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07/30/2008: "Ode to my Hometown Church"

As a baby, I was baptized here, in front of my family, in front of God.

Here is where I put on the prettiest white dress I had known and took my first communion with the children I grew up with.

Across the street, where my mother had gone to school, the smell of evergreen filled the hall as we sold crafts for the Bizarre and enjoyed meatball sandwiches.

This is where I walked proud behind my sister as she delicately carried the baby Jesus to the manger; and slept on my mother’s shoulder as my father sang Christmas midnight mass.

I’ve watched many aunts, uncles and friends married here, cried as cousins were baptized and watched as they waved to me, at their first communion.

I’ve sang out my heart
up high in the rafters
and watched as my small cousins smiled
and excitably waved from the pews below.

This is where I’ve mourned.

had hope...
and prayed for strength.

I’ve lit candles in memory of those lost.

Whether I believe in everything preached here, or not,
I believe in the roots.

Family, community and faith.

This is my hometown church.

Replies: 2 Comments

Very nicely put Basie! I may have to scrapbook that! Just remember, it's okay to have questions and you don't have to believe everything they teach, but deep down you will find that God is there and is a part of you. He will speak to you when you are ready and you will find your way. Keep exploring, keep questioning, but make sure to also keep an open heart and try to reach out to God... he will hear you and will reveal his relationship with you. Give it time. I went through a time where I wasn't sure what I believed, and after going through a crisis in my life (the Jason crap), I found my way back to Him and my faith. He answered my prayers at a time when I wasn't even sure I was asking for his help. Now, you bet your buttons I believe and pray, and thank God every day for my family, my job, a roof over my head, my silly pets that I adore, and an overall good life.

Erin said on Friday, August 1st @ 09 :39 AM CST

I hear what you are saying and agree 100%. Thanks for sharing

La said on Wednesday, July 30th @ 11 :18 AM CST