As I approached the picnic table at the edge of the woods where Jenny was joining me for coffee, I noticed her immediately–her neon complexion and red cashmere scarf painting a beautiful contrast against the dead leaves. She waved a pincer at me. Her warm personality shone as soon as I gently patted her head in greeting.
After brief introductions, we jumped right into a conversation on faith. I learned quickly that Jenny is not a small-talk type. I admire that in a bug, especially in an interview subject. As I sipped my cappuccino and scribbled down my initial notes, Jenny began to explain the philosophy that has so captivated the phylum Arthropoda over the past several weeks.
“You know, I find that even just verbalizing my worries removes some of the control they exert over me,” Jenny remarked, leaning back against an oak leaf I propped against the side of the bench for her.
I nodded, and she continued, “I’m sure lots of people think I’m just a stereotype…you know, of course, the praying mantis would end up a spiritual advisor and self-help guru. I wish people were a little less ignorant–not ALL praying mantises practice religion. I just happen to be one of the ones that do. In some way or another, at least.”
Throughout our conversation, Jenny emphasized that she is not any of the many religious designations fans and foes have speculated about. “I guess I’m sort of a Buddhist, sort of a Christian, kind of a pantheistic deist, but truly none of those things. Some might call it agnosticism, but you know me, I hate labels.” She winked confidently.
Jenny’s fans tweeted several questions for me to ask her during my interview. One of my favorites was from a precocious teenage earthworm named Laurence: “A lot of your religious philosophy is based on prayer and mantra. Why is that so important to you? Is it like having a telephone conversation with God, or is it more about self-reflection?”
“I have to be honest, here. I don’t think my way of experiencing faith and spirituality requires some central, omnipotent force to keep tabs on everything I’m going through. If there is a God, I’m not sure they are all that engaged.” She let out a throaty laugh. “But I just think prayer is still invaluable to our abilities to discern, to be compassionate, and to feel comfortable with our own realities.”
Of course, I had to ask, “So do you believe in God at all?”
She smiled. “I think so. Certainly some kind of loving spiritual energy. I have my doubts sometimes, but isn’t it nicer to feel like someone is listening to your prayers?”
Jenny, thank you. It is nicer that way.