I think some people need faith, and some don’t. Those who don’t force their faith on others get my respect.
As for the Golden Calf - I don’t believe it - my ancestors wouldn’t have been so dumb. God should have come down and dope-slapped the lot of them. When that was actually written the priests were having a lot of trouble keeping the people in line, and that is a fine story about the perils of going back to idols.
BTW, best of luck in your troubles. I hope things get better.
Jumping in late here.
My take on faith is that it is often directed in the wrong direction (IMHO). I find hope and comfort in my family and friends, if it’s not available there for any reason, I find it within myself. If I’m out of work, I have faith in myself that I will find work. I know I’ve found it before and I know that I have traits that someone (eventually) will find desireable in an employee.
I find it odd and somewhat frustrating that some great people who are members of great teams (I mean this in the most general sense) often direct their thanks and praise, not to themselves and their teammates, but to God or a similar concept. This goes to sporting teams, actors, people who have survived against the odds, etc. An example would be the actor who thanks God foremost in their Oscar acceptance speach (may it be as short as possible). If it was me, I’d be thanking the human beings who helped me first, by rights I should thank myself first but that would probably go against accepted humility practices :D.
Now I’m not trying to take anything away from those who feel that God is the prime motivator in their life, if that’s how you feel, then fine, each to their own. I do think it’s unfortunate though that sometimes the good hard work of real people comes second place in somepeople’s minds to the work of God (which must be alot easier, because He can do anything anyway :)).
Echokitty
A quick one on formatting. Quotes can be created and nested by using the quote function. Either type:
{quote}
{/quote}
around the portion you wish quoted (replacing the { brackets with [ brackets) or push on the “quote” button at the bottom of the person’s post you wish to quote.
Skogcat, thanks for the formatting tip. I’ll try it the next time I quote someone (I’m scared!).
I feel much the same way you do. I give credit where credit is due, be it good or bad. I’ve been out of work and something always turns up. I’ve had a lot of good fortune that I attribute to hard work and cooperation between my husband and me (and my extended family).
I’ve also had a really hard, crappy, violent life that I credit myself and others for. It’s just life. When things are bad, take steps to change them. When things are good, take steps to maintain them. Sometimes the best efforts don’t have any effect on the outcome, but a lesson is always learned.
CJ, take a look at this site:
I’m not associated with him in anyway (though have had some email discussions) but what he says makes a lot of sense from the perspective of a hiring manager. I just filled an opening, and none of the people I interviewed came in through wantads or websites. One came from a colleague at my company, one came from a Professor who I asked for students looking for jobs, and one found me through professional activities I am involved with.
Sorry for the hijack, but give his ideas a shot, and good luck.