A Single Candle
Father Michael was glaring, hellfire shooting at me out of his eyes. I stopped dancing and bowed my head, but it still felt like he was watching.
“We’re supposed to listen to the music. It makes us feel closer to God,” he said after. I knew he meant me.
I asked Ms Mwanna later. “How can God make Father Michael angry when He’s the one who made me dance?”
“Your God makes a lot of people angry,” she said. “Keep dancing, my girl. I reckon you’re closer to Him than they are anyway. One day, you’ll light up their darkness.”
Extroduction
Melanie is a recurring character in my blog, and one of my favourite characters to write. You can find more of her stories using the Melanie tag.
As for this story and photograph, snow in July throws me for a loop. A friend recently posted a skiing photo on Facebook. It took too many seconds for me to realise she hadn’t shared a memory… she lives in New Zealand!!
elmowrites 
I think Father Michael’s theological response might be, God gave you free will. And her next question might be, Then what’s he complaining about?
LOL, I think Father Michael should just pipe down myself, but I like your response!
Dear Jen,
See? it’s winter on the other side of the world. 😉 I get the glancing reference with single. (Yes?) At any rate, I’m with Melanie. God gives us talents to be used…including dance. Lovely story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Glancing reference to the photo? If so, yes, I saw Melanie as the pinprick of fun in an otherwise bleak world.
This is wonderful, Jen. I think more priests should ligthten up. Music is felt as well as heard. Go Melanie!
Well exactly! Can’t tell me dancing doesn’t make you closer to God if listening does.
Exactly! Those Black churches know what it’s all about – mind you, my friend is Pentecostal and she says her church is rather rambunctious too 😉
Oh, Melanie, keep dancing! Dance for the joy of redemption! Dance because God loves you!
Lovely story, Elmo xx
Thank you, Penny. I don’t want anything to do with a God who doesn’t celebrate dancing.
Loving the positivity in this one, well done.
Thanks Mason!
I like Mrs. Mwanna’s encouragement here. Children need angels like her.
Mrs Mwanna is an angel indeed. I love your comment, thank you.
You’re welcome.
Everyone should have a Mrs Mwanna in their life. In fact she should be standard issue for all kids. Lovely, Jen.
What a wonderful idea, Sandra! I shall endeavour to find one for my boys… and to become one in due course.
methinks, father has to lighten up a bit. he must be open to seeing other points of view. 🙂
I’m afraid Father Michael isn’t terribly interested in other points of view. He’s too busy being RIGHT.
This idea that the priest is always right is still far too prevalent. Melanie is a great character.
Nobody is always right. Thank you for loving Melanie
Lovely story, reminds me of David dancing before the tabernacle that one time. I’m with her, but I’ve seen far too many Father Michael’s in the world!