Faith And Me
They say that the two things you never talk about at dinner are politics and religion. It’s supposed to be because those are the subjects that people are most likely to disagree on and become upset about. I’ve followed that rule for a long time, even in my writing. But today I think it’s time that I open a new door.
I’m a religious guy, not in an Hour of Power or soap box on a busy street corner kind of way, but I’m a believer. I’ve never been preachy or over the top in my beliefs. And that’s certainly not my intention today, worry not. But I do need to acknowledge the fact that my faith has been a strong and calming influence on my life in times of grief, hurt, need and success. I think it’s important to include success on that list because too often we only hear about or talk about praying and God when we are in need. Too rarely do we give thanks for our every day graces.
The exception to that rule is of course athletes and entertainers as they do a fantastic job of thanking God or Jesus Christ when they win a big game or an Oscar or a Grammy. I’ve got no problem with those thanks being offered. I only wish it hadn’t become so cliché.
In my life religion and faith started early. My mother took us to church every Sunday. We wore our nice clothes and sat and listened and went to Sunday School. It’s the same story as millions before me. It’s also the story that some people use as an example for what’s wrong with religion. They say that it’s like brainwashing young children. But that’s not always the case. A funny thing happened as I grew older and listened and learned. I formed my own beliefs and opinions and ideas. I wasn’t brainwashed. I was instead given the opportunity to find myself and let my faith take form.
A lot of that credit goes to my mom. She may have taken us to church, but she never pushed us to believe the same way that she did. She never insisted that there was only one way to interpret the Bible or the stories we were told. And she has always been open to hearing my theories and observations even though they may differ from her own. I’ve learned that it takes someone who is very secure and comfortable with their own ideas and beliefs to listen and accept that someone has a different point of view without getting defensive and upset. I’m proud to be that kind of person.
I am also proud to wear a cross on my body in the form of a tattoo. I like it because in many ways it mirrors my faith and attitude. It isn’t flashy or big or fancy. It is quiet and understated. It is hidden so that I’m not always showing it off. And while I may not be showing it off and it may not be impressive to look at, I am proud of it and I am happy to have it. I have thought about adding another tattoo as well. It still needs more planning and consideration though. I mentioned it to my mom at Easter and she gave a little laugh. But I’m pretty serious about it.
The first six words of my favourite piece from the Bible are “In the beginning was the word”, I love it. I’ve loved the whole piece since I learned it from my favourite minister when I was young. As time as gone by the reasons that I love it have grown. Look at it again, if you didn’t know it was from the Bible you could imagine it was from a writer’s manifesto. And since I’ve invited writing to be a bigger and more important part of my life it has taken almost a double meaning. In fact, the tentative plan is to pair “In the beginning was the word” with “To be, or not to be”. They may not seem like a natural match, but Shakespeare has been my biggest writing influence and Hamlet is my favourite written anything. And pairing those two influences seems perfect to me.
In the end it’s a good representation of my faith. It’s unique and my own. I’ve grown and developed my relationship with God and my feelings regarding faith and religion. And as I’ve grown I have had many influences and examples to learn from and help me develop those ideas. The common denominator between the best of them is that, in the end, they all let me find my own way. I only hope that I can lead by that same example one day. I have tried my best never to push my beliefs on anyone, but I do feel that it is important to believe in something. Whether it be God or Allah or something outside of organized religion altogether. Faith in something bigger than yourself is important.
That’s it, that’s the extent of my preaching. I told you it wasn’t my style.
Thanks for stopping in kids. I hope that you have a great day. Remember to keep smiling, stay positive and give thanks for the good things in your life.
creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.
