I'm going to take a chance and try to answer this respectfully. Background: I married into a Catholic family and attend Mass with them every week. If we're talking about idols, we're probably referring to Mary. As a Protestant, I believe that the only intercessor I need to the One Most High is through Christ.
I don't need Mary to pray for me, because she's dead and can't, as the dead are asleep until Christ returns. The same applies to asking for help from Saints, they're dead, and can't help.
When we see all these statues, and prayers asking for specific help from Mary or a Saint, it appears to us as a form of idol worship, as it seems to take the focus away from the Father. Again, don't want to offend, just explain.
Gee, you ARE earthbound if you dopn’t understand about Mary and the Saints being in heaven. I certainly hope you NEVER ask any human to pray for you sbout a sickness or trouble.....just go it alone and ask Jesus, NEVER ask anyone for ANYTHING but Jesus....NEVER.
At first blush this would appear to be contradicted by Saul's calling up the soul of Samuel via the medium at Endor (no Ewok jokes, please), and the transfiguration, to name two counterexamples.
Not to mention Jesus' remarks to the repentant thief on the cross, that this day you shall be with me in Paradise.
No flames; but if you have a considered response, please post it.
Full Disclosure: On second thought--I am leaving to move to Minnesota on Saturday. I probably won't be able to do anything about your response for at least several weeks. Cheers!