Sunday, December 12, 2010

one dozen.

One dozen pounds lost. The last pound was a miracle, pure and simple. If I could have pooped sometime within the week prior it may have been two. TMI? Get over it.

The real reason for this post, though, is to talk about God.

And politics.

haha. not really - well sorta.

This morning we got up at the ass crack of dawn to go to an old catholic church on the west side of Milwaukee that Mic's parents belong to. Mr. K - who I affectionately call Popason only requests the presence of us one day out of the year. This morning it was it.

I don't mind spending my time at a catholic mass. I find it a beautiful ceremony, the music is nice, and there lots of ideas to meditate on. Not to mention the work out.. up down up down up...

I DO feel out of place. This is a very small parish, and everyone knows that Popason and Mamasita's daughter is gay-- and that I am her partner. No one has ever been anything but kind.... otherwise I wouldn't go back. But I just don't feel WELCOME. It isn't the religion - it is the leaders of it.

There is another blog I love to read called Jesus Has Two Daddies... very well written, and he often says things I wish I could. Recently the author has been struggling with his idea of faith and religion and where he fits in. There was a post.. you can find it here in which he shares one of the comments his reader left for him. It was beautifully written and I wish it were something I said. The commenter speaks about his father who, although always stated he was an atheist, was the most christian man he knew. His father would say "As soon as three or more people gather to form a church it stops being about the word and starts being about politics"

Isn't that the truth?

As I sat there in mass this morning- I couldn't help but hear this incredible message of love,faith, peace and social justice... I was so impressed with the words that were flowing out of the priest's mouth. A little voice inside of me kept saying "but really- you aren't welcome here with your partner-in the church leaders eyes you are a sinner".

I wish I were.

Mic and I talk about if our child will have a religious family. It is SO IMPORTANT to me that this child knows faith. Faith in SOMETHING. I would love to be part of a church- Mic is only sort of open to church and ALL of that "sort of" lays in the Unitarian Church- which I adore. I still can pray, I still can have faith and all views are welcomed and celebrated. But it is true.. do the politics drowned out the message? Would it be more beneficial to take our child to the park and on walks and talk about the miracles that the universe has blessed us with? And pray, sing, count our blessings and help others?

This is something that time will tell, and I am pretty sure there will not be a clear answer.

For those of you who have children... are you religious? How do you plan on teaching your child?

3 comments:

Mark said...

Well, since you asked...
Case., I think you got it right. Your child will be fine. Everyone has a different path. Fred is a Catholic from birth but he introduced me to the Church. I became a Catholic in 1998. Now, because of a suck-ass Deacon this past year, Fred is growing out of love with the Church. When I sit in Church, I feel a one on one link with God and block a lot of the other stuff out. I don't need the church(building) to find that link but the atmosphere helps as I'm sure that you understand. It also helps to have a good Priest. Ours is wonderful. The deacon sucks.
Anyway, the kids go to church with me on and off. I really don't care what path that they take as long as they are good people. I can't control what they believe.
Your Friend, m.

Mina said...

Congrats on the loss! Especially during the holidays--you are definitely to be commended.

I do consider myself religious, but I am not a fan of organized religion for fear of feeling unwelcome. I love to go to church, J and I have been to MCCNY and have loved it, but it's such a long trip to get there. We have never visited a "traditional" church out of fear. That is sad when I think about it, though. Everyone should feel welcome at church.

Anyway, I may not take our little one to church every sunday, but he will know God through me, and I will try my best to make sure he has a relationship with God. I have a children's Bible to read to him. My faith is what has carried me through MANY rough times in my life, and I would love for him to have the same.

Anonymous said...

I think you already know how I feel. I don't know that I believe in God. I believe in people being good. Being honest. Being trustworthy. Being a good friend. I have taught those beliefs to my children all with out the help of a church. They HAVE gone to church with Grandparents. They think it's boring. Finn and I talk about "God." I answer his questions as best I can. I think my biggest issue is the way many "Christians" behave. I don't want any part of that. You do what you think it right. You and Mic are great people with your heads and hearts in the right place. Your child will be fine.