Tree by Leaf

In her book 'Amazing Grace', Kathleen Norris describes how strict fundamentalism can sap the flavor and brillance from life, as though one's childhood were scrubbed with vinegar. This astringency can elevate external codes of behavior over matters of true importance, creating a formulated righteousness and robbing attention from things that should hold a place of reverence. One person can wound another with the appearance, methods and speech of clean men or sinners, but the substance of love that builds is the same under any rough disguise.
-g.s.