Contrary to popular belief, men do exist. I, for one, am of the male persuasion. This was not a concious choice, but a matter of genetics, and something about X and Y chromosomes. I slept through that part of biology class.

I have been told by usually reliable sources that others exist.

Hey Tru,
You got one to come out of hiding and with a awesome sense of humor. lol

i concur with coastal.

Was this a specific post missed... Or am i walking into the middle of joke?

Tru, we did have male members whose participation was not only refreshing, but humorous at times (to some anyway). Hopefully some of the guys will come back, while others can't. At least you pulled in Coastal, and he has a sense of humor. Wonderful!

Well, I can only speak for myself, but I have avoided participation in this group after I was criticized and vilified for forming a sub group for people of faith to discuss the merits of religion as it relates to grief. As many of you will remember, we had an atheist lament his inability to find comfort here without his questions being answered with religious insights.

When I formed the new group, I was criticized and vilified both publicly and via the private message system. I was accused of attempting to split this group up. This was never my intention, as I was merely seeking a solution for a problem that had generated over 115 comments on a single thread.

I came to Daily Strength for the same reasons as most of you did. I had lost my wife and I was experiencing an intense emotional pain that needed to be comforted and tended to. I found DS to be a wonderful source to garner that healing. Unfortunately, the events surrounding the formation of the Widows & Widowers of Faith sub group have resulted in this group becoming less than helpful to me. In other words, I got my feelings hurt and have decided to stay away.

I do not know why the other men are staying quiet at this time. Perhaps they will respond to your post with their own answers.

Wishing you all a happy holiday.......Joe...

Still here just slow to respond sometimes.
It was nice to hear from Joe again.
Dan

Hi Joe
Im fairly new to this group and yes I did see there was some posts regarding preference of beliefs not knowing the full story I dont believe I responded however if I did and made any remarks that offended you please accept my apology. We are all in enough pain and you're coming to this group should be a means of comfort.

I hope what Im about to share may in some way help you. I have been on both sides of the fence of faith in God. I also believe dont push your faith on me and I wont push mine on you. I can only assume any one here that may have shared they comments of faith meant to offer comfort. When you shared your beliefs I can only assume again some people were offended. So here is where I share a personal experience.
I'm bipolar and all my life Ive heard how over sensitive I'm. You're over reacting. One day it upset me so much I fired back, I dont tell you, how insensitive you are, for me my feelngs are normal.
For years I let everyone treat me like I was out of place, it wasnt until I spoke up and respected myself just as you have, that others began respecting me well not everyone, but at least I felt better. None of us are perfect, my memory is poor and I often have to be reminded many times, we all at different levels in our journey on this earth whether that involves faith in God or not. When others share their beliefs with me and I dont agree, I can either choose to disregard their beliefs just the same as passing on a desert that I dont care, watching a TV show I dont like orI can let them know I realize they only mean to comfort but I dont share the same beliefs. I can only hope you will consider participating in this group again, I will try to remember to respect you beliefs however if I forget please remind me. Sending you a rainbow of a new beginning, fresh start. Take Care Susie

Joe,

Glad to see your post. Comments from the male gender are appreciated amongst all the female-type responses. God made us emotionally different and to complement one another's gender.

Please keep in mind that not all of us on DS are of one opinion about any given topic: faith, cyber manners (especially cyber manners and what is thought to be acceptable to spew out of our keyboard), or subgroups. We are here for support and healing not criticism or snarky remarks, something that it seems we need to be reminded of quite often. So, if you decide to stay away due to comments that were troubling, it's like 'keeping the whole class inside from recess because one student decided to be snarky; i.e. we're the whole class being punished and missing your input; your input being the recess.' Your interaction is very much missed.

I enjoy reading the comments from your subgroup. It has been my choice due to personal reasons to focus my activity on W&W, but you were no more wrong in creating that group than I am for keeping my main focus on W&W. We each have our own reasons and goals.

I know that you and others are being blessed by your threads, and, most of all, God is glorified! Keep on keeping on. Blessings to you, Joe. TJ

We're out here. We just can't get a word in otherwise! Oh man, I'm going to pay for that one. It's a joke!!!

I'm here. Just not as active as the early. Keep posting!!! Kip.

I agree with TimLovesMelissa....the guys are out there; we gals just let 'em get a word in edgewise...lol...
I like Coastal's response...hehehe...and it was good to see a post from Joe again...
Blessings & Hugs to all...and if you're celebrating any holidays...Happy Celebrating to all...
~E~

I'm here and don't agree with Tim you Ladies do let us get a word in edgewise. Of course just kidding Dave

I am here too, but a long way off and I can't shout loud enough to be heard from Aussie! But seriously the gender difference means blokes are not as comfortable sharing emotions, and gender mortality means there are fewer of us to share what little we are willing! John

We all might be hurting but at least we havent lost our sense of humor. It's been a joy folllowing this posting. : )

@TimLovesMelissa............hee-hee-hee