If you're a fellow atheist, you understand the struggle that we face daily.
Do we bring up our atheism? Do we admit that we reject the god that the majority of our peers accept for no good reason? Do we challenge religious or Christian privilege in our society? You know, because we live in a "Christian nation" and all... (barf).
That's why what happened to members of our group yesterday after we finished taking part in the March for Science in Des Moines was so special.
This is what our Director Justin Scott shared on the Eastern Iowa Atheists Facebook page late last night:
"Wonder what kind of impact proudly and bravely representing your atheism can have on total strangers? Check out this story...
"So we wrap up our efforts at the Iowa State Capitol and head down to Tacopocalypse in Des Moines for lunch and a chance to relax after rallying and marching for science.
"Most of us are staring up at the menu on the wall trying to figure out what we want when a man approaches us in line.
"I just want to say how much I appreciate what you all are doing...speaking out for atheists the way you are," he says, pointing at our Eastern Iowa Atheists shirts.
"He then lifts his hand up. In it is $40 in cash.
"I'm an atheist and my kids are atheists. They were bullied and discriminated against growing up."
The man's eyes begin to well up with tears. He smiles.
"Here, I want to donate to your efforts. At least let me buy your lunch today."
"Our group is speechless. We're in shock. Is this really happening? Are we being Punk'd?
"The man insists.
"We oblige.
"The man gives us a big, warm and satisfied smile, wishes us all a good afternoon and walks out of the restaurant.
"We're speechless.
"We all sit down and agree that NEVER, in our lives as atheists, have any of us ever experienced such a sweet exchange with a fellow atheists. It showed that our efforts are being noticed, appreciated. That they are making an impact. And even if this fellow atheist was unaware of our activism, just seeing the word "Atheists" emblazoned on our shirts in bright, bold red was enough for him to feel immediately connected and appreciative.
"Talk about a powerful experience for all of us. Here we thought we were just in Des Moines for a fun march. Little did we realize that for this father and fellow atheists, our presence in his city meant so much more.
"Even as we share this story with all of you we still can't believe that this moment took place.
"If you're reading this Mr. Atheist Dad in Des Moines, thank you.
"You reminded us today that every effort to normalize atheism is worth it, that every time we proudly share with someone that we are atheists that we are, in a small way, making life easier for you and your family. That every time we challenge an elected official for inclusion of atheists, or hold them accountable to their atheist constituents, there is ALWAYS someone like you out there appreciating what we do.
"So again, thank you Mr. Atheist Dad in Des Moines from all of us with the Eastern Iowa Atheists."
Do we bring up our atheism? Do we admit that we reject the god that the majority of our peers accept for no good reason? Do we challenge religious or Christian privilege in our society? You know, because we live in a "Christian nation" and all... (barf).
That's why what happened to members of our group yesterday after we finished taking part in the March for Science in Des Moines was so special.
This is what our Director Justin Scott shared on the Eastern Iowa Atheists Facebook page late last night:
"Wonder what kind of impact proudly and bravely representing your atheism can have on total strangers? Check out this story...
"So we wrap up our efforts at the Iowa State Capitol and head down to Tacopocalypse in Des Moines for lunch and a chance to relax after rallying and marching for science.
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| The view from a packed Tacopocalypse in Des Moines. |
"I just want to say how much I appreciate what you all are doing...speaking out for atheists the way you are," he says, pointing at our Eastern Iowa Atheists shirts.
"He then lifts his hand up. In it is $40 in cash.
"I'm an atheist and my kids are atheists. They were bullied and discriminated against growing up."
The man's eyes begin to well up with tears. He smiles.
"Here, I want to donate to your efforts. At least let me buy your lunch today."
"Our group is speechless. We're in shock. Is this really happening? Are we being Punk'd?
"The man insists.
"We oblige.
"The man gives us a big, warm and satisfied smile, wishes us all a good afternoon and walks out of the restaurant.
"We're speechless.
"We all sit down and agree that NEVER, in our lives as atheists, have any of us ever experienced such a sweet exchange with a fellow atheists. It showed that our efforts are being noticed, appreciated. That they are making an impact. And even if this fellow atheist was unaware of our activism, just seeing the word "Atheists" emblazoned on our shirts in bright, bold red was enough for him to feel immediately connected and appreciative.
"Talk about a powerful experience for all of us. Here we thought we were just in Des Moines for a fun march. Little did we realize that for this father and fellow atheists, our presence in his city meant so much more.
"Even as we share this story with all of you we still can't believe that this moment took place.
"If you're reading this Mr. Atheist Dad in Des Moines, thank you.
"You reminded us today that every effort to normalize atheism is worth it, that every time we proudly share with someone that we are atheists that we are, in a small way, making life easier for you and your family. That every time we challenge an elected official for inclusion of atheists, or hold them accountable to their atheist constituents, there is ALWAYS someone like you out there appreciating what we do.
"So again, thank you Mr. Atheist Dad in Des Moines from all of us with the Eastern Iowa Atheists."
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