Whose voice is this?

Here we go again. A new acquaintance, possible friend and collaborator. And then the dreaded question, “What church have you joined?” Damn it. I didn’t see it coming today as none of our conversations over the last couple of months had hinted at it. My hope drops. Then, I hear myself say a new phrase. “I study the teachings of Christ as a way to live in love.” Truth. But not the whole truth. I also study Buddhism, Sufism, Hinduism, Kabbalah, and more, exploring a more essential spiritual practice. I wonder, “Whose voice is this that only speaks partial truth to belong and thrive in this town?”