One of these is mine.
No, I’m not catholic.
And I didn’t know if it would be “wrong” for a Protestant-born girl to light a candle.
So I made Frenchie light it.
Do you think it’s odd that I took a picture of it?
I guess it is.
But you must understand that I don’t go too far without my camera these days.
We didn’t go into the church intending to light candles.
But there it is anyway.
I love old churches.
The hushed atmosphere, the solitude, the dimly lit interiors.
Even though I’ve got issues with religion, I do find a sense of peace when I’m in church.
Whether that’s my upbringing
or
My respect and awe for the reverence that other visitors show when there.
I don’t know.
I wish I could find the comfort and solace in church and religion,
that others seem to find.
But I cannot.
So I’ll have to settle for the fleeting sense of peace.
That steals across my soul.
Temporarily easing
the furrowed brow.
the worried look in my eyes.
the tenseness in my neck and in my clenched fists.
the chaotic jumble of my thoughts.
We used to have a travelling sound installation in the Art Gallery here.
The Forty Part Motet.
In the middle of a courtyard you could enter a large chapel.
Inside there were 40 speakers arranged in a circle.
Each speaker represents a voice in a choir.
When they burst into song you could walk around and listen to each voice individually
or
sit on a bench in the middle of the room and be genuinely overwhelmed with the collaborative effect of the singers.
It was stunningly beautiful and it moved me like I’m rarely moved.
I almost burst into tears in the middle of it all.
I wish it were still there.
I could sit there for hours.
sky girl rambled @ 6/09/2006
25 Comments:
Fly - Yes.. I too am jealous of people who can find it in them to be religious. Particularly catholics - for all the issues with the church, they have produced some beautiful, intense art and architechture. I'm a bit obsessed with it, to be honest.
Im like that with churches too
I believe that its maybe not the religion but the hope and dedication and joy that people over many many years have imprinted in the atmosphere. Plus they are so beautiful.
Your picture is very calming.
x
Churches such as that one always leave me feeling peace and a bit of tears. Not sure why they have such an effect on me, but they always do.
love you
i've been thinking much along the same lines fly. i'm sort of envious i guess of those people who have the serenity that seems to come along with faith in religion/god/whatever.
beautiful photo.
beautiful words.
(((you)))
I'm an ex-catholic but I still believe in the power of those candles.
Very nice photo.
Take care.
Poignant thoughts for a Friday.
I love you.
You know as a devout ex-catholic - devout in my ex-ness that is - I still find it overwhelming and wonderful to be in these places of worship and love to visit sometimes. I found, though, that my relationship with a higher power is so personal that I can no longer subscribe to any one particular faith or religion - I find my god/goddess in a lot of things, not just an inspiring cathedral. I hope you find your spiritual inspiration Flybabe.
{{{{{F}}}}}
Fly, beautiful images and words. You light as many candles as you like. I'm not religious either but I can understand the comfort people gain from being there.
Sending over a Friday *hug*
We all deserve some light in our lives, it is not reserved for those who sit in a pew once a week. I hope your light continues to grow.
Beautiful pictures flydoll. Love you sweetie.
Comfort and solace can be found in many places. Hopefully the light from that candle will help you find a sense of peace in your moments of darkness.
Architecturally, old churches are some of my favorite buildins. Spiritually, well, I just don't get it. There's no room for organized religion here, but that's a personal preference. I lit a candle in my heart for ya after reading this beautiful post. Have a great weekend.
i'm with Tank...lightin a candle in my heart for you...
that last bit...about the speakers and the choir...damn...beautiful...
hugs and love to you this weekend...
peace...
you know, I checked out your pics on Flickr the other day and I was amazed! You have a real talent with the camera. Awesome pics.
I don't think it matters who lights those candles, everyone's welcome.
I wish I could find comfort too. I've tried but it just doesn't seem to come to me.
Maybe it's because I'm too full of anger and swear at Him too much these days.
Anyway, gorgeous pic, lovely post, as always. xx
Faith; I just don't know what it is. I want to take comfort and solace in just 'believing', but I find it so hard. I just can't stop questioning why?
Fly, I've pretended to have believed in God but my faith in that devine father fuigure left me about twenty years ago. On the other hand, I love churches and their accoutrements. Doesn't make sense does it? Even though I may be the wrong guy to do it, I still pray for you. Love you babe. That is a beautiful pic. Have a great weekend. (((flydoll)))
TG
That was a beautiful post. Beautiful words, beautiful picture...Thanks!
I love the pics and the post. (I am a bit behind... glad to hear MIL is gone too!)
Take care and I am glad frenchie lit a candle.
Sometimes we have to accept what little peace we can find wherever we can find it.
What a beautiful post and photos. I have many issues with faith and religion - but have found that if I find peace in that moment, then that is right for me a that time. Thanks for sharing this.
As a former Catholic, I have come to think it's less about the religion and more about the thought that goes into the lighting of a candle. If that makes any sense at all.
Love ya girl.
It looks absolutely beautiful.
The pictures are beautiful. There is something calming about a church, any church of any religion, I think. There is something about an old church though. I think it's the smell or the quiet. I could sit for hours, too.
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