Day 18: Leave

I've had to leave a lot behind throughout my spiritual journey.  I've left behind old beliefs, my past sins, old friends, and my first home church.  But in return I have gained a lot - I feel more spiritually complete, I have become a better person, I have surrounded myself with people who truly care about me, and I have reached out into a new church community that is offering me many opportunities that I did not have before.

I used to believe that my spiritual and political beliefs were inherently opposite of Christian beliefs and that I could not possibly balance the two - therefore making Christianity a non-option for me.  I have come to learn, however, that Christianity is a complex religion that can be incredibly accepting and inclusive.  The Christian faith can unfortunately be very misrepresented by some of its own followers.  It took quite a while for me to be able to separate the political body of the "Christian Church" from the religion's true teachings and tenants.  Once I was able to do that I was able to meld most of my pre-existing beliefs with what I believe to be the true pillars of Christianity - the teachings of Jesus.

John 15

⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.