My dearest darlin' Praise,

You are one brave woman. I applaud your respect for us all, your grace of expression, and your obvious agape love for all us Mudcatters (assenters and dissenters alike).

Although I don't think you personally have anything to apologize for, I will accept your apology in the name of all the so-called "Christians" who have caused me personal distress. And since I grew up in the Bible Belt, you can well imagine how many of them there have been in my life. I don't hold you responsible for any of their actions, but, as they say, never look a gift horse in the mouth (nothing personal, you understand *BG*).

I will hold your warm and loving declaration close to my heart always as an affirmation of the true love of Christ (and of every other person who ever walked this earth and swam against the current of human misery and hatred) and I thank whatever higher power there may be that I call you 'friend'.

-- Áine