by Lee Abby

Created on: April 29, 2008

In todays world, there are so many scams in our faces as we go about living our life. "Get rich quick", "Lose 10 pounds in 2 days" or the ever-present search for the "key" to health and happiness. As humans, our drive to seek higher ground no matter what the risk - really prompts us to raise an eyebrow - and worse...our credit cards.

Nothing could be a more drastic crime than scams of the heart. Manipulations on our already fragile way of thinking that there is always something we can improve. I'm a pretty liberal agnostic. I'm far more spiritual and inquisitive about life and its purposes than I am concerned about who hears my prayers at night and what label they wear in religion.

Like any 30 year old woman, I search more now than ever for a rhyme and reason to my mistakes and take enlightenment where i can find it, and soak it up like a sponge. One late night I got sideswiped by an infomercial bankrolled by Peter Popoff.

Self proclaimed healer and television evangelist that just REEKED Jim Baker Style. The images showed testimonials from sobbing women, ailing men and crippled seniors - healed by his "powers". All you need to do is call his 1-800 line and order a piece of "miracle manna" bread...follow the guidelines and you WILL be saved.

Simple right? Amused and annoyed at the same time - I just HAD to see what scheme was behind this travesty. A baritone Petter popoff awkwardly praising me through voice mail - prompted me to leave my name and number.

Within the week - I received my package. Phony pen marks throughout the pages and asterisks beside my name. Sticky notes with the SAME phony handwriting urging me to donate. Claims that he has NEVER felt this powerful about messages from god and that I am truly in need of help financially, romantically and spiritually.

What woman or man in our contributing society DOESN'T? The happiest of marriages, the wealthiest of celebrities and the most sanctimonious church goers still bear the same crosses ( pardon the expression) as everyone else.

The problem I have, is how many people buy into this stuff? Desperation breeds bad choices and in someones darkest hour - say 1am, alone and scared...there it is. The ANSWER. Someone that can understand you....hear your prayers and make everything happen for you. But there's a CATCH. Wear the what i can only assume is leftover Xmas tinsel...pardon me...gold and silver healing bracelet...overnight. Drink some stale water with a slice of pita bread and say my prayers.

In the morning -

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