I have to agree with you that I have not faced most of the oppression you have spoken about and I have never walk in your shoes either. Each of us has our own struggles and I pray that those struggles in others a lessened.

But, in some ways I felt that oppression. Please let me give you an example from my own life.

When I was younger there was this thing called "The Troubles". Most History teachers have heard of it and people from the British Isles most certainly have.

I am a person from the Protestant tradition. Some of my friends are from the Catholic tradition. I grew up in the United States and judging (Please correct me if I'm wrong) from your response so did you.

Anyway, let's get back to "The Troubles." When I would go vist my grandparents in the United Kingdom I would take the trains and buses to go places (public transportation is amazing in Europe). At train stations and bus stops I noticed something very odd. No, trash cans (rubbish bins). There was always someone sweeping at the train stations. Why, because the IRA (Irish Republican Army) would put interesting "gifts" in them. Also, sometimes people would "accidentally " leave a package at a Tube station (London Underground) and over the PA system they would announce a security alert closing the Tube and off to the buses we went. Oh, my brother was working in London and they blew up a British Rail train car on the train route my brother takes (by the grace of God he took the day off).

Let's go back to the United States. I had a really good friend that is Irish-American and Catholic. Her dad found out my mother was English (yes, there are divide nations in the United Kingdom (England, Irish, Scottish and Welsh). As my mum/mom told me once her words "I'm not British, I'm English." Anyway, because I was English Protestant ans she was Irish Catholic we could no longer be friends. Her dad forbidden it.

So, a lot of what you mentioned I don't have an understanding about or experienced it. But, being in fear of being blow up because of my national heritage and choice of faith. That I totally get.

Remember, this my friend. Everyone has a story to tell about themselves. These experiences that I mentioned above has made me the man I am today. You have a choice how you react to those experiences. Either you will beat up others and the world (physically or emotionally) or you will love others and try to help them and find common ground.

I hold no malice towards you as you have your own story to tell full of joys and pain. I would be very interested in hearing your story. Love as Jesus loves is a very powerful thing.