Hiding In The Closet
For those of you that know me you all know that I have not ever been in the closet so to speak. Over the years I have been very vocal on my way of life. I have and still am in various community groups that are active and well diverse.
In California I had death threats. Yes, death threats. Actually had two older gentlemen come to my door and threaten to "burn and put to death the witch". Scared the hell out of me but did not deter my ways nor did it make me any less quiet. I get emails all the time from leaders in the different paths of Christianity and other sects telling me how I am going to hell (Hopefully in a pretty hand basket) and the threats still come in.
I am not saying that this happens all the time. The more you are involved in various things and out there it might. The point is that even with threats one should not be scared to be out in the open. Yes, there are times that being quiet about what you do is required but this is something that you can judge when to do this. This does not mean you are in hiding it only means that the situation does not warrant a broadcast for one reason or the other.
My children, especially since we live in a small community of less than 1500, have a handle on how to deal with the questions that arise about me and my businesses. My 13 year old laughs and ignores it. Two weeks ago a bunch of his friends asked if I made VooDoo Dolls. They asked a bunch of questions as their parents once again looked me up. He said that he laughed at them and played dumb. haha They soon left him alone and moved on to pick on someone else. I asked my son if he wanted to take one to school and sell it. He thought that was pretty funny. haha
Even someone his age knows when it is not required to say which path his parent is on. The entire town knows who and what I do so it is public knowledge. No sense in adding fuel to the fire.
It is a personal choice to be out. There are so many advantages but there are disadvantages also. You must weigh what you are prepared to handle. Each situation is different.
In California I had death threats. Yes, death threats. Actually had two older gentlemen come to my door and threaten to "burn and put to death the witch". Scared the hell out of me but did not deter my ways nor did it make me any less quiet. I get emails all the time from leaders in the different paths of Christianity and other sects telling me how I am going to hell (Hopefully in a pretty hand basket) and the threats still come in.
I am not saying that this happens all the time. The more you are involved in various things and out there it might. The point is that even with threats one should not be scared to be out in the open. Yes, there are times that being quiet about what you do is required but this is something that you can judge when to do this. This does not mean you are in hiding it only means that the situation does not warrant a broadcast for one reason or the other.
My children, especially since we live in a small community of less than 1500, have a handle on how to deal with the questions that arise about me and my businesses. My 13 year old laughs and ignores it. Two weeks ago a bunch of his friends asked if I made VooDoo Dolls. They asked a bunch of questions as their parents once again looked me up. He said that he laughed at them and played dumb. haha They soon left him alone and moved on to pick on someone else. I asked my son if he wanted to take one to school and sell it. He thought that was pretty funny. haha
Even someone his age knows when it is not required to say which path his parent is on. The entire town knows who and what I do so it is public knowledge. No sense in adding fuel to the fire.
It is a personal choice to be out. There are so many advantages but there are disadvantages also. You must weigh what you are prepared to handle. Each situation is different.
NO ONE deserves death threats (except terrorists) just for a different belief system. I disagree with yours but I'd never threaten you. If I'd ever consider trying to change your mind (not that I would) threatening wouldn't be the way to do it.
I think anyone who has a "different" lifestyle than what is considered "normal" will find themselves subject to this kind of foul behavior. The way your son handles it is very healthy.
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ooooh it's too bad that kids have to be brought into the misguided fears of the "disconnected" ones. Good on your son for standing firm
Anita
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