Pieces Of Grace

Chapter 5

   The morning came too fast. Alya says she enjoys church, and that she wants me to listen to the sermon today, but I'm just not feeling it, you know? I mean, it's just some words in a dumb book, so what's the big deal?

          I smoothed out the borrowed dress from Alya's closet, feeling a bit out of place in something so unlike my usual attire. It was my first sleepover at Alya's, and Sunday morning meant church—a tradition Alya's family embraced wholeheartedly. I threw on a scarf, hoping to add a touch of my own style to the outfit.

           Alya called from downstairs, her excitement palpable. With a sigh, I grabbed my bag and joined her, unsure of what to expect from this morning of hymns and prayers. Despite my skepticism about religion, there was a certain warmth and familiarity to being here with Alya. As we headed out the door, I looked over my shoulder at her house one last time before heading to church.

       "So your church is non-denominational?" I ask Alya, as we arrive at the church.

"Yeah," She responds. "Technically, the church is the people, not the place, you know." 

      The people, not the place? What's that supposed to mean?

    "Yeah, um, of course," I reply, trying to hide my confusion. 

  Alya smiles and walks inside. The church here doesn't have pews, it has chairs. And some ladies aren't wearing dresses, some ladies are wearing jeans. The building is smaller than I thought it would be. I take a seat beside Alya and her family. The pastor walks up to the stage.

     "Good morning Crosston Christian Church!" The pastor begins. "If you'll all stand for prayer and the reading of the word..."

     Everyone stands up so I copy. 

  "Loving and gracious God," He begins. "As we gather in your presence today, we come with hearts open and minds ready to receive your word. You are the source of all wisdom and love, and we thank you for the opportunity to worship together as a community of faith.

"Lord, we acknowledge our shortcomings and seek your forgiveness for the times we have strayed from your path. Renew within us a spirit of humility and compassion, that we may reflect your love to those around us.

"Guide us, O Lord, as we listen to your message today. May your words inspire us to live with purpose and integrity, and to be instruments of your peace in a world that often feels troubled.

"We lift up to you all those in need of healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Grant them comfort and strength, and may they feel your healing touch in their lives.

Bless our congregation, O God, with unity and understanding. Help us to support one another in times of joy and sorrow, and to be a beacon of hope to our community. In Jesus name, Amen."

   I'm not sure what's going on. I... I feel something in my heart. Not physically, it's like... I've never felt this before. It's welcoming, open. I feel the love in this room. The people's love for one another, their love for Christ, and... some other kind of love I can't understand.

        It doesn't matter, anyway. It's just some silly thought. But... It's something I haven't felt since mum and dad split. Since the chaos went on in our family. Since... since our last time as a family in church.

    Bits and pieces of the sermon are going through my head: "Psalm 34:18 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.'"  And  "'Matthew 11:28-30 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.'"