Reasons for Leaving the Church

“I have a hard time believing I’m less needy than God.”
~  Eleanor Cooper, from the movie, “Love the Coopers”

As a school girl, I needed more than ten Hail Marys and retribution beneath the crucifix.

Speaking to God through patron saints felt like searching for privacy in a crowded room.

When religion is organized, it usually means there’s more than One Boss.

Only a cold hearted stone has the right to judge who gets to throw the stones.

Jesus told me it was okay.

Sex is much better when the threat of fire and brimstone is not a consequence.

Because our human bodies aren’t defined by he and she, but by, “You be you, and I’ll be me.”

Unconditional love came with too many loveless conditions.

Because it became hell to stay.

Buddha told me it was okay.

Because women were placed in the cheering section.

That Eve was made to feel shame in her nakedness, and her Paradise, lost.

Because forgiveness doesn’t come from some man behind the confessional curtain.

Because even God was not safe there.

The Universe told me it was okay.

I felt abandoned, until I was liberated.

I was certain God was bigger…

Because I know this now.

Because I am certain God is bigger.