What does it all mean?
John Granato: Thoughts and prayers for those of you who don't share your thoughts and prayers
Mar 29, 2018, 6:07 am
(Warning: This may not be appropriate for a sports website because it has nothing to do with sports but oh well.)
I don’t want to seem ungrateful but I’m getting the feeling that "Thoughts and Prayers" is just a tad bit insincere or at the very least it’s losing some of its luster.
You see it everywhere now. Every tragic event or even mundane setback on Twitter or Facebook has a string of Thoughts and Prayers after it. No matter how big or small the incident, from a terrorist attack to a head cold we get T’s and P’s attached to everything.
Maybe you’ve never seen my shortened version T’s and P’s before. Not maybe. You haven’t seen it because I just made it up and I’m pretty sure it’ll take off because we as a society are so lazy that we’ll have to shorten even something as important as a condolence to someone who’s suffering because it’s what we do.
Once -- just once -- I’d like to see someone get called out for their Thoughts and Prayers.
“Heading to Chicago. Mom’s not doing well.”
“Thoughts and Prayers”
“Wow, that was quick. Which ones did you say?”
“Which ones what?”
“Which prayers? Hail Mary? Our Father? A rosary? Did you say a rosary? Thank you so much.”
“I, uh, didn’t say a rosary. I asked God to watch over her.”
“Soooo, you didn’t really say a prayer. You more or less just made a request. Kinda chintzy wasn’t it? If you’re going to give thoughts and prayers it ought to be at least a Hail Mary. And by the way what thoughts did you attach to your request?
“Ummm.”
“Yeah. Thought so.”
You may be thinking that I’m being a bit of a jerk here. Someone who took the time to respond with a Thoughts and Prayers is at the very least sharing a kindness. I guess, but how many of those T’s and P’s are really sincere?
Raheel started a trend on our show. If you meet anyone in the military you have to say “Thanks for your service.” If you don’t, you don’t appreciate them or love your country.
Same goes for a tragic event. If everyone is responding on Twitter or Facebook with Thoughts and Prayers and you don’t, then you don’t care about that person or their suffering. You’re a bad person.
Honestly, how many people actually say a prayer and give more than a passing thought to that person who’s suffering, especially if it’s someone they’ve never met? Five percent? Ten percent? I’d have to say that’s the high end.
If Sister Jean gives me a Thoughts and Prayers I know she said a prayer. I just know it and I know it’s a good one, not just a fly-by. It had wings. God heard it and is giving it some thought himself.
If Raheel or Del give me a Thoughts and Prayers I’m not so sure. Matter of fact, I’m pretty sure it was the last thought they gave it and they immediately moved on to a shoe or college football website.
I’m not saying they’re bad people. They are, but not because of their insincere Thoughts and Prayers. They’re just following the crowd. If you don’t you’ll get roasted by Twitter and no one wants that heat.
I don’t want to be the Thoughts and Prayers police. I just want you to give it some thought yourself. The next time you throw a T’s and P’s at someone mean it. Give it your best shot or at the very least a Hail Mary. I’m just sayin’.
The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Friday night looking to end a three-game home losing streak as they open a three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels.
Ronel Blanco takes the mound for Houston, aiming to bounce back after a rough start to his season. The right-hander is 0-1 with a 9.45 ERA and a 2.10 WHIP through his first two outings. He’ll be opposed by Angels rookie Jack Kochanowicz, who has impressed early with a 3.27 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and eight strikeouts.
The Astros enter the night at 5-7, sitting third in the AL West and still searching for offensive consistency. Despite the team’s slow start, Jose Altuve has been a bright spot, hitting .333 with three homers in his last 10 games. Yordan Alvarez, though still looking for his power stroke to fully emerge, has contributed eight RBI.
Houston will need a stronger showing at the plate to keep pace with a hot Angels squad that has won seven of its last 10. Los Angeles ranks fourth in MLB in slugging (Houston is dead last) and is led by Kyren Paris and Logan O’Hoppe, who have combined for 10 home runs over the last 10 games. The Angels have gone 6-3 on the road and are currently second in the AL West.
This is the first meeting of the season between the division rivals. The Astros are 2-1 this year when scoring five or more runs but have struggled in lower-scoring games. Meanwhile, the Angels have outscored their opponents by 15 runs over their last 10 contests.
Here's a look at the Astros lineup for Game 1:
Screenshot via: MLB.com
Shaking things up
Brendan Rodgers is hitless in his last eight at-bats, so Joe Espada is hoping Mauricio Dubon can give the offense a spark as he's hitting ninth and playing second base.
First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. EDT.
The Astros projected starters for the series:
Friday-Blanco
Saturday-Ryan Gusto
Sunday-Hayden Wesneski
*ChatGPT assisted.
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