To be whole in spirit.

For me, that means crawling out of the church,(read religion), box.

I am reminded by my father’s advice, the reigning theme to solve any problem;

Do nothing. Do Something. Leave.

What is it we, as humans, are searching for in religion or church? And why?

From an early age, I have believed that people of like-mind should gather together and worship.  Each person has something to contribute in his or her own way. And that we cannot sustain the ‘church’ functioning as one part alone. Backed up by Paul’s letter to the people of Corinth in scripture I Corinthians 12: 12-20.  We must work together as the body of Christ.

“Of like-mind”? What does that really mean? Because I know my own mind and I am free-willed and independent in my thinking. Are there others out there with a ‘like-mind?’ And is it good to congregate with them? Where is the balance of thought to entertain and even tolerate those who ‘think’ differently but have the capacity to function in unity together?

I do know this. Just because someone ‘thinks differently,’ doesn’t mean they are ‘wrong.’ It just means they are different. And I do support their right to be different.

In the same breath, it doesn’t mean I have to surround myself with them.

Spiritual searching isn’t for the faint of heart.

And while you are on your journey, I’m on mine. I hope our paths can converge from time to time and we can find common ground to meet on.

For me, it’s uber personal. But no woman is a spiritual island. My human side still wants to belong. But there is no perfect church. My intellect says I need to surround myself with others who think like me without parroting me therefore creating a monster. I still desire the debate.

So the search continues…

Spiritually yours,

Nadine Bodine

Your very BEST friend in the whole wide world