Warning: This conversation made me roll my eyes so hard, I almost got my eyes stuck backwards. Also, this is mostly a “Get it off my chest” rant. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Background: My family is very Mormon, and very disappointed that I left their religion. I have 2 uncles who are convicted pedophiles, but have now returned to full activity in the church, to full welcome and open arms.

So one of my uncles was attacked in his front yard the other day, and got beaten up pretty badly. My family’s response: “You know you’re on the right track when things start getting tough.”

The other uncle won $10k worth of prizes at a tech convention recently. (This was brought up in the same conversation, btw). Family response: “See the blessings the lord brings when you start doing the right things?”

Since officially leaving the church, my health has improved tremendously (partly due to a better mental state, partly due to better self-care). Their response: nothing.

Recently, I started having some minor issues with arthritis. Family response: You know you wouldn’t be having these problems if you would just go back to church and get a blessing.”
Never mind that the arthritis is bothering me because I’m over-worked and it has been cold and wet, lately. Never mind that it’s still not bothering me as much as it did 10 years ago, while I was still trying to be a good Mormon. Never mind that some of my siblings, who are the firm believers I never was, have the same issues.

It’s amazing how easily religious people can warp their reality.