There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.
Leonard Cohen
The first time I saw Sacre-Coeur Basillcia it was silhouetted against a brilliant blue sky. Climbing the stairs to the entrance and finally stepping inside, I felt a sense of peace, This wasn’t the feeling of awe I had when entering Notre Dame or the breath-taking beauty of Sainte-Chapelle, this was a feeling of being out of harms way. I sat down in a pew toward the back and breathed in the tranquility that surrounded me. I remembered experiencing a similar reaction entering the small, white, clapboard church I grew up in.
Looking back, I wish I could tell you my experience at Sacre-Coeur brought about a renewal of faith in my life. It did not. For many years, I have had a hit and miss relationship with God. If I am to be honest, it has often been more of a miss. Through the years, as I witnessed the hypocrisy of today’s church, I convinced myself that if these were the people that represented God, He wasn’t for me.
As I became older, it was easier to separate God from religion. I could disagree with the terrible things done in His name and still maintain my faith. I have noticed that occasionally , something will come to my attention that whispers,”Be still and know that I am God.” In the past that has included a beautiful rendition of, Anthem, by Leonard Cohen, an interview I heard with Bishop Michael Curry and a quote on a bracelet, given to me by a friend, “All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.”, Julian of Norwich.
My faith is challenged everyday. The difference is, my belief is no longer dependent on the actions of others. God gives us free will. Our choices are our own.
Aging with Grace 
8 responses to “Faith Revisited”
Magnificent!!! Organized religion can be poisonous to our faith. I’m glad you were able to separate them. 💜
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Thank you Barb. It’s a work in progress.🤍
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My pleasure and as it should be. 💖
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So very well said. I love how describe the peace sign sitting in the pew. Oh, I can relate. I haven’t always experienced any great moments, but I’ve appreciated the peace and tranquility. I’ve liked too knowing that I was where I needed to be. And yes, you are so right, I love your last few lines. They sum up my own frustrations and feelings about the church: “My faith is challenged everyday. The difference is, my belief is no longer dependent on the actions of others. God gives us free will. Our choices are our own.”
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It is an ongoing struggle.I appreciate your candor. When I read your posts, I get the sense that they are grounded in faith.
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Beautiful post Dawn, I always enjoy reading what you have to share
Thank you so much. I hope you are well Rose
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It’s good to hear from you Rose.I’m doing well and I hope that you are also. I sometimes think of our days at our desks, next to each other, many years ago. I am happy you enjoy my posts.🤍
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Good morning Dawn,
That’s always a beautiful and thoughtful post, thank you for always sharing. I look forward to reading your stories each week. I do hope you’re well.
💜 Rose.
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