I am made to stand and confess.
The church has all the answers.
I don’t pray enough or tithe or read my bible.
I haven’t been broken enough.
I haven’t been humbled before a Jealous and Benevolent God.
I have been brought to the brink by my hair and learned nothing but
anger and resentment.
I am a Stubborn Child, unwilling to heed the word of my Father.
My afflictions and pain are a test of my faith that I fail no matter
the number of second chances I’m given.
The hum of the organ agrees.
According to Them, I will continue to be
pressed and punished until
I bend to the Will of God
or
I shatter
beneath the weight.
My suffering is purposeful.
Any weakness I show is punishable by way of the Holy Ghost Gaslight.
And the church says
Amen.