This is a very clean and authentic approach to these questions. My complex attitude about this positions me as a non-believer in the traditional concept of God, but as someone who sees the whole idea as meaningful and obviously popular, almost like it's a shortcut because we can't know the real thing. In schools, people were very strict about church vs state separation, and I was constantly explaining why I let certain discussions take place. The Jewish Defense League was ready to file a formal complaint against me because I wouldn't denounce my science teacher, who had organized a debate of Intelligent Design vs Evolution. They finally sent a woman who I respected and who had been a mentor to me to convince me to back off. 'Donn,' she said, 'you don't want to die on this hill. And it's not always the issue that matters, but which team you're on.' Now that's a problem - that's groupthink. We don't have to be in lockstep with our team on every issue. But I gave in before they crucified me.

Anyway, I liked this piece and your ending leaves open the possibility of elaborating further about how you found out who you really are.

I published one of my Cliché Series pieces in the publication "Deconstructing Christianity" (name is close to that) that you might want to check out, and "Illumination" is always a good place to publish as Dr. Yilditz takes care of his writers and Illumination has a huge readership