I was out for a walk yesterday (dodging the showers) when I bumped into a friend who I haven't seen for some time so we stopped for a chat. She was with someone I didn't know and suddenly this person interrupted the conversation to point out I was wearing a crucifix. She then went into a long monologue stating that she was an athiest and continued to say I was "misguided" to believe in an "invisible friend who didn't exist".
My friend, aware that my faith is a big part of my life and that it has helped me through some very difficult times, attempted to change the subject but this woman would not be deflected. In the end I said I had to go and left. I have to say the encounter did upset me, not because she could shake my faith but because she was so aggressive in her attitude - I respected her decision not to believe in God so why couldn't she respect that I did.
Now I understand people have strong feelings about things but why do they feel it necessary to disrespect and deride the beliefs of others .
