I have no religious formal education or background, so I welcome the Methodist Church’s effort to be a “Big Tent” by welcoming a variety of perspectives. I believe we are all part of a big puzzle. If I deny someone, I deny my ability to see that big picture. So now I must be courageous enough to share my deeply personal truth. My parents’ childhood during WWII in France and Germany was deeply traumatizing. But despite the unstable household I grew up in, they both offered their 3 children seeds of spiritual wisdom. The first time I heard the word Jesus was through my Mother. She spoke of Him radiating Joy. Jesus seemed a great friend and neighbor, and I hope to meet him sometimes. She confided to me that as a little girl, she knew years ahead of time that she would lose her mother by the age of 12 under the Dresden bombing. But a vision of Jesus comforted her. Her favorite sayings: “Help yourself, and the Heavens will help you.” “Know Thyself.” “If your h...