A Reverend II

My name is Paul. I am a Reverend at Eternal Gates Church. I'm 83 years old now.

10 years ago, my wife, Diane, died. My life became a terrible wreck. I ate out all the time. I hardly slept at night. I became intensely lonely. That's when the Shadow came into my life.

-You're a rather traditional guy, aren't you?

-Yes, I am.

-You never learned how to cook? No woman's liberation classes? I am all about Liberation.

-So we can be animals again?

The Shadow can stretch itself into any shape. Right now, it's in the shape of a Tree. 

-Crucify Yourself.

-In the Name of Jesus Christ, cast Satan back to Hell!!!

-I'm only a Shadow? Who is this Satan that you talk about? Is he a cousin of yours?

I've decided to stop talking to the Shadow. I really do miss my wife. I know she is in Heaven now, looking down on me, pitying me. She took care of me. Diane. Just a great woman. She did the laundry. She cooked. She shopped for my clothes. She cleaned the house. I know, I was really spoiled. I would just prepare my sermons and visit those in my congregation who needed help. Meanwhile, Diane did everything else and never complained. A veritable Saint. Diane.

-Did Diane work?

-She didn't need to. God provided for us.

-How about self-actualization? Didn't she need to fulfill her potential?

-She was a perfect wife.

At night, Diane and I would read read the Bible together. Of course, we were both old fashioned. We liked the old days when men were in power and women were relegated to the domestic tasks. We liked the old days when God spoke directly to Israel and when Jesus spoke his word to the Disciples. What had happened to the world? How were people being liberated? There was more crime everywhere and people's hair were dyed in all sorts of colors and there were more sexualities or genders than ever. Why couldn't people just keep it simple? Was it that hard? Paul found the whole Modern World a puzzle, a puzzle that he could not put together.

Why did Diane have to die? The Lord giveth and taketh away. Why did she have to die though? She covered him. Now she was gone and he felt so naked and lonely. The World looked so foreign and unwelcoming. Was it time for him to go too? Was the Lord calling Him? Was that the Lord?

-Your fly is open.

His fly was open. The Shadow was sometimes right. A dead clock is right twice a day. He closed his fly and tried to speak to the Lord again. Please, Lord, take me to where Diane is? I love her so much. Of course, I love you more Lord. Am I meant to love the World too? Didn't Christ remake the World in His Image when he died for us? Or is the World the playground of Satan?