I joined her on that day
to a luncheon,
to church,
where she prays.
It’s been years
since I’ve been here,
no longer enraptured
through this fear.
Entertainment was
offered too,
a man of Jesus sang,
played piano and mused.
Around me sat
the elderly and aged;
my mother’s peers
are being saved.
I listened intently
to the message given;
does it soothe my soul
as bidden?
So closely tied with
illusion, I felt more
pity than love for
this religion.
Belief in sin,
to me, is a ruse,
to impede us
from knowing the truth.
But awakening
will come as it may,
our own paths
we follow each way.
My entry for dVerse Poets; Free Write Friday–Taboo Subjects: How to be Fearless and Nothing Less: http://dversepoets.com/
Bodhirose's Blog 
brian miller
/ October 16, 2011i think in many ways religeon is used as a ruse to contain and abuse people…i find it far from what the true message should be…nice write…
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Bodhirose
/ October 16, 2011I think so too. Thanks, Brian.
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liv2write2day
/ October 16, 2011It’s unfortunate that religion has been used to manipulate and, even worse, to oppress. You make good points, as always.
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Bodhirose
/ October 16, 2011Very unfortunate. Thank you, Victoria.
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Lorna's Voice
/ October 16, 2011I’ve been in that church, seen those people, and felt those feelings. Thanks for putting my feelings in such lovely verse.
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Bodhirose
/ October 16, 2011I’m glad you could relate to this, Lorna.
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Sheila Moore
/ October 16, 2011nicely penned…to see with open eyes what works for you and what may or may not work for others.
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Bodhirose
/ October 16, 2011I’m very grateful that I have that choice.
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christine
/ October 16, 2011fear and shame, fear and shame, but there are churches that focus on love and acceptance, I’d like to find that one day myself
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Bodhirose
/ October 16, 2011What a message to give to people. It’s so disheartening. I know that there are good churches with a positive focus.
Thanks for coming by.
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Explorations in Sacred Space
/ October 17, 2011On target. The essential messages are often good, but somehow they get altered. As soon as anyone gets into the fear thing, I’m gone.
Nicely done, Gayle.
Jamie
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Bodhirose
/ October 17, 2011Yes, it’s that “altering” part that’s a shame.
Thanks, Jamie.
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wolfsrosebud
/ October 17, 2011In the end… it’s between man/woman and God
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Bodhirose
/ October 17, 2011So true, it’s a very personal experience.
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S Basu
/ October 17, 2011awakening comes from within our own souls, so very true.
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Bodhirose
/ October 17, 2011Yes it does. Too bad so many hand over their power to others who tell them differently.
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apollorose
/ October 17, 2011Christianity is not based on religion but a relationship; and it isn’t the one with your pastor or other members of the congregation that I’m referring to.
Cults are started that way. Followings are started that way. Some people give up their money, time, body, possessions, family, all in the name of religion.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16 vs 17-18
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Bodhirose
/ October 18, 2011People choose to follow other men (who may not have their best interest at heart) instead of their own personal “relationships”. That’s a shame.
Thanks, Apollorose.
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The Noiseless Cuckooclock
/ October 18, 2011a powerful shot,
well done.
😉
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Bodhirose
/ October 18, 2011Thanks–I appreciate your visit. 😉
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hypercryptical
/ October 18, 2011A church does not make you good and godly – your heart should be your church.
Excellent write.
Anna :o]
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Bodhirose
/ October 18, 2011You are so right.
And thanks so much. 😉
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bardessdmdenton
/ October 18, 2011I can certainly relate to this and enjoyed the way you expressed it. Thanks!
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Bodhirose
/ October 18, 2011I’m glad you could relate–I appreciate the compliment–thank you!
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lesliepaints
/ October 20, 2011This is beautifully written Bodhirose. It pulls at my heartstrings. I was raised in the Christian faith and feel much the same as you do. I found my questions within the classrooms and sanctuary that led me to embrace something more and believe that I could move toward the light rather than stay in that fear. I wonder, at times, had those questions not begun through “their” teaching if I would have found this. Stepping stones, perhaps.
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Bodhirose
/ October 20, 2011I was raised in the Christian church also, Leslie, and I too moved on to something that resonated more deeply within and towards light and understanding rather than fear. And, to me too, it seemed a stepping stone–I had that open and questioning mind and the answers came. I’m so grateful–what an awakening!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Gayle
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Makwa
/ February 7, 2015It is relationship with the Spirit of God and the person Jesus Christ that brings life to ones soul and in that the acknowledgement that yes we are sinners (which simply means we fall short of being perfect – we make mistakes) So God our creator has provided us with the Gospel of Christ in which we live under His grace ( Amazing Grace ) … So I worship Him in Spirit and Truth for what He’s done for me and others like me “I’ve been saved” cleansed by the blood , healed by His stripes… it goes on and on and on and on ….to everlasting Love and peace to all His Creation … If people only knew how much He loves us … put their trust totally in Him and His plan for us … what an amazing world it would be … as it is the problems we see and hear about in our world can be summed up in a word ” SIN ” and that is the heart of the matter my beloved …
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Bodhirose
/ February 10, 2015I have some differing ideas from you, Makwa, but I appreciate you wanting to comment on this and I’m happy to share it.
Gayle ~
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