I’ve learned that there’s joy out there beyond the borders of the faith tradition I love. Christianity is a treasure trove, but I gather wisdom like flowers wherever it grows. I’ve bought books and said prayers to gods I’ve never known, ever curious where the overlaps lie and the opposition cries. At the same time, I’ve embraced the faith with open hands, embracing ritual and wisdom that centuries of seekers have gifted me.

As more of us leave home, we gather outside the gate beyond their purview, lighting fires and asking questions like so many that came before, many branded heretic if their stories were even written at all. We sought and found, and as our community grows, our varying degrees of belief and unbelief do too. As we establish communities and rituals to embody our beliefs, my prayer is that we’ll offer love and safety for all who need it.