So i've started having "women's cafe" at my youth center. women come, we eat, we talk, we dance. and sometimes it gets pretty serious. The last one was especially exciting.
an exerpt:
woman 1: so how do people pray in america?
me: well, people do all kinds of things because we have all kinds of people and religions in america. (i can usually get away with an answer like this and avoid any other uncomfortable questions)
woman 2: well, how do YOU pray?
me: (SHIT! hesitation as i think about how to handle this. finally i think, what the hell!) well, i don't.
w1 & w2: (confused and frightened stares)
w1: teresa, do you know where you will go when you die if you dont pray?
me: (trying not to laugh) well yes. down there (pointing down)
w1: teresa, do you know what's down there!!!
me: (again with the holding in of laughter) yes, of course!
w1: you're not scared?
me: nope
w1: really?
me: yep
w1: well i'm scared for you!
me: really, you dont need to be scared for me, i'm not scared.
w3: (to the other women) you know, there are a lot of really bad people who pray, praying isnt everything. people kill and steal and pray.
me: (thank you woman 3!) do you know that my president prays?
women: yes
me: and where do you think he's going when he dies? (sorry president, i'm just trying to prove a point here)
women: (pointing down) he's going to hell!!!!
me: well see. he prays and you think he's going down there. i think that if i'm a good person and i do good things, something good will happen to me when i die.
woman 4: teresa, i think that you will go to heaven because you are good and you teach us.
me: thanks!
(end of conversation about religion.........thank god! ;) )
4 comments:
I definitely cried after I read this entry! (I'll give myself a little credit, it was first thing in the morning and that's when I'm at my most vulnerable, but still...)That's really great Teresa! I'm so proud of you!
-David
I felt like you needed more comments on your new web site to make it seem like people actually do read your stuff, because I do every once in awhile. It's interesting to read how big of an influence you are to another culture.
-Tort
Bravo Teresa! I like the, "My President prays" bit!!!
Teresa,
I'm so proud of the way you see religion. We are not heathens, but you are so right about the the fact that you do good things and, therefore, something good will happen to you when you die. You are an outstanding person--nothing bad will happen to you.
Mummy
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