This morning, we are deeply concerned for Marie's well-being.
Yesterday, Marie was notified of a situation that will -- if conducted as planned -- undeniably result in further injury to Marie's health.
At the very least, the situation will weaken Marie's health so that she will be unable to proceed with negotiations and would be unlikely to survive a relocation.
Alternatives methods of dealing with the situation -- which would not cause harm to Marie but which would accommodate and accomplish all stated objectives -- have been repeatedly offered and refused.
In several past incidents, such alternatives were (with more or less success) suggested and implemented; however, in this instance, it seems that the objective (at least in some part and at some level) is to purposefully harm Marie as a retaliation for the past "hassles" and inconveniences.
Though the individuals involved have been informed (both orally and in writing over a number of months) that Marie will suffer certain harm if they proceed in the described manner, thus far, there has been little assurance that proper cautions will be taken.
Without doubt, Marie is (to use their terms) "in the way" and "causing problems."
Those involved in the threatened harm are members of a large Southern Baptist congregation and are Republican supporters and fans of Congressman (who is running for Senator) Roy Blunt and his son, former Governor Matt Blunt -- which, we suspect, may go a long way in explaining their reluctance to preserve Marie's well-being.
Though there are still several days to work out a compromise, Marie is increasingly (and uncharacteristically) less optimistic about a resolution.
A friend has advised extreme caution in dealing with all Southern Baptists:
Marie, you are far too naive in dealing with Southern Baptists. As a previously slave-holding sect, Southern Baptists have deep cultural and psychological roots in the domination and oppression of other peoples. In their view, it is always and in all ways about them.Marie argued against this, pointing out that this in itself is a stereotyping view of Southern Baptists. These particular people have not joined the Dark Side.
It is dangerous to live, to work, or to do business with them. Even if, at first, they put up a good front, when they no longer see an advantage to the situation, eventually, they join the Dark Side -- with a viscous religious fervor.
They can't 'win' by playing fairly and by acting with decency, so they have to lie, steal, cheat, slander, threaten, kill and destroy to get their way.
When they can't get the job done themselves, they 'hire it out' to other allies and operatives. They would happily shove a disabled and wheelchair- bound person down a flight of stairs ... if that person was 'in the way.'
Then, they would claim the 'Blood of Jesus' has washed away their sins and tell the surviving victims that because Jesus has forgiven them, everyone needs to "just get over it."
At least, not completely ... and not yet.
They are tired and irritable; it's family pressure, a terrible economy -- having a bad hair day.
Maybe it's a misunderstanding. Surely, they don't intend to cause harm.
At least, we hope.
And, we still pray that they will remain in the Light. But, this time, Marie isn't at all confident that will remain true.
We would appreciate your prayers for this situation.
See Update at Left Sidebar ...
