Pattyann, I'm glad you're back. I believe that this still is a safe, respecting and accepting place, and that your voice is vital, and beloved.

Sometimes it will take time - and patience on everyone's part - for us to become familiar with the terminology and sensitivities of the various belief systems that we're going to encounter within these halls.

I for one embrace that learning, but until I'm further along in my understanding, will probably fumble my words and not always know how to express things in the most correct and least offensive way. I beg others to be patient with each other and trust that most of us are not EVER intentionally being disrespectful in our use of the words that are important in another person's faith systems.

For what it's worth, I think yesterday was a very weird day here. Maybe it had to do with our fear and concerns for those caught in the hurricane's devastation.