FtP365 CHURCH!!!

When I told my mother I missed her call on Sunday because I was in church, the phone went silent. She was in shock. I explained that I was in a small town in North Carolina and had an appointment to conduct an interview after my interviewee went to church. I decided to attend his church in order to gain some perspective before collecting his story. Who knows, I could have caught some inspiration in the meantime, as well. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

My mother always says that although she knows I’m not a religious person, she can tell that I am very spiritual. I appreciate that feedback each time she offers it. The church I attended was beautiful in a very modern way. The members greeted me with open arms and a healthy dose of southern hospitality. I was the only African American attendee (until later in the service) but that didn’t seem to matter a bit. The welcoming continued from the door, to the seat I chose in the back of the sanctuary. I was intrigued by the concert like set up of the “pulpit” area. I typically don’t find myself in churches unless I’m attending a wedding or funeral. Instruments, huge flat screen monitors, stage lights, microphones, and cameras…? This isn’t how I remember church. I was almost excited to see what was to come.

I had originally intended to write a detailed account of the service, full of my objections to the content, critiques of the accuracy of the information, and discomfort with the undertones that jabbed at me throughout. However, it occurred to me as I was formulating my summary, that I was ignoring some important components of my experience that morning. A change in perspective was in order.

The facts were clear. I had a new experience that Sunday morning, one that I wouldn’t have had if I had allowed myself to hide in my comfortable box. EVERYone I met was kind and welcoming, without expecting anything in return. We shared backstories and connected with each other, just because we were in the same place at the same time, getting ready to share an experience. In addition, it occurred to me that regardless of my opinions of the content of the service, I was a visitor, an observer, a guest. If I am to profess to be open to new adventures… if I am to demand the right to live and think the way I want… then I must allow others to do the same.

After the service, we went across the street to have breakfast and conduct the interview. It turned out that although our similarities are not immediately identifiable, we had lived in several of the same areas and I certainly could connect with his view of the world. That’s the purpose after all, isn’t it? Another fantastic interview in the books… Feed the People!!!!!!!