Need directions?- God
I am me
by Lisa Graft
I first want to say that its not my intention to offend
anyone. I am doing this only to better define the
difference between the Secular and Christian worlds. If
you think you might be offended don't read any further.
Growing up I was given the choice to believe whatever I
wanted, as were my siblings. This came with the full
knowledge that my family would back me no matter
what.
When I was seven or eight I was invited to attend a
Vacation Bible School. And so I did, I don't remember
much from my first time at a church, except for the
games and cookies we got during break. When the week
was over, things went back to normal and I didn't really
think about the church again. Till a year later when I was
given the option once again to attend another V.B.S. at
the same church, this time shortly after I began attending
Sunday school weekly. That was my first taste of Christian
religion.
I attended the same church for almost three years till my
family and I moved across the country. I enjoyed church
and learning about God and Jesus. But I didn't know
whether or not I would attend a church in our new town.
Shortly after moving into the town I realized how much I
loved to read, and began to read everything I could get
my hands on. In under a month I must have read about a
hundred books.
About a year after moving I attended church again. The
difference was very disturbing. I was shocked to find out
that rather then discuss the bible this church would
rather discuss the local behavior of the townsfolk. I quit
going there and went in search of a church that would
discuss the bible, I wanted to know more. That's where
the second shock came in. Suddenly with this new church
everything I did got me sent directly to hell do not pass
go to not collect two hundred dollars. And to give you a
slight idea, I wasn't a bad child. I did my school work and
got pretty good grades I didn't fight, drink, smoke or
steal, I wasn't a slut, meaning I didn't sleep around, at all.
What I did was listen to love songs (considered the devils
music.) watch fantasy television like Star Trek, and
Sliders. And the biggest no, my friends were good decent
people, and I never asked their religious preference, it
seemed that the only people I could be friends with were
Christians, but not just any Christians, only the ones who
attended this church in particular. No thanks, I said, and
after seven years in the Christian church I hung up my
gloves. I am a very independent person I wasn't about to
let anyone tell me how to live my life.
This isn't to say I am perfect. I am far from that, and its
not to say I am better than anyone else is, no chance in
hell if you don't mind my French. And so as a friend of
mine (who I might mention is Muslim) once said to me; I
am me, and I like who I am. I am not going to change me
for anyone. Thank you my friend, if I learn only one
listen in life I will be glad that it was that one.
Lisa Graft (c) 1, 13, 1997
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