Mosaic (moh-zey-ik)

Upcoming Book

Nebet Elsod

Asherah

Archbishop Patrick Byrne

Imam Suleiman al Farsi

Mother Teresa

Rabbi Eli Steinberg

Lumen Chalet

In the secluded serenity of a snowbound Swiss chalet, an extraordinary gathering unfolds, far removed from the eyes of the world. Two beings of ancient power and wisdom, cloaked in the guise of mortals, find themselves in the company of the planet's most revered spiritual leaders. This is no ordinary retreat; rather, it is a symposium of the soul, convened under the pretense of casual discourse. Yet, as the snow falls ceaselessly outside, barricading them from the rest of the world, the warmth of the chalet becomes the crucible for an unprecedented exchange of philosophical and theological insights. Each conversation, enriched by the flickering light of hearth fires, delves deep into the core of faith and spirituality, weaving a rich, intricate tapestry of thought and emotion.
As the week progresses, the dialogue between these seemingly mortal guests and their distinguished hosts traverses the vast landscape of human belief. Questions that have perplexed philosophers and theologians for centuries are debated afresh, with perspectives as diverse as the participants themselves. The ancient deities, drawing upon millennia of observation and interaction with humanity, challenge and are challenged in turn, their identities obscured but their wisdom unmistakable. The barriers between the divine and the devout become increasingly blurred, revealing the shared journey of searching for truth, understanding, and connection. Through these conversations, "Mosaic" reveals the complex, often beautiful interplay between faith and doubt, certainty and questioning, encapsulating the myriad ways humans have sought to comprehend the unfathomable.
"Mosaic" is not just a story of divine discourse; it is a profound exploration of the essence of faith itself, the belief systems that have guided civilizations, and the personal convictions that define our individual spiritual journeys. It invites readers to consider the many hues of truth that color our understanding of the divine and the bonds that connect all beings in a quest for meaning and enlightenment. As the characters navigate their week of isolation, their interactions illuminate the diversity and depth of human faith, offering a glimpse into the possibility of harmony and mutual respect in a world often divided by belief. Through its evocative narrative, "Mosaic" serves as a testament to the power of dialogue in bridging the seemingly insurmountable chasms between us, crafting a narrative as varied and beautiful as the pieces of a mosaic brought together to form a single, stunning image.

Plot and Synopsis

Opening: The narrative begins with the arrival of the religious leaders at the retreat center, each bearing their own preconceptions and expectations for the week ahead. A bet or challenge is presented, perhaps by the retreat center's manager, suggesting that the storm offers a unique opportunity for true interfaith dialogue. Or perhaps Nebet playing an instrument somehow engages them into asking her questions about faith from a lay person’s view.
Development: As the storm cuts them off from the outside world, initial formal discussions gradually give way to more intimate conversations. Nebet, under the guise of her mundane role, begins to draw out the deeper ideologies, hopes, and beliefs of her companions, facilitated by Asherah's discreet guidance.
Key Scenes:
The Afternoon Tea with Asherah and Mother Teresa: A pivotal scene where themes of divine femininity, the erasure of women from religious narratives, and the essence of compassion are explored. Individual Discussions: Nebet engages in one-on-one conversations, revealing the personal struggles and revelations of the religious leaders.
Group Discussions: Evolve from confrontational debates to a collaborative search for a universal understanding of faith.
Grand Finale Discussion: A powerful storm clears, and with it, a newfound clarity emerges among the group, leading to a profound shared declaration of their refined beliefs.
Sub-plots/Scenes
Tea Time Scene: An intimate moment that becomes a catalyst for deeper understanding, set against the backdrop of a raging snowstorm outside, contrasting the warmth of human connection indoors. Asherah, the wife of God, and Mother Teresa, the Saint of Calcutta.
Divine Presence: Choosing all butterflies as a recurring motif in Mother Teresa's life is a beautiful and universally accessible idea. Butterflies can be found in diverse environments across the globe and their transformative life cycle from caterpillar to butterfly is often seen as a symbol of hope, resurrection, and the presence of God in nature.
In this narrative, whenever Mother Teresa sees a butterfly — whether amidst the bustle of a city, the serenity of the countryside, or the bleakness of a war zone — it serves as a gentle whisper of divine presence. Asherah's comment, "Is God telling a funny joke," could then echo in Teresa's memory, bringing a smile to her face as a butterfly flutters by, its delicate wings a testament to the resilience and beauty of creation even in the harshest of conditions. This simple, natural occurrence becomes a profound, personal emblem of her enduring faith and the joy that can be found in it.

Time Period

Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997. To fit the narrative's requirements, we should look at a time close to the end of her life but not too close to her passing, allowing for a period when she was still active in her work. The Swiss Alps are known for their ski season, which peaks from December to April. Late autumn or early spring could be ideal for lower tourism and a higher likelihood of storms without being in the peak of the harsh winter months.
A suitable time frame could be in late April or early May, when the winter sports crowd has dwindled, but the weather can still be quite unpredictable, sometimes resulting in late-season snowstorms.
Year and Date Range:
Year: 1995 or 1996
Date Range: April 27th to May 6th
Choosing this time would allow for a setting where a sudden snowstorm could realistically trap the characters at the retreat center, providing the isolation necessary for the unfolding of your story's events. It also situates the narrative at a time when Mother Teresa was still engaged in her mission, albeit in her later years, adding depth and poignancy to her participation in the discussions.

Main Characters

A priest, a rabbi, a imam and a saint walk into a bar….
Nebet: A seemingly inconspicuous worker or college student at the retreat center, who possesses a deeper connection to the divine. Acts as the facilitator for discussions and personal reflections.
Asherah: Disguised as an elderly visitor, possibly Nebet's grandmother, she brings wisdom from the edges of forgotten faiths, guiding the conversation with a gentle hand.
Mother Teresa: As herself, representing the pinnacle of Christian charity and compassion.
Archbishop: A composite character inspired by figures like Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, embodying traditional Catholic dogma and wisdom.
Islamic Leader: Inspired by figures such as Malcolm X, post-Hajj, offering a perspective of Islam rooted in peace, unity, and transformation.
Jewish Rabbi: Modeled after Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, presenting a blend of mystical tradition and social justice.