Sunday Morning at Church

My cat told me not to go to Church this morning. I almost obeyed her. I was wondering if I could go to the bar on a Saturday night and then go to Church on a Sunday morning without feeling like a confounded hypocrite. I defied my cat's advice and drove to church thinking about the song "Boondocks" by Little Big Town. "You get a line, I'll get a pole. We'll go fishing in the crawfish hole. Five-card poker on Saturday night. Church on Sunday morning." I'm glad I defied my cat and went to church. It's decorated so Christmas style and it lifts my spirits even if I'm a "black sheep" or even if I'm not an essential member of the church.

The Pastor's sermon was focused mostly on Luke 2:10: "But the Angel said to them, do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will be great joy for all the people." Coincidence? Not to the faithful it isn't.

Before the sermon, I sat with the ladies of Sunday school and they were discussing Genesis and some other topics. I don't mean to blurt out or interrupt, seems like a bad or rude habit of mine. The problem is really that because I spend so much time alone, I have to ask my questions quickly while I am in the presence of others, or they'll never get asked or answered. It's really not meant to be disruptive or rude - simply a matter of time management.

One of the ladies seemed to be concerned with human greed and the mishandling of money. I get a little nervous when people touch on that subject, the way veterans and seniors get nervous when people start threatening Social Security allowances or benefits. Of course, the other ladies were trying to stay focused on the book of Genesis, and I had my own grief and questions that I needed addressed so I had to connect the dots quickly.

I confessed before all of them that I had been tempted several times recently to commit theft, though I did not succumb to the temptation. I think I saw some surprise or disappointment on their faces for this confession though I hadn't committed any crime. I explained how the temptation occurs every time I see clothing at the store that I want, but can't afford. I also explained that I know better, and that I remind myself that I am not "naked" and that I have enough of what I need to ignore my selfish desires.

Since some of the ladies were talking about what occurred with Adam and Eve and the Serpent (Original Sin and the forbidden fruit) -- I thought that I should mention the connection to clothing. Animals don't wear clothes, it's a human thing. We were "shamed" into wearing clothes because of the sin of the forbidden fruit. But if Jesus already paid for our "sin" -- why do we still have to wear clothes? In the middle of summer in Florida, we are not wearing clothing to protect us from the cold. I think the ladies of Sunday school were happy that I came to church, but also a bit confused as to my questions.

I guess I'm just trying to figure out why clothing is so important to women including myself? I don't love clothes and fashion because I'm ashamed of my naked body. Have I been brainwashed by society and fashion magazines or Hollywood glamour? Or is that the normal way to "think" in society? Either way, according to Genesis, the wearing of clothing began after Adam and Eve got pregnant and became like God. So do I still have to wear clothing after menopause? I can't have kids anymore and I don't eat from the forbidden tree.

If I can't afford to wear the clothes I like or want to wear, why must I wear clothes at all when I'm not the one who's ashamed? If you're ashamed of my naked body, why don't you buy me the clothes I want to wear?