Trina, I have learned a lot over the past few years about opening my mind to different people seeing the world and understanding things in completely different ways. Seems sort of obvious, I know, but it has taken a lot of growing for me to really accept that. And like you, I still find myself amazed at times at what people actually believe. 

Meredith, I'm so glad this has helped you in some small way. Your comment helped me, too. :)

Eva, yes, that has been the most maddening aspect of all of this for me, too. Haiti is so close to the US, yet everything seems to be taking so long. 

Joy, I have an 11-year-old, so it's especially upsetting to think of her trying to process an event like that at her school (and I know such an event isn't out of the question). Being someone who can "put some good" into something bad, without diminishing the seriousness of the situation, is quite a gift. Gathering others around you to join in bringing light multiplies it. You're doing important work!

Bob, on the surface I completely get what you're saying with this: "Not all actions lead to equal results. More good comes from donating to a legitimate charity that is providing help in Haiti than denouncing Pat Robertson on Twitter or Facebook." But when I think about it more, I'm not so sure that's something that we can say is unequivocally true. We don't know how the goodness in us plays out in the lives of others, especially down the road. My comments and others against Pat Robertson on Twitter might impact someone who has been steering clear of Christianity. The course of that person's life might be changed, and they might go on to have a great impact on the lives of others. That's why I think we each have to be true to ourselves, as we were created. Being true to myself involved both denouncing Pat Robertson and giving money to a legitimate relief organization. :)

Dave, I'm really looking forward to taking a look at your blog post now! It sounds like we were being led in many of the same ways. (And I'm a slow learner, too!) I absolutely agree with what you're saying here about the historical church, too. Being a part of a church is very critical for me, and it's what I recommend to others. The problem is that there are times in our lives and places in this world where finding the right organized body of believers to worship and learn with can be almost impossible. I really encourage people to draw closer to God in whatever way works for them at the time, rather than going for the all-or-nothing approach. (I addressed that in an older post: http://www.halfwaytonormal.com/?p=409) Thanks for your comment!