Music Choices

seemed a bit confused that he stood smiling and did not hand the gift to me, he simply pointed and said there it is!

I could not see a thing and was thinking the whole time, it must be some sort of a joke because my Dad was fun loving and liked to kid around sometimes. He kept pointing towards the side of the porch and I saw too tiny eyes sparkling in the light.

I was excited and amazed when this little kitten just stood in front of me, she was so precious and beautiful. My Dad told me someone had dropped her off on their doorstop just hours before I arrived.

At first I did not believe him, but he went on to tell me he knew it was suppose to belong to me because of it being on his doorstep and he had been thinking of getting me a kitten for Christmas.

I declared her as my pet that day and what a blessing she has been! She has been by my side through good times and situations that have been stressful for me. It is underestimated how much having a pet can balance your life and fill a void that you never thought could be possible, she is part of our family now, we all adore her, especially at this special time of year!

- Sara H.

by Wayne Holmes

I grew up with the Beatles and Elvis. I was a fan of both, but I also enjoyed many styles. For the most part, I didn’t consider one form of music good and another evil, although there were times when my religion would judge some forms of music as being “of the devil.” It’s odd how religions can

Y Wayne Holmes’ Every Path Leads Home is a beautiful book of acceptance. Our lives on this plane of existence are of short duration, and we are all “headed home.” Different faith take something that seems as if it should be neutral and experiences define “home” differently, and each suggests a path or paths. For anyone who has been abused by the supposed rules and strictures of a church or congregation or pastor, for anyone who has come to see religion not as a faith experience but give it a judgment value. We had religious music, and we rather as a set of ironclad rules, for anyone who has grown had worldly music. weary of the struggle to find God by whatever name: Every Path Leads Home is a must-read. “ Wayne Holmes is an outstanding individual, a one-of-a-kind author who “ It wasn’t until I donned a clerical collar that I came to understand how people

gentle teachings and humor, bringing us back to a safe haven of love and peace.” –Jane Phillips Why couldn’t we just have music and leave the labels off? “Before long I realized that many had been damaged through judgment, guilt, rejection, and condemnation by a religion or by someone religious. I’m happy to report that these people do not

“Mr. Holmes’ words resonate way beyond the printed page—they vibrate resentment. “In Every Path Leads Home, Wayne

us all. “The integrity of the author in revealing his own story is authentic, reminding me of the humanness of all of our experiences. I felt wrapped in I’m not a fan of some styles of music. My children love music “It is a way to heal us all.” –Rev. Gary Pennington Founder of Spirit Hospital Alliance

enlighten all who read it.” –Liz Loring Educator, Life Coach & Group Facilitator I don’t find enjoyable. When I was young it was the same way with my parents. They didn’t enjoy my style of music. That doesn’t make one good or bad — just different. As I change on my spiritual journey, I also discover my taste in music changes. I prefer quieter music such as piano solos with simple tunes as opposed to a multitude of scales and chords. Once again, that doesn’t mean my tastes are the right ones and someone else’s tastes are wrong. Differing tastes simply add to the symphony of the Universe. The same could be said of religions. Tastes change with time. What I enjoyed when I was younger has been replaced with different tastes. And, that’s okay.

About the Author: Pastor Wayne Holmes is an ordained minister with Divinity Spiritual Church and also Revelation Spiritual Church. He is the co-founder of Religious Recovery, an organization dedicated to healing wounds inflicted by religion or the religious. He is not opposed to religion, but he sees the hurts and endeavors to help. Wayne is the author of seven books including the title, Every Path Leads Home: Opening to Your Spiritual Journey. Learn more about Wayne’s healing work at ReligiousRecovery.org.

Opening to your spiritual journey, healing for the past, peace for the present. Direction for the future, Religious Recovery.

Opening to Your Spiritual Journey V

Opening to Your Spiritual Journey Wayne Holmes’ Set Your Course shares six months of reflections that will give readers a path to spiritual freedom and help them connect to their soul and inner spirit. Not only does it provide healing from past religious abuse, but also abuse of nearly any form, and beyond that, it provides a path towards taking solid control of one’s religious and spiritual journey.

Wayne Holmes Phone: 513.205.1057 Email: Wayne@ReligiousRecovery.org Web Site: www.ReligiousRecovery.org

Phone: 513.205.1057 Email: Wayne@ReligiousRecovery.org Web Site: www.ReligiousRecovery.org

The goal of Religious Recovery is to reach out to those in need of healing Wayne Holmes’ Every Path Leads Home is a beautiful book of acceptance. For anyone from religious who has been abused by the supposed rules and strictures of a church or congregation organizations or pastor, for anyone who has come to see or religious religion not as a faith experience but rather as a set of ironclad rules, for anyone who has individuals. grown weary of the struggle to find God by whatever name:

Both books can be purchased through Amazon.