Letter from Kimberly Concerning Faith and Compassion - 27 Aug 2002
Letters From All-Creatures.org and The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation

Letter from Kimberly Concerning Faith and Compassion - 27 Aug 2002

Hello Mary & Frank,

You have no idea what your page means to me. As a woman who was raised as a Catholic, I have had a love of animals my entire life. I use to have this child like attitude that lead me to believe that I could actually talk to the animals (strange, I know). I also use to have this innocent relationship with God and Jesus. I remember, after my grandparents died when I was 6 and 7 years old, that whenever I saw a sunburst penetrate through some stormy clouds, I truly believed it was THEM reaching out for me. When Jehovah Witnesses and Mormans came to my door and asked if I knew who Jesus was I always answered with..."Yes...I'm quite familiar with Jesus. He and I are the best of friends."

I felt that way until I was married for 7 1/2 years to a Born Again Christian who was the most bigoted, controlling and abusive man I ever knew. I left him once he decided it was time we should start having children together and have never regretted my decision.

For years, I stumbled along, trying to figuring things out. I made some mistakes along the way and allowed the memories of living with my ex-husband to destroy all that had once been beautiful and sweet to me.

I became a Vegan 2 1/2 years ago after my dog Jezzi died. She had been abused by her previous owners and I adopted her from the humane society less than a week after my husband and I separated. Jezzi (short for Jezebel Jane...long story!!) and I spent 2 year together and she was truly my best friend. After she died unexpectedly on April 17, 2000, I wanted to pay tribute to her by donating my time to helping other abused animals. My internet reserach lead me to PETA, IDA and other on-line AR groups and eventually, to you. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, otherwise known as "Sportman's Paradise." I have started my own vegan group and know that I have my work cut out for me, but I know that I will prevail in all that I try to accomplish. Your web page is always a source of inspiration for me.

Take care,

Kimberly

Reply by Frank L. Hoffman

Dear Kimberly:

Thank you very much for your letter and the encouragement it gives us in our ministry.

A large part of our ministry has been focused upon the Church and the hardness of heart that it all too often condones and even supports, and to comfort those who have been hurt by it. Jesus Christ brought us a message of love, compassion, and peace. As Mary so often says, that true message of Christianity has been hijacked by most of the churches until it is no longer recognizable.

If there's some way we can help you in your vegan efforts, please let us know.

In the Love of the Lord,

Frank

---

Return to: Letters