xp_logs | Sooraya and Rogue; spiritual search (Reply)

Rogue accompanies Sooraya to an UU gathering.

"Thanks so much for being willing to go with me..." Sooraya said as she opened the door of her car and got out. "I've been hesitant just to walk in on my own."

Rogue gave a smile. "No worries, sugar. To be honest, I'm always up for any kind of knowledge trip. I mean, these Unitarians seem to have a good set up here. I like the idea of believing in well....everything. How'd you find out about this place?"

"A fellow student at college. We shared a few classes and one day she asked about why I didn't wear a hijab anymore. She suggested checking out Unitarian Universalism after I mentioned having a group to share spiritual things with." Sooraya pulled her purse over her shoulder as they started making their way to the door. "I did some research and here we are."

"You know," Rogue replied, pulling open the door, "I probably should've done some research too when ya messaged me but," she shrugged, "here I am. More fun this way." looking around, Rogue had to admit that if she hadn't known it was a 'church', she'd never have guessed.

"It should be interesting." Sooraya agreed as they entered the door and hung up their coats. When they entered the next room a young man approached them. "Hi, I am Peter. I don't think we have seen you here before."

"That's right." Sooraya shook his hand. "I'm Sooraya. A fellow student told me about your group and that is how we ended up here."
Rogue smiled and raised a hand. "Just here for the ride.". She looked around the room, surprised to see so many people. "I know practically nothin' bout this. I hope I don't do something embarrassing."

Peter grinned at her. "We tend to be a pretty low key bunch. Most of it will be explained during the service. And this..." He handed them a each a small booklet. "... is the Order of Service. It has the readings and the songs. And if you want, there is a table over there with some flyers and other information. You can take that along if you want."

"Thanks Peter." Sooraya smiled at his. "We'll take a look." After those words he moved of, greeting someone else who had come in after them.

Rogue had already lost interest in Peter as she delved into the booklets. "This is pretty neat," she announced when it was the two of them again.‎ "It's more religious than I thought it'd be. I was totally expecting a like...neutral experience, if that makes sense. Nothing too god-like, but not full blown atheism either."

"Spirit of Life?" Sooraya found the term in songs mentioned. "That sounds like a nice way to talk about it. Not so laden with all kinds of things what a god would or wouldn't be.

Rogue had to agree. In six lines, the hymn covered basically...well, everything. "It's much more poetic than Amazing Grace. I never held too much to the notion that we're all sinners, and need to be saved by some omnipotent God. MY God is a compassionate one."

Sooraya started making her way to a pair of chairs in the back, but still close enough so they could see everything well. When they had taken their seat, she paged to the beginning of the booklet. "Sharing of joys and concerns. This looks interesting as well." She pointed out the section to Marie.

"I feel a Seinfeld joke coming on, Rogue teased. "Airing of grievances must be next."

She pretended to scan the booklet. "Nothing like that in here." Sooraya commented quietly. "Oh, looks like they are beginning." Everywhere around them people were quieting down and suddenly soft piano music sounded through the room.

Taking her cues from the crowd, Rogue found herself enjoying the service. It was low-key and friendly, not judgey like some other churches she'd attended. ‎And even though she wasn't looking for a congregation, she had to admit, this one seemed pleasant.

***

When it was obvious the service had ended, Rogue stood up and stretched her legs. "Well that was interesting," she said cheerfully. "What'd y'all think?"

"It was a very interesting sermon at very least. It's an interesting idea... 'wounded words' and the hesitation to use them." Sooraya looked thoughtful. "I sometimes have the same when I try to explain things, but those words are often so loaded and people have negative connotations with them."

Rogue nodded. "I never really much thought of that before. I mean, I accept my own definitions, but to unknowingly be 'wounding' someone....those are concepts we keep in mind in therapy, just never imagined they'd go with religion too." she gave a grin. "So I learned lots today, and that's great. What do you wanna do now?"

"I want to check out the table if there are any interesting booklets or flyers if that is okay with you?" Sooraya asked after looking around a moment, seeing it was fairly quiet in the area around the table.

"Go for it," Rogue responded. "I want to process this some more." It'd been a while since she'd had to really face her own spirituality. Being in the church had brought back memories of Sunday services with her family, delicious dinners, and beautiful dresses. Ironically enough, her gloves were always her most favorite part. Her mother used to argue with her for hours to 'take those ever lovin' gloves off'.

Funny how things work now.

Sooraya scanned the various booklets, gathering three that seemed to be covering the basics of what the group was, then after a moment of hesitation she added the pamphlet about UU and God. Making her way back to Rogue, she asked: "Shall we grab a cup of tea before we head back to the mansion?"

Rogue was so caught up in her thoughts that it took her a moment to realize she was being talked to. "Yah," she said, trying to shake her head. "I think something nice and hot would help all this contemplation. You know, I don't go to service much, but whenever I do, no matter what kind, I always hear just what I needed to hear. Thanks, Sooraya."

"Nothing much I did." Sooraya objected quietly as she handed a cup of tea to Marie and took one for herself. "Could you see yourself coming back here?"

‎Marie accepted the cup gratefully. "I dunno, maybe?". She took a sip and thought for a moment. "But we didn't come here for me. What do you think? How'd you feel?"‎

"I liked it..." Sooraya replied briefly. "I don't know if I see myself coming every week, like I attend the mosque, but I think I can find some of the things I am looking for here."

"I think that's the best part about exploring: you don't have to commit to anything, but you can enjoy it while you're there." Rogue smiled. "And who knows -- maybe after all this, you'll find out you miss the mosque. Either way, i'm here to help ya with this. Anytime you wanna go to a church, i'm down for it."

"Not quite sure I'd call this a church, but I really appreciate the offer." Sooraya smiled and put her hand on Rogue's gloved hand. "I am really glad I don't have to walk this path alone."

"Hey," Rogue said teasingly, "didn't you listen to the sermon? I can use any word I want. Now, let's go eat. That's the best part about church.