Sarah had received a Bible from her best friend David. She wasn’t yet sure whether she should read it or not. Her parents said people who were religious were Bible Thumpers and fanatics like it was a mental illness. She could see the logic in all of the wars that had been fought over religion and the strange beliefs early peoples had. They even did human sacrifices. In the depths of her contemplation, Sarah’s pen moved across the paper, giving life to her thoughts and reflections. The words flowed freely, expressing her innermost musings on the complexities of religion and the human experience.

As she continued to write, Sarah found herself questioning the role of religion and the diverse beliefs that existed throughout history. She pondered the ancient civilizations that worshiped gods with animal features, wondering if they were simply misguided in their understanding. She recognized the conflicts that arose from differing religious beliefs, acknowledging the pain and suffering caused by such divisions.

Sarah wasn’t sure what to think. She trusted David which is why she accepted the book from him, more out of politeness but with a little curiosity. She had read about gods in school like Zeus, and the Egyptian ones that were half-animal. To her, the gods only caused pain and hardship.

Lonely is a heart full of sorrow

when tears fall from your eyes.

Lost in the prayers of tomorrow

because “gods” are so holy and wise.

Isn’t that what the Egyptians thought and the Greeks?

Most sufferings were because over religion they fought.

They fought for gods with eagle beaks!

Religion is not wrong, but you can be misled.

Like the words in a song that have been rewritten and reread.

Though your heart may be lonely, though you may grieve

It does not come to you only because you disbelieve.

She had never heard about a God that was actually alive and wasn’t quite sure what to think about the gift. In truth, she was very skeptical…

Yet, amidst her skepticism, Sarah also recognized the profound impact that religion could have on individuals. She acknowledged that religion itself was not inherently wrong, but rather, it could be misinterpreted or manipulated. Like a song that had been rewritten and reread, the original message could become distorted or lost over time.

In her poem, Sarah acknowledged the loneliness and sorrow that could accompany one’s journey through life. She recognized that tears fell from the eyes and hearts carried heavy burdens. But she also challenged the notion that suffering came solely from disbelief or lack of faith. She understood that pain and grief were not exclusive to any particular belief system and that true understanding and solace could be found beyond the confines of organized religion.

As the ink appeared on the page, Sarah felt a sense of release and clarity. Through her poetry, she voiced her doubts, pondered the complexities of faith, and embraced the notion that one’s spiritual journey could take various paths. She realized that it was okay to question, to seek understanding, and to find her own unique connection to the divine.