I recently heard someone say they don't like to talk about religion and politics in mixed company. I wasn't sure what that meant. Did they mean these two topics were off the table except only with men, only with women or only in the company of the same race? I'm the first to admit these are very hot button issues right now but if we censor when we discuss them and with whom how will we ever find the common ground and where we differ?
Which brings me to the reason for my post, sometime ago I joined a wonderful church and I can say for the most part I really feel that being part of organized religion is helping me to find my life's purpose along with seeing my therapist twice a month. Now I have been attending church my whole life in one way or another but I was a sideline member. Well that all changed a few months ago I decided to make an effort to be more involved in church activities and other things to get me off the couch. This weekend was our Woman's Day Celebration, which started on Friday night with a speaker who was as dynamic as she was flamboyant. I'd never experienced a minister leave the pulpit come down into the sanctuary to touch members of the congregation. By the time she got to me I was fully engrossed as to the reaction of others around me. When she placed her hand on my head and spoke to my spirit " in tongues" my body felt like someone had taken a nine volt battery and placed it on my tongue. I was transfixed and felt a peace I have never experienced only once before.
There were periods in my life where I didn't even think or care if God existed, in fact I told someone once I don't believe in God and the reply was that's okay cause he believes in you.
As a sideline church member I would attend church occasionally, tithe when I had a little extra, and contribute to activities as long as it didn't interfere with other things I had happening. Gradually I have joined groups/organizations affiliated with "my church." I joined the praise choir even though I sing much better in the shower, I'm a member of the Women's Day committee, I tithe my benchmark tenth even if it is the last dollar I have in my wallet. I adjust my schedule so that it does not interfere with my church activities when possible. Don't think for a minute this has happened without any pitfalls it is very difficult to give your last when you don't have a regular income but I did. I even gave so someone who couldn't afford to attend some events could. Not once have I lacked for food, money to pay my rent, gas in my car and a few weeks ago I was allotted a FULL SEMESTER SCHOLARSHIP to get a few steps closer to concluding my Criminal Justice Program. Now I don't walk around like some CRAZED person espousing the greatness of God I don't have to you can see it when you look in my face. I am convinced from this point in my life I will place my trust in God in everything I do because I understand now little changes, bring BIG blessings.
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