches me telling me her name, age, and that she was a Christian. She didn't try any funny stuff and got me to ye olde Shack, but why she wanted to tell me she was Christian I'll never know. I didn't care if she was atheist long as she could get me headed towards my destination. And a couple months ago while walking with a sighted friend, I got my first drive-by blessing, unless of course my sighted friend was being drive-by blessed for being so saintly to help me.

## Post 2 by Jesse (Hmm!) on Friday, 02-Jul-2004 20:31:22

I am a Christian, but I don't believe in all that mess. One time, I was at my aunt's mother-in-law's house, and she handed me a cross to hold in my hand, and made me kneel before a statue of Mary. As if that weren't freaky enough, she kept telling me that if I believed, God would give me sight. I'm usually nice to such people, but when she was done, I told her that if God wanted me to see, He'd have made me born seeing, but as it stands, I'm just the way He wants me. I'd love to go to Benny Hinn or some other faith healer, just to laugh in their face when they tried to heal me and it doesn't work! Just a sick dream of mine! People are strange!

## Post 3 by torian princess (The original Blakanadian.) on Friday, 02-Jul-2004 21:29:58

I've had 2 such encounters...once my mother god-sister and I were just walking along in the metro station[subway if you will] when these two women acosted us one talking to my mother and the other coming up to me and she's all like "Do you know who Jesus is?" as soon as she says this I'm trying to force my god-sister to go through the turnstile... and I'm like: "...yes..." and she says: "Who is he?"
"The son of god." I say
and this random woman who I've never met proceds to tell me that: "You should go home and pray." then this other time, I was on the buss with my summer camp and this random person hands me a Jesus magnet. Doesn't say anything, just hands it to me...

## Post 4 by torian princess (The original Blakanadian.) on Friday, 02-Jul-2004 21:32:38

And I forgot to ask; What exactly is a "Drive by blessing"?

## Post 5 by Godzilla-On-Toast (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Saturday, 03-Jul-2004 1:25:11

A drive-by blessing is when you're walking along, be it alone or sighted guide, and somebody drives past you and yells "God bless you" out the car window. Nothing more, and no opportunity to respond if there is a response. Hahahaha! Wasn't offended, as I don't offend easily, but it just surprised the both of us. Unfortunately, my cynical mind thought he was either blessing me becasue I was suffering for being blind, else he was blessing my friend for being such a saint for taking a walk with me. As if interacting with a blind person outside of giving them a nudge towards a door is something only a nearly-angelic being can do. Guys, I don't hate Christians, because I don't hate anyone, but you ahve to admit that some people come up with some mighty odd ideas which lead to even odder conclusions.
I also have to agree with the person who said that if they were meant to see, that's just how it would be.

## Post 6 by KC8PNL (The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better.) on Sunday, 04-Jul-2004 4:54:03

Maybe they just sneezed and u missheard that and thaught they said god bless u? Yeah, I had and still have this guy at the university that I go to who keeps wanting to gives me braille bibals and all that, but I always find a way out of it with an excuse. One day, when I am in a bad mood, I'll probably tell him that he's a bad Christian for trying to push his religion on to me and that he'll go to hell for that. I'll tell him that I'll see him there and then walk off. I don't mind religious people by any means, but I don't like religious ppl who think their religion is the only way of the world, and that their mission in life is to try and convert all of those who aren't their religion to theirs. But u see, blind ppl, and all of those with disabilities here in the US and probably Canada as well, are viewed as religious types by the general public? Y? I have no idea, but I plan on breaking that idea out of as many people's heads as possible.

## Post 7 by renegade rocker (I just keep on posting!) on Sunday, 04-Jul-2004 5:24:45

Well I had a similar experience, one of these people knocked on my door and asked me are you ready for the rapture? and I'm like well miss, I'd love to chat with ya but there's a party goin' on here, and everyone is wasted, and that was the end of it, never bothered me ever again!

## Post 8 by Godzilla-On-Toast (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Sunday, 04-Jul-2004 20:47:23

It might be fun to try and piss off somebody who's hounding you with religious material, but I'd say do it only if being nice just doesn't get through to them. Thing I can't stand about some people is they get so intent on doing us big favors and having good intentions that they forget to find out what we really want or need. They're probably going on the premise that if they went blind, they'd want it or feel a certain way, so of course you'd be exactly the same way, wouldn't you? After all, we're not individuals, but were cloned by a mad scientist in test tubes and loosed upon the world just to make life inconvenient for them. Hahahahahahahaha!

## Post 9 by Jess227 on Monday, 05-Jul-2004 3:02:36

Common but on my part RARE Here's the only 2 I came across in my lifetime. They think we're the special people or something.. My ex boyfriend and I were on a bus with our group going tords work, and this one religiou lady walks tords the door but before she leaves she turns to my room mate and says "god bless you" Hands in prayer like setting and bows. She turns to her friend, and says "god bless you." and hands in prayer, and bows, turns to my ex and says "god bless you." hands in same position, and when she bows.....he accidentally hits her in the head with his cane, it was open, he accidentaly lost his grip.....how nice haha. The driver was rolling his eyes, and shaking his head giggling.
I was at a museum in Pittsburgh in 2002 when we were leaving one of the displays this school group of kids were walking past me and this lady with short curly hair, large glasses, must've been a shaperone bc she stops her kid, looks at me, puts her hand on my shoulder and says "god bless sweety, you're a special gift from god." I about burst out laughing, because I thought that was the lamest thing she could've said "I'm a special gift from god." Wow, how nice....how honorable. I'm a gift from god to my parents but the lady's line was a cheap one, I mean she sounded like I was dying or something.

## Post 10 by Big Pawed Bear (letting his paws be his guide.) on Monday, 05-Jul-2004 4:39:38

I had some person try to thrust bibles and stuff at me. I'm not going to mension the religious denomination, but they are famous for doorstepping ppl. memebers of that religious community in my area now know I'm not intrested and leave me alone.

## Post 11 by Skyla (move over school!) on Thursday, 08-Jul-2004 17:01:07

I was visitting New York once, and my family and I were in a grocery store. Out of nowhere, a woman comes running dowon the isle, clutches me to her body and begins sobbing havily. Confused, I politely asked if she was alright while trying to extract myself from her crushing...embrace.
"Jesus will change you, he will help, God is yours sweeite, I will pray! you pray too! I am so touched, so touched!"...I was quite taken aback. I don't have an issue with people who are spiritual, but it becomes annoying when they become fanatical and overbearing. Oh, and to whoever mentioned Benny Hin above, LOL I saw him in "action?" once, and yeah I was pretty sinical though. But he's a pretty good actor though, gets credit where its due.
-Sky

## Post 12 by Lil2Cute4uCMG (Newborn Zoner) on Sunday, 29-Aug-2004 22:19:27

I know, I mean yeah I believe in God, and I pray, but im not "godly" and I dont desire to be, Im ME, and i happen to NOT be a religion fanatic, or a bible humper. I think some of the religion is just made up,to make people do things differently, and i mean yeah, im not a bad ass troublemaker, but im not going to not dance, not have my hair in cute styles and yada yada yada yada! My opinion about religion is that all God wants is for us to get along, and ironically, theres people being killed for not believing in a certain religion! Thats not what God wanted, and also, u dont force religion on others. I think people should think about what GOD wants, and not what the churches and religions make up.
Carlie

## Post 13 by CaptainBlinky (Veteran Zoner) on Monday, 30-Aug-2004 0:52:49

When a religious person/group comes to my door, I usually like to answer while having my cock in my hand. I then invite them in to see if they want a tate of my religion. This usually gets rid of them with smoke coming from the soles of their shoes in 1/10th of a second flat. Hope this helps.

## Post 14 by sparkie (the hilljack) on Monday, 30-Aug-2004 22:18:15

I'm a christian, but I don't liked to be preached at nor do I do it to others. After all, that's what church is for isn't it? Now, if someone wants to know more about my religion, I will talk to them about it, but I always make sure they ask first before proceeding. Let me tell you all about this story. We had a resident not too long ago who was waiting outside for his cab and a guy walks up to him and says "My name is jesus, and if you give me some money I will bless you." Our resident told him no thanks and he did walk away. So there's another thought, you don't know if they are being serious or not about what they're preaching. I knew that guy wasn't Jesus. But yeah I don't like it either.
Troy

## Post 15 by KC8PNL (The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better.) on Monday, 30-Aug-2004 22:37:08

U better watch out Blinky. One time when u run to the door with your cock in your hand, a priest is going to be there. I hope u r ready for some serious corn holing man. I know that they like little boys the best, but I'm sure they'll settle for u.

## Post 16 by wildebrew (We promised the world we'd tame it, what were we hoping for?) on Tuesday, 31-Aug-2004 11:18:52

I've had these experiences too and what I always wondered was: "Why do they think being sighted is the only thing that I want out of life". I mean, wouldn't I prefer a million dollars e.g. or happy marriage or a big cool house with a BMW m5 and a cute driver. I mean, they act as if we've been cursed to eehm "wqlk in the darK" for the rest of our lives and we're desperately seaking the light. I mean, for the most part they're nice and as long as they're not overly aggressive I don't mind. If someone wants their God to bless me, sure, it's a good thing right. I'm Christian but if a Mulsim wants Allah to watch over me it's an honor, I mean, he/she is asking what he/she believs in to watch over me, I take that any day ;) a $100 along with it would be better but I take what I can get. :) But this is what I've always found a little strange.

## Post 17 by wildebrew (We promised the world we'd tame it, what were we hoping for?) on Tuesday, 31-Aug-2004 11:19:01

I've had these experiences too and what I always wondered was: "Why do they think being sighted is the only thing that I want out of life". I mean, wouldn't I prefer a million dollars e.g. or happy marriage or a big cool house with a BMW m5 and a cute driver. I mean, they act as if we've been cursed to eehm "wqlk in the darK" for the rest of our lives and we're desperately seaking the light. I mean, for the most part they're nice and as long as they're not overly aggressive I don't mind. If someone wants their God to bless me, sure, it's a good thing right. I'm Christian but if a Mulsim wants Allah to watch over me it's an honor, I mean, he/she is asking what he/she believs in to watch over me, I take that any day ;) a $100 along with it would be better but I take what I can get. :) But this is what I've always found a little strange.

## Post 18 by thrillseeker (Veteran Zoner) on Tuesday, 31-Aug-2004 18:25:03

haha Way too many religious encounters for me actually, I live in an area overflowing with the stuff. I don't have a problem if people take their life force from believing in a certain system or god or whatever, but it's amazing how many people keep telling me, you're such a miracle, etc etc. And they don't even know me! Once they find out I'm into partying they usually run off though.
I kinda feel bad for all the disappointed healers though. heh

## Post 19 by wonderwoman (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 25-Oct-2004 0:41:13

one thing I didn't like was jehovas' witnesses coming to the door and trying to push their literature on us. I'm a christian, the best Ican be, but certainly not the best, far from it. I prefer to listen to preachers on tv on sunday morning on the total christian television. I thought jehova's witnesses were the only ones who went around door to door preaching to total strangers. They don't do that anymore, at leastthey haven't in a long time. Every once in awhile, a preacher or 2 will come and try to get you to go to their church. I don't really see the difference between going to church and listening to it on tv. I'd rather listen in my own home. Mostly when I get bored, my mind wanders, and I can't stay focused, and I like to get up once in a while. In church, you have to sit in a pew and be still as a statue for as long as the sermon lasts. I couldn't do it. On tv, sermons usually last only about a half an hour, but in church, I guess they can last as long as they last, maybe an hour, or a couple of hours. I mostly listen to doctor ed young, but lately, it seems he's been preaching mostly to the married couples, and since I'm not married, none of them apply to me. I like preachers who tell a little story with a morral to illustrate what they're talking about, and ones who deal with day to day living.
Thanks for listening and or reading. Have a good night all, or a good day, whatever it is in your part of the world.
wonderwoman

## Post 20 by Godzilla-On-Toast (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 25-Oct-2004 2:26:38

Well, Wildebrew, the reason why people think all you want is your sight back is because they cannot imagine what it's like to be you, but that doesn't mean they just stop imagining. So they imagine themselves blind as they perceive it, conclude they will be totally helpless, depressed, continually wishing for their eyesight back, suicidal, or just keel over. So, because they think they would feel that way, they conclude you would feel the exact same way. So of course, it's the only thing you want because it's the only thing they imagine they would want. The frustrating thing about that is that if we do tell them there are better things to ask for than eyesight, it's like we're either speaking a foreign language or we're just putting on a front and we're really just as tragic and depressed merely for being blind as they imagine we are. You're going to have quite the uphill battle educating these particular stubborn folks. Hahahahahaha!

## Post 21 by _rory_ (predictable kryptic) on Monday, 25-Oct-2004 8:48:51

I was walking somewhere at my college last year, and this crazy guy wanted to help me get across the street. I let him help me, and when we got across he grabbed my arm and said, "sweetie, you need to go to church. You are beautiful, and you will always be beautiful in his eyes." I pulled away and started running. I could hear him coming after me for a little bit, but I got to the door of my hall which someone had open for me andran inside.

## Post 22 by Godzilla-On-Toast (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Tuesday, 26-Oct-2004 5:40:29

Shame you can't stop such people and ask them to clarify their point. Don't blame you for running though, as that's a mighty odd way to start a conversation. How would a sighted person react if he said the very same words to them?

## Post 23 by singingsensation (I just keep on posting!) on Monday, 16-Jul-2007 23:58:21

I've had a similar experience with overly religious fanatics trying to give you a so-called "miracle". My mom and I were sitting at a table eating our lunch in a mall in Atlanta. This guy walks up to our table, and he tells my mom, "God can seriously heal your daughter." My mom's just sitting there, quietly listening. Then he turns to me and he's like, "Have you heard of Reverend Earnest Angley? If you come to his services, he can pray with you and God can heal you through him. God healed Reverend Angley when he was a little boy." I was thinking, "Well, good for him!" So the guy goes on to give us a website for Earnest Angley, where we could find out more information. First of all, if God really wants to heal me, He will! Second, I'm happy with my life as it is, even if I'm blind, so what's the point of getting a "miracle healing" when you might be happy with your life. If God wants to heal you, he will. Thanks for creating this topic, itbrings up a very important point, and a valuable lesson that we should all take into consideration while living our daily lives.

## Post 24 by Godzilla-On-Toast (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Tuesday, 17-Jul-2007 2:06:46

OK, here's a good question. What do people mean when they speak of healing? Is it the same as curing? Do they see us as not being whole or healthy for being blind? And, on top of that, why is it easier to pray for healing than to accept a person just as hey are. I'm agnostic, but I'd like to believe that if there is a god, this god is pretty happy with me just as I am, blindness and all and doesn't demand physical perfection before acceptance.

## Post 25 by Reyami (I've broken five thousand! any more awards going?) on Tuesday, 17-Jul-2007 14:06:55

I was once approached by a woman on a bus and she said, "Jesus loves you," on her way out the door. It was just awkward becasue I never really know what to say in situations like that.

## Post 26 by Godzilla-On-Toast (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Wednesday, 18-Jul-2007 8:15:11

I think in that case you have to wonder if that person says that to everybody or not.

## Post 27 by Reyami (I've broken five thousand! any more awards going?) on Wednesday, 18-Jul-2007 11:23:16

no, she definitely said it in a hushed whisper, leaning over me. I could tell people were looking at her kind of strangely as she left.

## Post 28 by singingsensation (I just keep on posting!) on Sunday, 04-Nov-2007 0:22:38

That must be scary. If someone said that to me, I'd tell her or him to shut the heck up and then just walk away. I'd hate it if someone did that to me!!!

## Post 29 by Reyami (I've broken five thousand! any more awards going?) on Sunday, 04-Nov-2007 6:11:22

I would have, but I don't like being rude to total strangers, unless they come up to me and are rude first.

## Post 30 by singingsensation (I just keep on posting!) on Tuesday, 13-Nov-2007 10:56:26

I wouldn't want to be rude either, but still, they need to leave people alone.

## Post 31 by AngelKisses (An angel with no Halo) on Tuesday, 13-Nov-2007 21:53:47

poster 2, yes if you believe something and have full faihth that it will happen, it will. no one was ever heeled in the bible if they didn't have the faith that jesus could heel them. And you say if he wanted you that way you would have been born that way? no, devil does things that god doesn't want. Godzilla you agreed with this. Thats just how it would b e. So you are saying that everything that happens is what god wants? That isn't the case. People are dying lost, that certainly isn't what god wants. So, everything that happens, is not what he wants.

## Post 32 by Reyami (I've broken five thousand! any more awards going?) on Wednesday, 14-Nov-2007 16:48:16

Personally, I think i'm perfectly fine, just the way i am. I don't want someone telling me God will heal me. Heal? i don't have a disease. I was born blind, and I will stay that way. I don't want to be "healed". I don't mind the phrase god bless you.

## Post 33 by Godzilla-On-Toast (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Saturday, 17-Nov-2007 7:05:09

Nymphadora, this whole thing about healing is interesting. And Christian folk always tend to use the specific word "heal" when referring to our situation. Do ya think there's a difference between healing and curing, and what do you think these people really want of us?I'm assuming that what they want is for us to be made into sighted people by way of supernatural powers or forces. I hope I'm right. I feel that if Iwere ever approached by such a person, I'd question them as to why they feel asking me to be healed is better than accepting me exactly as I am. Somehow I fear I'd either cause offence or it would go over their heads because the idea of accepting anyone with a disability as they are does not compute to them.

## Post 34 by AngelKisses (An angel with no Halo) on Saturday, 17-Nov-2007 23:51:52

The reason they say heeling you or to be whole is because when God created Man and woman they were perfect, not a thing wrong with them. That is the way he wants mankind to be, the way he made them. Now sin and other things are messing up his perfect creation. When someone is not perfect, which obviously no one is perfect everyone has something wrong with them, they say your not whole or need to be heeled the way God wanted you in the first place. I believe it's mostly the penicostal folks that are into the whole heeling thing. Not sure though. I think the baptists believe that you got this because God is testing you and wants to see how strong your faith is. I dont' really agree with all that, but people can believe whatever they want to.

## Post 35 by Godzilla-On-Toast (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 09-Feb-2009 8:07:29

Even though there are days that I think there's some grand reason why I'm blind, for the most part, I feel that not only is there no reason, outside of the fact it was a medical mistake, but I also do not wish or demand there be a reason. No matter what people wish or how hard they pray or what they feel, I am blind and that is reality, plain and simple. No grand cosmic plan, no punishment or reward for sins or past lives, no lessons taught or learned, none of that stuff at all. It is exactly what it is and that's the start and the end of it. And, such a simple answer and statement would leave many many people very upset and very unsatisfied, wouldn't it?

## Post 36 by Leafs Fan (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Monday, 09-Feb-2009 15:02:46

I hope with all of my strength that no one ever does this to me! LOL

## Post 37 by nikicat235 (Veteran Zoner) on Saturday, 14-Feb-2009 17:37:14

I know this lady who keeps forcing religion on me and I just don't like it.

## Post 38 by ablindgibsongirl (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Sunday, 15-Feb-2009 23:19:54

All things work together for good.The devil did not make me blind. There will always be blind and deaf people. If I believed God didn't want me this way I'd eat a bullet.The devil is a cop out for those dumbfounded fools standing before their gutted home or burning car who dazedly tell the reporter, I never thought it would happen to me. I usually just let the crazy folk pray for me and go on my way.I have nothing to prove & I don't represent all blind folks. If your beliefs give you comfort that's what they're for. When Jesus comes back, if he ever does I'll be happy to here the gospel right from the horses mouth. Until that day I can only know what I know and do the best for myself and my family. I don't knock on peoples doors to tell them about releasing and the energetic components that make our workings run correctly. I like the Jewish approach, find us and talk to us and if you like what you see come to temple. A synagogue is the first church-like building that ever felt safe to me.I do think there are lessons to be learned from my blindness, mostly for my own self. Ain't pouncing on anyone just stating what I believe. Beliefs are personal and should always be so. If God wanted robots he'd have made us robots. If I'm going to hell most of my friends will be there. I'll get to meet George Carlin face to face. Tiffany

## Post 39 by Sexy CC (Veteran Zoner) on Monday, 16-Feb-2009 3:00:23

wow, well i have something familiar my mom use to be friends with this one lady who was a Naserine Christian and some of them Naserines are real big about praying and speeking in tongues. i remember being so scared when i was 5 this lady took me to her church, and sometime in the service the preacher said to gather round and and let the spirit take over. Next thing I know, theirs five ladies placing their hands over my head, them all standing in a circle praying in tongues, they wouldn't stop, even when I started crying, u no as a little girl I didn't know what they were doing but now I see and understand what they were trying to do, it was scary. Even when I started crying their chants or prayers if u will just got lowder saying cast this demon out of this girl and something else about giving me my sight back. I respect what others believe ut I don't appreciate it when people try to impose their believes on others.

## Post 40 by Godzilla-On-Toast (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 16-Feb-2009 9:28:34

I don't know if I asked this before, so forgive me if I'm repeating myself. I have to ask, though, is it only members of the Christian or Christian-like religion who are so fired up to have the supernatural make us into sighted people? Do Muslims or Hindus or Native Americans or pagans or any other faiths share the same beliefs as Christians seem to have about how blind people should be, as they put it, healed?

## Post 41 by Sexy CC (Veteran Zoner) on Tuesday, 17-Feb-2009 8:04:45

well, i can tel u by experience I've met many native americansand Hindus and not once have they ever tried to convert me or do some type of faith healing, they tend to except u for who u are and are willing to give u advice about plants and home remedies, but that's another subject.

## Post 42 by Inspired Chick (Zone BBS Addict) on Thursday, 19-Feb-2009 23:16:49

I remember this one time I went to a penacostal church and I was so scared I dreampt about the devil.
They spokein tongues. It was scary. But I did love the jumping up and down and praising the lord. That was fun.