IONE L. (zaneygraylady) - 5/7/2007 10:34 PM ET

You and I see things the same way. Well told.

Marta J. (booksnob) - 5/8/2007 3:03 PM ET

I like this a lot!

Sabiel C. (sabu423) - 5/8/2007 6:45 PM ET

love it!

Karen K. (k5karen) - 5/9/2007 9:28 AM ET

and the point is?

Jim H. (Pecos45) - 5/9/2007 2:59 PM ET

Most of us go through a period of thinking like this. Enjoy the illusion. Hopefully you will come to realize that most of the things being "damned" are the work of man, not the creator.

Sandra (mycatscanread) - - 5/9/2007 5:44 PM ET

Nicely and honestly written.

Maggie M. - 5/9/2007 6:20 PM ET

I love this too--especially the last 2 lines. Excellent and effective word play.

Paul H. (nessus19) - , - 5/10/2007 2:18 PM ET

Random thoughts from the author... Karen: Not every story has a "point" -- at least not an explicit one -- but every story has perspectives or emotions to convey. I won't belabor you with what they are for this piece. I'm sure you can discern them for yourself. Best, Paul Jim: Thanks for your candor. I prefer to think of a fundamental change in my life (especially at my age and for the better) as something more than a "period." Living consciously includes adapting to and recognizing personal change. If you choose to call this a period, so be it, but in this instance it is a period of growing and understanding. I agree with you to a degree on the damning nature of men. But without a formalized instution actively promoting codified, hierarchical, and inflexible thinking (as exemplified in some religious doctrine), I believe the impetus for men to excessively judge and condemn would be significantly lessened. Thanks for you feedback. Best, Paul

Coy V. (coyvan) - 5/10/2007 6:29 PM ET

Eloquently put. Parallel (sp?) my own experience. Thanks

Wendy lee L. (wendylee) - 5/10/2007 11:53 PM ET

beautiful. absolutely beautiful. i felt every word........ thank you.

Tina H. (EclecticHSmom) - 5/12/2007 12:24 AM ET

This is very eloquent. I have questioned, yet kept my faith, but it is discouraging that there really is so much "sacramental sadness and rigidity" where there ought to be joy and freedom. Well spoken. Thanks for sharing this.

Lena S. (SquirrelNutkin) - 5/25/2007 8:00 PM ET

When I read this it made me feel like even though I don't know you.....I feel as if I do.....it was very good.

Brandy M. (jimaneye) - 5/26/2007 9:06 PM ET

This is a well written piece, very thought provoking - or at least emotion provoking. I personally stand firm in my faith - not religion. very nice though.