I've been thinking a lot about Christianity and Religion in general lately. To be honest, since I was a kid it has always fascinated me - not just Christianity, but religion in general. It's such an interesting topic...and one that brings so many people great hope, security, joy, and a feeling of self-worth.
Anyway - I have been raised in an atmosphere where religion was really only a private, family matter. We do the Lent thing as a family affair - usually we read a couple of chapters from the New Testament every night of Lent after dinner and then discuss them - and we pray before meals. My youngest brother has the privilege of going to Catholic school instead of Public like my other younger brother and I did. We will have discussions about religion, Jesus, God, and church on the odd occasion and we go to church on Sundays.
I have always found myself wishing I were in a family that was loud and proud for Jesus. My best friend and her family are a shining example. One of her older sisters is very active in their church and she always, ALWAYS signs anything with "Remember, Jesus loves YOU!". God and Jesus are as common as everyone's first names in their household...and they're never shy about how they feel with religion. I guess it's called witnessing? It's not just what they say and do, though, that draws me to them - it's the general feeling that I get whenever I'm around them. They are just caring, compassionate, loving, and honest people. Anyway - I have really always secretly wanted to be a part of that...but never felt comfortable doing it.
Now that I've decided to make God a part of my life - I want to strive to be like that. I want to not be shy about how I feel in regards to Jesus/God. I guess it's something to work on...I don't know.
Thanks for reading!
Lara
Anyway - I have been raised in an atmosphere where religion was really only a private, family matter. We do the Lent thing as a family affair - usually we read a couple of chapters from the New Testament every night of Lent after dinner and then discuss them - and we pray before meals. My youngest brother has the privilege of going to Catholic school instead of Public like my other younger brother and I did. We will have discussions about religion, Jesus, God, and church on the odd occasion and we go to church on Sundays.
I have always found myself wishing I were in a family that was loud and proud for Jesus. My best friend and her family are a shining example. One of her older sisters is very active in their church and she always, ALWAYS signs anything with "Remember, Jesus loves YOU!". God and Jesus are as common as everyone's first names in their household...and they're never shy about how they feel with religion. I guess it's called witnessing? It's not just what they say and do, though, that draws me to them - it's the general feeling that I get whenever I'm around them. They are just caring, compassionate, loving, and honest people. Anyway - I have really always secretly wanted to be a part of that...but never felt comfortable doing it.
Now that I've decided to make God a part of my life - I want to strive to be like that. I want to not be shy about how I feel in regards to Jesus/God. I guess it's something to work on...I don't know.
Thanks for reading!
Lara
