A Special Proposal And Invitation
I would like to propose that we set aside February 20th as Tempest Smith Day.
On February 20, 2001, Tempest Smith died by her own hand. She was twelve years old. She died because she could not take any more of the daily religious harassment, bullying and torment from her classmates because she chose to follow the Wiccan path.
It is customary in some traditions, notably Christian, to honor a saint or a martyr by setting aside the day of their passing as the day to commemorate. Since her tormentors apparently thought that they were serving Jesus (whether or not he would have approved) , I believe it would be especially appropriate in this case.
As for what to do on Tempest Smith Day, simply take a little time to offer energies and prayers for her and so that this will never happen again.
Thanks to Aidan Odinson from The Secrets in Plain Sight.
I would just like to be the first (Whoo!) to official honour your decision. There are many things noble about what you have said. I believe that if we all think in this respecting and honourable mindset you have shown, we may all be able to advance ourselves and our ability to deal with obstacles and dramatic loses to the Wiccan Community such as this Tempest Smith. I do wonder though, is Tempest her real first name? This is just a little wonder of mine, but its not particularly important. The important thing is that I have read the stories of the pagans in the school trials and the sort, and I have probably had read/heard about cases as dramatic as this. For some reason though, it hadn’t struck me as much as this one. Maybe it’s because her age is quite remarkably young, that it should have the most impact on us. Or perhaps because the courage she must have had to out herself to public. Then I wonder; Did she know what she was getting into by telling others? I do hope that someday I will also achieve her amount of courage in order to out myself in front of my family. I do hope it’ll end in a less-tragic way than she, but I will do my very best to honour and remember Tempest Smith Day. I really do think your podcast is one of the best out there, and this would be great material to present on it if its done in the way that you make people think. Sometimes we forget how chilly the waters are, and a quick swim may remind us fairly quickly.
P.S. Best of luck with your job crisis, should it not be resolved.
I think this is a wonderful idea, and I for one will be sending thoughts that way on the 20th. :]