EMPTINESS
“WHEN THE DEVIL REMINDS YOU OF YOUR SIN, YOU REMIND HIM OF CHRIST'S CRUCIFIXION and RESURRECTION!”, Reverend Tom of New Haven Parish screamed, the modern microphone attached from his ear until over his lips amplifying his voice across the large hall. Men, women and little children yelled from their pews with hopeful agreement. Everyone seated here in comfort had their best smiles pasted on, even possessed the right energy for every activity; to dance, clap, shout, sing, pray—It was almost as if everything in their lives were in place—and lock hands in strangers' with love . . . Was it real? If Love were in true existence, could I be the only individual seated amongst this sea of happy people in lack? Being in the House of God—like the red bricked housing was called—didn't allow the emotions I believed everyone felt when in His Presence. I heard of unsettling peace, indescribable joy and happiness, but here I sat; stiff, very lost and empty. “Have faith, Bernice”, that ...