Cover Song #7: One of Us (Patreon)

Remember this song? It was always a favorite for me. 

I was raised Catholic. As a kid, God seemed like more of a judgmental figure than a safe place. I always wanted to do the right thing, the good thing. To be good was to be loved, is what I gathered. With every situation, person, place or thing I would ask my mom... "is that good or bad?". 

In high school, my family and I started going to a non-denominational Christian church. It became a big part of my life. I made construction paper posters for my closet doors with steps on how best to pray. We had a new community of friends, and felt like we were being "good" when we went to church. One day, I remember seeing judgment toward gay people from the church. I was so confused. How could we be preaching love and yet be so hateful? This was not good, and I didn't have to ask anyone else to know that. I knew it in my gut. I stopped going to that church and decided to let love be my compass instead. God is love. God is acceptance. God is the connection we feel to others when we are our truest selves. 

This song, originally sung by Joan Osborne, made God feel more real and relatable to me. Humble and kind. As time has gone on, I think of God more of an energy... not a judgmental figure. Love is what connects us, I believe, in life and in the afterlife. I don't believe we are "good or bad", bound for "heaven or hell" but rather all connected energetically from now until forever. 

Lately, there has been a lot of loss here in the lizard community. The loss of mothers, brothers and furry companions. My heart has been with you as you grieve your loved ones. I hope you feel them with you always. <3

In loving memory of Wanda Wilson, Marc Hufnagl & Champ Lynch. 

XO - LL

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