What does it all mean?
John Granato: Thoughts and prayers for those of you who don't share your thoughts and prayers
(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’.
