I’m not a religious person. I stopped going to church long ago when I felt the hypocrisy of the people attending fill the air. One time, a family of four was sitting a few rows in front of me. They were talking, drinking soda, and eating chips. As much as I tried to, I couldn’t look away. I condemned them though it wasn’t in my right.
My mom would try to get me to go to church with her on Mother’s Day or Christmas after I told her I’d no longer be attending. That’s the only gift I want, she’d say. For me to attend church. It was manipulative. She eventually stopped. I’ve forgiven a lot of the manipulations she used to throw my way. It’s eye-opening when you realize the resentment you’re holding isn’t hurting anyone but yourself.
So I released the suppressed anger her actions and words wo
