Alright Already

I have long had my issues with the religious right wing and their various movements. Of course, I recognize this is odd since I share many of their beliefs. When my feathers are ruffled, I ask myself why. Is it because they are infringing on my beliefs or just my right to believe otherwise? Is it the militant style of "my way or the highway" that turns me off? Am I blaming the masses for the hypocrisy I have witnessed in a few?

I am a religious person. I do not cram it down anyone's throat. I do not believe that my denomination or belief system makes me a better person. (In fact, I believe my faith is a balm for my endless weaknesses.)

There's no escaping the debate. Should Rick Warren be performing the invocation for Obama's inauguration? Will the Middle East ever find peace without addressing religious freedom? How can other countries insist on policies around the world that hold different and wildly varying beliefs? Should our politicians pray before opening a meeting? Should "under God" stay in the Pledge of Allegiance?" Should our currency continue to be minted with "In God we Trust?" Does that make our dollar invalid when an athiest uses it?

Politics and religion have been partners and opponents since the beginning of time. I don't have the answers to these questions but I am equally certain the right wing conservatives don't have a direct line to God any more than I do.

Great Signage

Our route to our friends' lake cottage takes us through many small towns. Lots of lawn ornaments and the outdoor signs are hysterical.

My personal favorite is the two Baptist churches side by side. The new one has a big, fancy sign that says something like, "New Faith Baptist Church." The one next door has a sign that says, "Old Regular Baptist Church."

A few years ago we were driving up with friends and someone had painted in their window, "Meery Christmas." During the holidays, we still say, "Meery Christmas."

With gas prices going through the roof, one of the local liquor stores put up a sign that said, "Drinks are cheaper. Drink instead of driving."

Ash Wednesday

The husband spent most of the day taking his dad to previously scheduled doctor's appointments.

This afternoon, I decided to take the framed photos and pay my own visit. He loves the photos and we had many laughs and tears as we went through some memories.

He was wearing his Unabomber outfit. It made me smile.

Today is Ash Wednesday so I offered to take him to church. He did not feel up to it. So, I offered to smoke a cigarette and smear some ashes on his forehead. (For whatever reason, he finds my humor engaging.) We knelt and said our prayers.

My car must be programmed. It pulled into the nearest Methodist church. It was the middle of the afternoon and the only people were the frantic office people. I have never been in this church in my life but it felt like home. Shouldn't all churches feel that way? I went to the altar, did my business and was leaving when a minister showed up at the door.

(Can't you imagine those office people? 911 to the minister! Solo, crying woman in the sanctuary!)

The very nice minister put the ashes on my forehead. Then he walked me to my car.

Last Rites

The husband authorized the hospice chaplain/priest to give the mother-in-law last rites. This was done a few hours before she died.

She and Hangdog raised their four boys as Catholic. They attended parochial schools. Then, after they were grown, she got a little irritated with the Catholic church and they joined the Presbyterian church. (Not a big stretch.)

I am a Methodist. I have been baptized and confirmed in the Methodist church but I am not quite the member I should be. I'm working on it.

We can debate forever ... should churches pay taxes? Do they provide solace or hope or both? Does the fellowship outweigh the constant issues?

Here's what I know. I lost my mother-in-law yesterday. I do not know our minister well because I have been default in making that a priority. But I know him well enough that he was one of the first calls I made. I don't need him to preside over a service. I don't need him to visit an oldie. I wanted to hear his voice and connect with my church. I wanted to say a prayer and have someone on the phone who could guide me through it.