Have you ever met someone, or seen something that really made you feel happy and - dare I say it - #blessed? Not the excitable type of happiness, just that kind of calm contentment of knowing that things are pretty good, actually. Today, on my way home from work, I was - as usual - approached by the charity fundraisers, the random drunk, the buskers, the big issue sellers and all the fruits of Liverpools inhabitants. Usually I respond with a polite smile, a "sorry" (how very bloody British), the 'head-down-be-on-the-phone-please-don't-approach-me' routine or a deep rummage in my cavernous handbag for some (any) semblance of sterling tender, but today; the sun was out, I was in no hurry, and I was happy to wander and natter to every Tom, Dick and Harry that crossed my path (all of whom were shit out of luck because lord only knows where my purse has gone - again.)
On the home straight, a mere five minutes away from sitting on my sofa with a cup of tea, two girls approached asking if they could chat to me - naively, I presumed they were lost, and they - quite rightly - presumed that so was I. Moments later I noticed the bible in hand and, you know that internal groan of simultaneous irritation and guilt? yup. The worst part? They were quite possibly the nicest people I have ever met. So, of course - in true Brit style - I nodded and smiled appropriately, even giving a sympathetic chuckle at times, just waiting for them to walk off so I could get to my tea (it was this point I remembered the digestive biscuits too.. oowft).
A couple of minutes in, I realised they didn't really have a proper spiel rehearsed, they just wanted a chat. Now, before I go any further I'd like to state right now that; 1) this brief encounter has by no means converted me to the Mormon way of life and 2) This little blog post has no intention of spreading any religious message on anyone's behalf, Mormon, Buddhist, or Jew's alike, I am not here to 'spread the word', I'm not convinced I even know what 'the word' is. So carrying on, these girls chatted away and - as per usual - I wanted to believe, whatever it was they had put their faith in was clearly bringing them a lot of comfort, peace and joy. Who wouldn't want a piece of that action? My problem has always been one simple flaw - I don't believe in 'God' - damn. But, these girls did, they weren't preachy, nor condemning or pushy or judging. It genuinely seemed as though they were happy to be Mormon, and they wanted me to be happy too.
So I kind of figured 'why not?' - After all, if there is a God, surely S/He is more likely to listen to these girls, than me. They asked if it would be ok if they prayed for me and, well, why not! - what harm could it do? I liked the idea of it at the very least! I bowed my head respectfully (and couldn't shake the feeling I was part of a witchy triad from the old TV series 'Charmed') anyway, as one of the girls begun the prayer, it occurred to me how utterly beautiful the whole thing was! Here I was, looking damn awful in my post-work getup, with these two girls that made me feel as though I was being cuddled by Jesus himself, and they were choosing to spend their time praying for me - something they genuinely believe in to have an effect. Would I call up my mum, or my friend, just to let them know "I've met this random stranger and they seem pretty cool and if you see 'em about would you mind keeping an eye on them to make sure they're ok and stuff?" or call my boss like; "hey, just met a random stranger, but I can totally vouch for them and they would deffo rock at this job" No, because my mother would have me committed, my friends would probably hang up and my boss may well fire me. But here they were, happy to ask the main man just to throw some nice, happy shiny stuff my way, even though I don't believe.
Maybe I've grown cynical, I've always been sceptical, and perhaps there are a lot of very nice people out there, who would call their mothers and bosses on my behalf - but, alas, I doubt as much. More than this spectacle of humanity, generosity and kindness, was the eloquence of her prayer. It was heart-felt, graceful, fluid, kind, soft, loving and grateful, all in one go (I find myself curious as to whether she could be hired for weddings..hmm) Perhaps it's my PMS talking, perhaps I'm homesick, or lonely, or any manner of other sensitive emotional states, but I was honestly almost reduced to tears (the good kind).
Walking home I felt so full of happiness and comfort it's hard to fully express, like I'd just been assured that for the rest of my entire life, everything would be just fine. I still remain agnostic, still sceptical, cynical and at times sarcastic, but the girl's pink post-it note prayer is now stuck to my window, and - honestly - I can't help but smile when I see it.
Sister Lau, Sister Hsieh (if you guys ever do read this, and if so - Hi!) and thank you for brightening up my whole day (potentially longer), thank you for making me sit down, genuinely and seriously, to reconsider my religious beliefs, thank you for giving up your time, praying for me and my family, making me see things a little differently, for showing me so much kindness and love and the best of wishes to you both :)
What age did you 'pick' your religion, or lack thereof? When was the last time you checked to see if it's still the right choice?
Amber xxx
