Yeah

a character who can’t tell the difference between their dreams and reality

23rd Psalm, also known as the Lord’s Prayer:

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

I feel very safe, very loved. Knowing there is a higher being who will protect me, who is in fact protecting me, is so comforting. I shall not want, meaning I will not need anything; I will have enough. Enough food, a roof over my head, a job, friends and family. Life will be good, always. Life is good right now. It is wonderful to have these things. There is peace in the world, peace everywhere, in every country. At least the countries who believe in the Lord’s power and goodness. At least the countries I might visit some day.

It is so great to know I am safe. I’d hate to have to worry about poverty or war, especially a war in my country. My country is good and kind and safe and fair. It is the best. It deserves all the good things it has. I will never live anywhere else in the world. This is a superior country.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Oh, I don’t take that literally; I know it’s not ‘maketh’ in an oppressive way. He (the Lord) just takes me to those green fields and lets me stretch out in them. He’s kind and generous, as I’ve already said, and he cares about my comfort. I’ll still be able to go home and sleep safely. I like to feel safe. Probably green pastures just symbolizes a pleasant area in which to rest when weary. So considerate.

The still waters could also be symbolic or maybe they really are a reference to places I actually know. (Note that still waters run deep, according to the saying.) Those waters would be a river, a brook, or a huge ocean. Only the brook can be considered ‘still’, but it’s polluted now by the runoff from a chemical spill. It’s a pretty little brook, though. The river has a strong current, so it’s dangerous where it pushes over the rocks nearby. And the ocean, well, we all know what oceans are like. No, I think I’d better stick with the concept of still waters, their peaceful connotation. I believe in the Lord and his desire to provide that solace for me.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

This is more abstract and philosophical. I understand ‘restoreth’ to mean, again, healing or curing. My soul shall be revived, given new life and contentment. It is a horrid fate to have to put up with a tortured soul. The Lord guarantees respite, the opportunity to have my pain alleviated. I am grateful, for he neither asks me for anything nor takes anything away. With his guidance, I will always do the right thing; I will not harm anybody and will always be safe. All I need to do is believe and trust. I need to do that or I will be in very bad shape. I can’t survive without my faith in him, can’t feel capable of doing anything. He is the only reason I keep going. With him, I won’t starve, I will be healthy (good food, good medical care, good income). The Holy Father. The world nees him. He is the Prince of Peace.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Oh, I am well aware of the potential fierceness of the world; however, the good shepherd will never abandon me. You see, he promised and I know for sure he will keep his promises. All of them. There is death all around, but none of it is destined for me. That is because of my faith and my unquestioning perspective: He is good, and his only interest is to care for me - and for the others who are as magnificent in their thinking. There are even rumors that some of us will be welcomed to a table (one of many that will be set) in a big, beautiful ballroom (on earth or elsewhere) for 999 guests (998 plus me) that is rumored to be completely trimmed, painted, and decorated in gold. Whether the gold is genuine or out of a spray can is irrelevant, because all that glitters is gold. At least for us believers it is, because we deserve it. We are loyal, and we know that our faith renders us deserving of privilege. We don’t care if the ballroom is Temu-inspired or made out of whatever they say is in Fort Knox.

Gold is good. We can be obsessed about it.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

It is such a comfort knowing I will have food to eat, will be anointed as one of the chosen, a true follower. My enemies haven’t a snowball’s chance in hell of surviving, but I don’t really feel concern anyway. My life will be abundant - my cup filled to the brim, spilling over with whatever I choose to drink. One day that might be coffee, but maybe another day it’ll by vodka or bourbon. (Just kidding. I never touch alcohol because it could compromise my status as a trusted follower.)

The oil of olden days probably isn’t used much now. The anointing could be done with lavender essence, rose water, or just holy water. He will see me and recognize me and will reiterate his promise to embrace me like he would a young girl. He’s very kind to young girls because they good, pure, obedient, willing. I am willing to be like that if it ensures my survival. My survival in a good, perfect, clean, respectful life. He can have all of me if that will keep me safe. And fed, clothed, warm.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

I realize this might seem a bit repetitive, but it’s hard to contain my contentment at being able to live in such a good, even if not perfect, world. My goal is to continue to live safely, and if that means doing nothing other than following his rules, Then let His will be done. I do not intend to rile the waters. Whatever he wants, because. His will is best, for all of us. Those who are different, who don’t believe, or who look and talk differently than I do, do not need to be here anyway. I have my sights set on the people’s house, which is (or was) an elegant white building, its view unhindered by thorns and blossoms. All the excess has been or is being removed, leaving room only for hard perfection.

We are all happy in this brave new world, because we have to be. No other world is allowed. Yeah!