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Thank You, Ricochet
I’ve been honored and humbled to be a part of Ricochet for the past year. I came here in January 2013 in search of people with conservative views who were concerned about the direction America was heading. I needed encouragement in the midst of chaos. I found that, but I also discovered something so much more. I found a community of people who shared my hopes and my dreams. I found friends—friends from all over the country, from all walks of life, with rich and fascinating backgrounds, with different political and social views, who care not about agendas, but about people. They understand that a nation isn’t built simply on laws and ideologies, but on mutual respect and love. That sense of common humanity and grace is expressed every day on Ricochet, and I have been touched by it more than you could ever know.
Unfortunately, I’m going to have to step away from Ricochet for a time because of health issues. I will post once in a while as I am able, but I won’t be engaging in the everyday smart, challenging, and fun conversations that I have been.
When I consider the future of our country, I sometimes despair. I know it will take people of strong will, noble heart, and solid principles to save it. It will take fighters. Ricochet has those fighters, and I know you won’t give up as you fight the good fight to live freely in grace and truth.
Thank you for everything you have done for me—all your support, all your encouragement, all your love. I am proud to be a part of this community, and I always will be.
Published in General
I have to step away for very different reasons, but please be assured of my prayers and my hope that you return. You have a gift and I think I speak for everyone here when I ask that you use it. ·1 hour ago
Pseud–if anyone’s prayers are effectual, they’re yours. Pray for my soul, more than my body. That’s what needs it the most.
Irish. Black Irish. Not that they’re different in any meaningful way from the Scots.
(There. That oughtta bring her running back, screaming like a banshee.) ·1 hour ago
So true! My Scottish heritage is borrowed, but the Black Irish is in my blood. You are a wise man, Godel. Beware of the banshee. :)
Just remember this about those of Irish decent: We can be crazy, but we’re worth it. And our hearts are true. :)
I’m actually taking a break from Ricochet for Pon farr. But don’t tell anyone. :)
I’m actually taking a break from Ricochet for Pon farr. But don’t tell anyone. :) ·1 minute ago
Will do. Wouldn’t want the Andorians finding out. ;-)
Oh Dave, I have been down today for so many reasons, wondering if anything matters. I have been caught in the downward spiral of meaninglessness. “All is vanity” has blinded me to the beauty of life and of friendship–until I read all these posts, and your comment.
These are the ties that bind–love and friendship. If I’m able to walk into a room with any kind of radiance, it’s only because it’s a reflection of the beauty I see around me in people like you.
I’m actually taking a break from Ricochet for Pon farr. But don’t tell anyone. :) ·1 minute ago
Will do. Wouldn’t want the Andorians finding out. ;-) ·9 minutes ago
I can always rely on Jonathan Archer to protect me. :) (of course, he needs to watch out for Andorian women–they are “far more aggressive than Earth females.” Beware of the antennae! :)
OK, that does it.
DC has been on a couple of prominent podcasts recently, and now she has a health issue. Coincidence?
(Many prayers, DC, if you don’t mind a couple of them in Latin.)
I will pray for you.
Mi Shebeirach is the Jewish prayer for healing the sick. I will say one tomorrow at minyan for you. It is customary to give the hebrew name of the person who you are praying for. If you do not have one this isnot a problem but an opportunity. If youtake a hebrew name it is thought mystically that the acquisition of the new name itself will heal you.
If you don’t mind, tomorrow I shall call youDevorah bat Mattathias. Deborah, a great Torah prophetess,bat, daughter of,Mattathias, the leader of the fiercely independent Hasmonean revolt.
Jim, I know of Deborah, a prophetess, the only female judge in all of Israel. I studied her in seminary. What faithfulness, what boldness, what dedication to God in the midst of trying times. She saw Israel’s decline, its evil, and it grieved her so. Even the men, the warriors around her, were afraid to fight the enemy, so she went with them, leading the rebellion. On account of her faithful leadership, Israel had forty years of peace. A remarkable woman.
I’m humbled that you would name me after her in your prayer. Thank you so very much.
I’m actually taking a break from Ricochet for Pon farr. But don’t tell anyone. :) ·1 minute ago
Will do. Wouldn’t want the Andorians finding out. ;-) ·9 minutes ago
I can always rely on Jonathan Archer to protect me. :) (of course, he needs to watch out for Andorian women–they are “far more aggressive than Earth females.” Beware of the antennae! :) ·21 minutes ago
Edited in 1 minute
Yep, between antennaed Andorian women and Orion slave girls, it’s a dangerous universe out there! :-)
Well, this is a sad day. We will add you to our prayer intentions at mass. Hope to see you back here soon.
Thank you for putting so much time and thought into your writing. I have learned a great deal from your posts and from the spirited comments they generate. I look forward to reading your pieces when you get back.
DC –
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and I will miss your very thoughtful posts until you return.
God speed you to a good recovery. Thank you for your thoughtful posts and kindly interaction and hearty wit. I wish you and your family all the best in the days ahead, and pray for your well being.
Get better. Don’t be a stranger.
Thank you for your always-thoughtful posts, and especially for the energy you put into engaging with commenters. I’m sure you know that reading and commenting on Ricochet is at least as therapeutic as chicken soup, and that there is much laugh-out-loud writing here that will cheer you while you are getting well. Come back soon.
We love you, D.C.
Take care DC, prayers for your concerns.
How often does this community speak in one voice? You’re hearing it here from all of us. Get well soon and come on back, DC.
Everyone especially people of faith,
Let’s take a brief moment to thank God for her health before this crisis came up. Let’s not take the good times for granted. If we do we become complainers. Let’s trust that the gracious God who has seen her this far will guide her in this “wilderness”. From what I have read, it seems Denise’s most immediate need is peace for the “journey”. We need to trust during this dark time. May God’s Word be a light* to our path.
If you are not a person of faith, this will make no sense and sound like babble. Even you understand the power of dreams and hope. Please dream and hope for good outcomes at this time.
I am so sorry to hear this. Your posts and comments are must-reads for me.
You will be in my prayers. And I look forward to the resolution of the health issues and your return to full time participation here.
I’m adding you to my candle list, and looking forward to your return. In your profile picture you remind me of my sister, also named Denise, and I’m shallow enough to admit that I began to read you because of that. In your writing I found a warm, wonderful, intelligent, and vulnerable person. One who shares of herself so that those of us to scared to reveal as much as you have, can realize we have a kindred spirit. I haven’t always agreed with some of your points, but I have always enjoyed your posts. Take a break. Allow God’s healing love to envelope you body and soul. And come back when you’re ready.
You will be missed. Hurry up and take your seat again.
Sorry to hear that DC. I usually look forward to seeing what you will post, especially on women’s issues. I will keep you in my prayers that you recover your health soon. God Bless
You’ll be missed, and I hope we all get to see you here again, soon.
Good luck dealing with your health problems. I hope you get better and will be able to join us back again with your previous levels of vigor.
D.C. Take care of yourself. You are important. All the best.
No, thank you for enriching each of our lives with your contributions to this community. You will have our prayers while you’re gone and shouts of praise when you return.
I don’t often read Ricochet thoroughly, sampling things that catch my interest, skimming others, ignoring others altogether. D.C., you’ve been one of my recent “discoveries,” someone whose writings and viewpoints I have found consistent and interesting. Sorry to see you withdraw just as you’ve become part of my regular rotation. I wish you all the best with your health and hope to see you back in form in the future, both for your sake and the sake of the community of which you are an important voice. Be well and think good thoughts.
Sorry to hear this, DC. Thank you so much for your particpation here. Ricochet was a much better place with your posts and comments. I hope you are just saying it’s health issues and it’s really some other less threatening issue. Hoping and praying.