Ok, I’m about to start talking in regards to something that I normally don’t bring up, simply out of respect because I am an open-minded individual. BUT…. something happened yesterday evening that has prompted me to speak a tad forward. Now, I’m not posting this to tick anyone off or to dance on anyone’s toes, but I just wanted to write about it. (Ahhh…. the beauty of free speech….)

Yesterday I was at home having dinner with my family when, all of a sudden, my doorbell chimed. We were puzzled a bit because no one heard anyone pull up into our driveway. After a brief moment, my husband grabbed our excited, little furbaby so he wouldn’t go scurrying out the door upon me opening it. Once the front door was opened, I was greeted by an elderly man with two *barely* male teenagers, all dressed in their Sunday’s finest. Suddenly, I was well aware of the impending speech, but respectfully allowed the older man to begin speaking. He started off by briefly introducing the young lads who accompanied him, then continued to introduce himself. They were from a local church going “door to door to spread the word” and to invite us to their religious establishment. The two young men to his side were obviously feeling somewhat nervous with their awkward smiles. I returned the gesture just to show no disrespect, then I looked back at the elderly one who was trying to hand me a small pamphlet from his shirt pocket.

As I politely interjected his speech, all I said was this….. “Not to be disrespectful or anything, but we’re not interested in what you have to offer.”

The man paused, looking confused and asked, “Why? You don’t believe?”

I replied, “No, not like you do.”

With a stern face he continued, “Oh, but you will when you’re in hell for not believing.”

Quietly, yet still respectfully for the young lads’ sake, I quickly smiled back, “That’s your belief, not mine.” 

The old man tried to say something else, but then I graciously stepped back, still with a smile and told the three standing at my door to “Have a good day.” The older man respectfully said the same, for my family and I to have a good day as well. I nodded and then closed the door.

It made me a little irritated because I thought, “how dare he say I was going to hell for not believing the same as he did.” But then it came to me. He actually inspired me to write this article about it. Why? Not to complain, but to be more open about my beliefs. I’m a Wiccan and I am damn proud of it, too! Yes, I am a white witch. I used to hide my beliefs out of fear because of close-minded individuals like him, but I will do it no more. The older I get, the more I realize I am my own individual and I am the only one who’s in control of my life. The fear of others and their beliefs will not control who and what I am.

I proudly follow the Wiccan Rede, “An It Harm None, Do What Ye Will”. Which basically means, not to cause or bring any kind of harm to others (including one’s self). I am a very spiritual person. Yes, I work with crystals, incense, candles…. white light…. and I even communicate with the Angelic Realm quite regularly. And no, Angels aren’t just “Christian based”. Angels are beautiful messengers for anyone and everyone regardless of their beliefs.

A couple of days ago my friend and I were out getting some tattoos. I got a small one behind my left ear. It’s an Angelic symbol meaning “Listen Within”. I chose the design because it symbolizes something that is very dear to me, the voice within us all. Like I said, the older I get the more I realize things. And I am starting to focus more on listening to the messages that I receive from the Angelic Realm, my spirit guides and my higher self, instead of listening to all the clamorous nonsense and negativity that tend to plague society.

Since I’ve been doing so, I find myself more at peace. I’ve become even more open-minded with an even greater sense of understanding. Of course, I still get irritated with certain things, after all… I am human with human emotions, but because of narrow-minded people like the older gentleman from yesterday with his biblical message, I am more open-minded and now speak more freely about who I truly am. A proud Pagan and I don’t feel the need to go “door to door” to spread positive vibes. I do it with the simple gesture of a warm smile with the feeling of love and light.

I’m sure the man’s intentions were sincere, as close-minded as they were, but people like him have to understand that not everyone believes as they do. And because of that, it doesn’t mean that the rest of us are “going to hell”.

I am at peace to say that the bible handler’s message did inspire me, just not in a way that he intended.

Be proud of who you are and never let anyone tell you any differently! They’re the ones who have to live with their small minds, not you! So go out there and stand for what you believe in!

Positive Vibes Only, Baby!! 😉

~ Love & Light, Sheila

Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.

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~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html

Here’s a photo of my new tattoo… An Angelic symbol meaning “Listen Within”….

Here’s a photo of my new tattoo… An Angelic symbol meaning “Listen Within”….