IN LOVE'S EMBRACE

CHAPTER 27: A SANCTUARY FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD

"A church is an hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints"— Oscar Wilde

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JOHN PIERCE

We stood before the church and a sense of anxiousness filled me. I knew I wasn't the only one experiencing this as I noticed the guys shifting on both feet from the corner of my eye.

"Let's go in," Jocelyn announced, taking the lead, and everyone followed.

I hesitantly remained in my spot after everyone left, until I felt a hand latch onto me. I warily whipped my head so quickly I was surprised my neck didn't crack, my nerves eased when I realized it was none other than Sheila.

"You nervous?" She asked with a smile.

"A little," I answered.

"Why?"

"It's been a while since I've been to a church. Plus, I feel somewhat unworthy to be here," I whispered the last part and she raised a brow.

"Unworthy?"

"It's the house of God, I don't think I'm qualified to enter," I clarified.

"What makes you think anyone is qualified to enter? We all sin in one way or the other. Church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints," My brows furrowed and I turned to face her.

"An hospital for sinners. So you're saying everyone in there is a sinner?"

"John, no one is perfect but we can be made perfect through Jesus Christ. One of the ways of meeting Jesus is by being in a gathering of other believers," She explained and I paid attention to every word.

She made sense and I was blown away by the newly found knowledge. I made a mental note to ponder on her words later.

"I don't feel comfortable around other believers. I don't even know if I'm a believer, what exactly is it that I'm meant to believe?" I was beyond confused and I wasn't sure church would help my situation.

Sheila patted my arm and smiled.

"The gospel of Jesus, that he died on the cross to save you from eternal damnation and sin. I feel you'll have most of your answers right here," She gestured to the building and I sighed.

"About the other believers part, how about we don't sit next to the group?" She suggested with a knowing look.

I smiled in appreciation. I was glad I didn't have to divulge too much before she understood. I really wasn't comfortable around them.

"Alright, let's go," I stated and she smiled.

She held onto my arm and we walked into the building. I gaped in awe, a huge wave of nostalgia hitting me as I took in every inch of the church's interior.

It was grand and awe-inspiring. The ceiling was incredibly high with tiny hearts carved on them, intricate stained glass windows that filtered the sun adorned the walls depicting colorful images across the room. Long benches were arranged in rows at the sides of the room, leaving more than enough space in the middle for people to pass through. There were doors at different corners and small open windows next to them, for the provision of fresh air. A large, ornate altar stood at the front of the church. The background was beautifully decorated and surrounded with ribbons and flowers.

The sound of a soft organ music echoed throughout the space. The atmosphere was one of reverence and peace, a sanctuary from the outside world.

"Hi, welcome to church," A young lady in a blue shirt and skirt greeted walking in our direction.