One of the consequences of being a candid person with little filter and sometimes saying confusing or provocative things, I am often misunderstood. That is on me.

A well-meaning person recently said, “Mike, I’m sorry someone hurt your feelings and you’re not coming back to church.”

I certainly understand, based on what I’ve written here, where they could have reached that conclusion. The real reason that I don’t often come to in-person Sunday morning church service is multifactorial, none of which are because my feelings are hurt or that I’m mad at someone.

As I’ve said many times, my local church is one of the best churches that I’ve ever had the opportunity to be involved with. It is filled with wonderful people, people better than me, and I have no qualms with any of them.

Yes, I had a very rough encouter with a member of that church a few months ago. I always welcome healthy dialog for a purpose of better understanding, but I have no interest in fruitless arguments with anyone. My frail life is too short for that. It is especially painful when someone, under the pretense of a friendly cup of coffee, approaches me for a rebuke. Yes, this has left me over-sensitive in the matter, and for my over-reaction, I am deeply sorry. However, now when I hear someone from a religious ciricle say, “Hey, let’s get together for coffee,” I have the fear it is yet another ambush. Why can’t we just have coffee and pretend that we are just two humans sharing a kind moment in a beautiful place? I don’t like religion.

Does that person respect my views now? Highly unlikely. However, they have agreed to give it a rest and let our friendship continue without further conversations about my views. I sense peace in the matter.

Mike