I Was a Christian Child

While applying for marketing work with a church, I was asked to write about my past and current relationship with Christianity. I thought I would share it here as well.

My father and mother were both Catholic as were their parents. I grew up with the usual teachings and celebrations of Christian life like Christmas, Easter, Lent, confession, and attended Saturday catechism with the rest of the kids in the neighborhood. Mass was part of my Sunday mornings. I was Baptized, received my First Holy Communion and Confirmation. I loved the ceremony of it all and those fond memories remain to this day. I felt like I was a part of something.

When I was twelve, I kissed the bishop’s ring during the Confirmation ceremony. After that, my mom gave me permission to find my own way, to learn about other religions and cultures. Even as I began my own discovery, Jesus and Christianity was always prominent at home, the wooden cross with a hidden bottle of holy water kept inside its sliding front panel, the ceramic statue of the Virgin Mary on my mom’s dresser, the Ten Commandments plaque in my own bedroom, and the ever-present drawings and charms of the Guardian Angel. I still have Guardian Angel tokens to this day.

After fifth grade, I did not go to church regularly or any other religious instruction. I set out on my own journey; I had the tools of belief I needed. In my heart, I never left the church or it’s rituals. I did however convert the teachings of Jesus into what I called source and still do. Source can be anything you need it to be. To me, it is more inclusive. Source can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Spirit.

I believe and practice being a good person. One can claim to be a good Christian, but they may not be a good person. I believe actions speak louder than words, that we are all God’s children and deserve love. I believe we should not turn our backs on those in need or may feel lost. I believe in kindness and listening. I believe everyone does the best they can.

I still consider myself a Catholic from birth and enjoy continuing the traditions. I am, however, not locked into practices that separate us. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, just do not judge me for mine. I wake up each morning thanking God (source) for the day and when I am close to death, I will thank God for for the life I had.

Amen.