That was a rough read. Sometimes the authors used arguments that were 'logic-like' but failed any sort of actual test since the vast majority of the arguments were based upon opinions and beliefs in hedge laws. That part was hard to read for the pure mental exhaustion of it all. But hardly the part that left me feeling exhausted and sad.
The sadness and exhaustion came from facing so much hatred, anger, and bitterness. It wasn't enough for the person to craft some argument in favor of an opinion like a rational human. The argument was such that any deviation from their belief was completely unacceptable and gave the author the right to condemn the souls of those who disagreed. In some forums, these individuals went on, at length, to extend their beliefs on IVF into the personality and salvation of those who disagreed on even minor points.
When I finally reached a point where I felt I had a decent grasp of the main points of conflict and formed my own ideas on the topics (which I have no intention of posting here or debating, ever, with anyone), I was exhausted. It was simply hard for me to be exposed to that level of bitter intolerance and anger and not become angry and bitter myself.
I'm thankful for a good support network and life that has allowed me to develop sufficient coping skills and the ability to find emotional equilibrium from time to time.
Regardless, it made me think of this.
Addendum: I do not feel attacked personally. Nobody is hurting my feelings. I am not sad because of a sense of guilt or aggression.
ReplyDeleteI mean "sad" in the sense of pity.
When I said "It was simply hard for me to be exposed to that level of bitter intolerance and anger and not become angry and bitter myself." I meant to convey it is difficult to avoid empathizing.
I bear no ill will or hostility of any kind toward the anonymous individuals I speak of in this post. Quite the opposite. I deeply hope they find peace and happiness. They need it.
Speaking from my personal experience, God will bless you with a child when it is in his time. You might have to take some action to help it along(IVF, hormone therapy, etc.), but if it wasn't in his will it wouldn't have happened. As far as the Anti-IVF people, they will face that same level of judgement some day and have the hatred and anger directed at them. The greatest commandments set forth by Jesus are to love the Lord your God, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Don't give that brood of vipers a second thought.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tyson. That's kind of you.
ReplyDeleteI really don't get people sometimes. Or how willfully and eagerly they make themselves so miserable, and try to make others miserable along with them.
ReplyDeleteYou and Mo are (I believe) meant to be caregivers, teachers, and nurturers. You both have great wells of compassion and protection in you, and those are inborn gifts -- natural to you, given by the spirit, however you choose to see it, I strongly believe it is a part of who you are.
Moreover, I'm proud of you and Mo for the courage and balance you've shown throughout both rounds of IVF. So I feel vaguely bad for the people who want to vomit hate everywhere, but also:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CBad0ntks3E/TNXB3OZSdDI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Byz0gCE4ajI/s1600/hater_gonna_hate_02.jpg
OMG that is hilarious.
ReplyDeleteThe best part is that if you look closely you can see he's wearing a priest's collar. I think of that photo every time I'm surrounded by cranky people who just want to bring everybody down.
ReplyDeleteAnd then they look at me funny when I crack up.