@stillwatersart: I so appreciate how you may have felt torn in that relation... as she held an out-dated picture of you, so of course the connection would wobble. If it hadn't been that gift, it would have been something else.

And for people who lean toward Evangelicalism, Fundamentalism, or any sort of Biblical literalism... it's downright threatening to their ideological core when someone they've known "in the faith" starts to wander and explore other paths.

I spent years actively involved in a Pentecostal church (seems like a lifetime ago)... and when I started choosing lakefront jogs over prayer service... or a private sunrise meditation over worship, folks grew concerned about my salvation. And then when I pursued graduate studies at a Jesuit institution, I think they gave up on me: "Sister Harris is going to cemetary!" <--- That's what they'd say instead of 'seminary,' as an indicator that my faith would DIE with the Jesuits, lol.

And in a way, they were right.

My fragile, superstitious, cognitively dissonant faith DID die.

It was awful.

And then, less so.

And now, I will always have softness toward the earnestness and zeal of these Jesus lovers. I used to be like them. Worse, probably. (Think: tracts and megaphone!)

I LOVE the way you graciously updated your friend of your current spiritual status. I wonder if she might be open to doing a mandala art journal, instead of the New Testament one? If she thinks she needs to miss out on your fabulous self because of firm/narrow beliefs, then I'd do exactly as you've done... which is enjoy the additional space in your life for people who love YOU.

This was juicy. I hope you always feel free to vent! 🌀💙🦋🎨