PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson
Sanctuary
Laurel doesn’t get the geometry of religion, only that most of them have females drawing the short stick; and those different, between-genders draw matchsticks that want to burn them at the stake.
As she’s a spiritual person seeking sacred community, she decides to do online research to see if alternative sanctuary exists near her. She learns about Pandeities, an LGBTIA+-friendly church that combines Pagan and Indigenous beliefs.
Laurel drives an hour to Saturday service. Church is, ironically, in a Victorian mansion surrounded by wildflower meadow.
Like meadow surrounds church, smiles and welcomes surround her as she enters. She is home.
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is swimming host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Beautiful!
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Thanks, Dawn!
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Actually, depending on where you look, you’ll find a lot of inclusive churches and synagogues.
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James, what if you aren’t interested in Christianity or Judaism? This is a fictional story, and I think ymmv on how many are around depending on your location.
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I loved “the geometry of religion”
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Thanks, Neil. It was the seed that sparked the rest, as I noticed all of the angles in Dale’s pic.
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That first sentence is perfect. I also love the name Pandeities. (K)
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Glad you liked the story, Kerfe. I know I am way way way behind on reading your posts, and I have made a commitment to catch up very soon. I miss your posts, poems, and art, my friend.
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No problem. I’ve not only had trouble keeping up, but WordPress is acting up for me. My daughter found me a work-around, but she said there’s definitely a bug in the comments and in the scroll for the Reader. So I’m sure I’ve missed some stuff altogether.
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So sorry WP is giving you problems. I am getting SO tired of having to log in to EVERY post I want to comment on. They need to get this house in order or they are going to lose people.
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Yes the Happiness Engineers told me I was the only one having that problem. So annoying.
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UGH! They don’t think bloggers communicate with each other? How can they lie like that? Doesn’t build confidence in them.
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They have never admitted to me that the problem might be with them. I think that’s WP policy.
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Sanctuary is so important. Sadly it feels like less places of sanctuary are available. Your story has got me thinking, which is great
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Michael, glad the story got you to thinking :)
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An interesting concept – pandeities. It almost feels like fantasy, sadly. And I’ve just been trying to ‘like’ your conversation in the comments regarding WordPress and the incredibly laborious comment/response scenario. It wouldn’t let me. Why would I be surprised about that?
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Me – Sandra. I obviously didn’t tick enough boxes.
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Sandra, I appreciate your persistence in getting through with this comment. I’ve had a few instances of my comment being repeated several times — even before I hit send. And every time I have to fully sign in for each comment (that may be the comment you are talking about.) ERG! Yes, I think religions depend on theirs being the *one* right one, which sets up that terminal duality that is used to control and condemn.
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My church is like that to me….I just got back from it.
Lisa there is a church for everybody…I read about a Church of Elvis…yea that Elvis. I wouldn’t go to that but whatever blows people’s hair back.
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Max, I love your comment, and I’m glad you have found sanctuary there. This is a fictional story, but I wish there was a real church of a mix of Pagan and Indigenous practices (without animal or human sacrifices!)
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I’m sure somewhere out there…there is.
Here is a discussion about it. You might find something on there.
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Thanks for the link. My brain is fried right now, but maybe will go back and read more on that thread.
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I know it’s a lot to take in…even when your brain is not fried lol.
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A lovely story of acceptance
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Thank you, Sadje.
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You’re always most welcome
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You described followers of religion very accurately. Glad she found her soul family.
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Thanks much, Joy :)
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How wonderful that she has found her “tribe” so to speak. Some never find one. Lovely write.
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Dale, I like the sound of tribe. Thank you.
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💞
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A lovely story Li :-)
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Thank you, Carol Anne.
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A lovely story of finding ‘home’. Too many religions see themsleves as the only option, IMO, so if you don’t get the mold you need to keep looking. Sounds like your character did just that and came up with the goods.
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Thank Pandeities for The Internet ;)
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i suppose, seek and you shall find. it works most of the time. :)
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:) Thanks, Plaridel.
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This is a thought provoking write. It’s wonderful to find like minds.
Have a good weekend … Isadora 😎
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Thank you very much, Izzy :)
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Each to their own, and she’s clearly found hers. Delightful, Lisa.
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Keith, thanks!
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A very thoughtful and thought-provoking story.
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Linda, thanks very much.
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There’s a church just like the one you described about 1/2 hour from my house. The sign outside reads “All are equal in the sight of the Lord. You are holy and wholly welcome here, regardless of race, gender or beliefs.”
They do exist!
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Good to know they exist. I wonder what the sermons/services would be like. “The Lord” implies Christianity but “beliefs” at the end might be outside of Christianity.
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Glad you asked! There was a church program in the glass-enclosed display case. There isn’t a sermon …. just scripture readings and music. My kind of church, if I still went to church.
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Hopefully scriptures from book of choice. Well you know where it is at if you decide to return to church…
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I enjoyed this story. It tells a tale of the yearning many have for a sanctuary that is truly welcoming of all of us.
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Not sure if you’ve watched the Vikings series, but one story line has one of the characters sailing away to find such a place.
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No, we haven’t but I will see if I can find it
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I think spirituality is something that evolved with humans, and finding the right place is important. Fine with me as long as there isn’t any holier than thou and such. Great story, Lisa.
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I think so too, Gabi. Easy to attribute acts of nature to Gods, and if Gods are doing it, how can we please/appease them. Exactly on the “holier than thou,” it’s antithetical (?) to sacred spirit. Glad you enjoyed the story and appreciate your comment.
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Oh this is really sweet. I’m glad she found a sense of family and faith with those who will accept her. Beautifully written
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Laurie, thanks very much.
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ah, the matchsticks of hate and narrow mindedness … Glad that she sought, and found, a home!
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