I was never a very religious person; my family did go to church when I was younger, but I always felt it was more of a chore than a pleasure. My favorite part was singing along to the gospel songs. So when my family stopped going when I hit sixth grade I wasn’t so beat up about it. One less reason for me to get up early on Sundays.
Throughout middle school and high school, I went through a sort of rebellious stage in which I thought religion was the worst thing. It was hard for me to reconcile science and religion; it just did not make sense. And for complete transparency, I never had any malicious feelings towards those who were religious or anything, but I definitely saw it as a fruitless pursuit.
But once I entered college, I think I saw what wonders having faith could do for people. Virtually all my close friends I made were religious, and they all openly expressed their unwavering faith for their beliefs. That mixed with my philosophy class that exposed me to the reasons God could exist made me reevaluate my feelings.
It kind of started with singing to the gospel songs I remembered when one of my best friend would play her music aloud. Then slowly we began to talk about faith. She specifically showed me what it was like to have a rock that’s always there for you. She always could count on God to be there for her: an open ear, a should to cry on, someone to turn to for advice.
I was a little envious of her. Being so far from my family and going through the stages of beginning college at a prestigious institution made life hard. But she had a faith that could guide her that I did not. I really miss home, and I really miss my family. And my grandmother, who is a very religious person, always says she will pray for me and my friends. And it genuinely makes me feel better.
One night, we were all sitting in my friend’s dorm talking. It had been a long time since any of them went to church, and it was a very difficult week. The election had just occurred, we went to a couple parties, and midterms were coming up. Life was getting more and more difficult. And as we sat there and vented about our lives, a consistent theme we focused on was having faith that we could get through this with God. He was there to help us. We closed the night by singing songs of praise together and just chilling and enjoying each other’s company.
I think that it was then I realized what was my family was trying to teach me early on was something valuable: a belief in something bigger than me. And as I’m going through the motions of becoming an adult, the new friends I have made have led me to realize that I want a faith that can guide me when I need it. Now we have plans to attend church on a regular basis.
Post By: Missy Lia ~ Guest Blogger
