How would you respond?

[pampered_mom]

I received an email from an acquaintance of mine - we've gone to the same meeting in the past, although I haven't gone for awhile now. It's personally addressed to me so it's not a chain letter type thing or impersonal send it to a whole list of people at the same time thing.

It's clear from the email that she's found something very meaningful and powerful for her and wants to share it with others. She feels that God has told her to write an e-book and share it with others. From what I can determine from what I've read and what I already know about her it seems that she's gone through some very difficult experiences. I can see where this is helpful for her and meaningful.

However, it's not something that resonates for me. Actually...my gut reaction is that it all makes her look a bit crazy. I have contemplated just deleting the email and not responding, but then I felt like I should send something. Would it be better to say nothing at all or would it be better to send something like:

Dear x,
I received your email today with the link to the e-book. I think finding a way that one can personally connect with God is very important. I can tell that you have found that way and that's it's been beneficial for you.

...but I'm not quite sure how to end it. It's clear from the e-book that she feels that she needs to get other people to follow the same path for her own healing. I don't want to give the impression that I will be doing that, but at the same time it feels rude to say nothing at all.

WWYD?

[doubledutch]

oh, i would keep it as simple as possible, and as not-about-me as possible. like, "dear xxx, it sounds like (whatever it is) is really (satisfying for you, meeting your spiritual needs, whatever). i'm happy for you! love, me". if she outright invited me to participate, i would just be like, "i'm glad it's working so well for you, but it's not my thing." or "thanks for including me, but i'm happy with (whatever) and it's not something i'm interested in right now."

[Kirsten]

How much did god tell her to charge for the e-book? Sorry...

I'm SURE she sent it to everyone she knows. It may be copied and pasted so each person's name is on the email, but it did go out to everyone.

I think you can ignore or respond, but if you respond I'd be very clear that you are already in your happy place in regards to religion. Thanks for thinking of me, but I'm good type of thing.

[pampered_mom]

Originally Posted by Kirsten

How much did god tell her to charge for the e-book? Sorry...

She's actually putting it out there for free...it doesn't seem like making money is her goal. From what I understand is that she needs to get other people to "pray" with her in the exact prescribed, regimented way in order for her to further "heal" from the issues she's been having. It really all is very odd. I think I'll just sit on it and not say anything and see what happens. Thanks!

[mama_Agnieszka]

Fascinating stuff!
I think the quote of a possible letter you posted before was great. I would maybe just end it with saying something like "everyone is on their own individual spiritual journey which will unfold as it is meant to..." or something like that.

Bottom line is that you mustn't feel like you ought to give any particular answer or to justify yourself... If you want to let her know that she might be putting herself out there a little too much than something like the above quote might be a gentle nudge to let her know that.

Cheers!
A.