Where I’m Thankful
I honestly cannot remember a time in my life that I didn’t believe in God but I can also say for most of my life I was not walking on the right path. I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone else’s business and I definitely created lots of dirty laundry for all to see. It was like every bad decision I made took me one more step away from the love of God and I began to feel unworthy.
As a young mom I tried going back to church but I never really felt comfortable and always felt like I was alone in my lack of knowledge about scripture. Even praying for myself felt awkward. Off and on through my adult years I attended a church but never could fully commit. I really felt like in order to be part of a church I had to live a “perfect” life free of sin and honestly I was still making decisions every day that did not feel very Christ like.
We had several friends who were attending a non-denominational church that was somewhat non traditional as well and we decided to try it. The first visit Keith and I were both a little taken aback as we had both grown up in very traditional churches with hymnals and fire and brimstone preaching. We didn’t go back for quite some time and often had the discussion of trying another church. Keith grew up baptist and I grew up methodist and neither of us wanted to try the other. How crazy were we that we would choose to go nowhere rather than try something new!
We finally gave Brazos Fellowship another chance and I’ll never forget that first Sunday and feeling like the pastor must have been watching my life for years. That was enough to get me back the next Sunday and the next after that and soon it became “our church”.
For the first time in my life I did not feel judged for being the person I am and for making all the choices I have made. For the first time I didn’t feel guilty only loved and chosen. For the first time I realized that I was worthy of the love of God who had already given the greatest sacrifice so that I could live an imperfect life yet still be forgiven. God’s grace is sufficient. For the first time I was in a church home where I felt safe.
I am so thankful I live in a country where I can worship freely as I choose.
I am so thankful I found a church home where I feel welcome and surrounded by love.
I am thankful that where I am now in my walk is still a long way from where I need to be but God is right beside me.
I am thankful to look back and see where God put opportunities, people and challenges in my path that helped me grow closer to Him.
I am thankful to know where I am still weak He is strong.
Thankful and blessed beyond measure this Thanksgiving day!
Wow! Isn't it awesome when we finally feel like we are WHERE we belong as far as churches go…or anything for that matter. Having a hoe church that you love and feel safe at is so important! Thanks for linking up with us! Have an awesome Thanksgiving!
WOW WOW WOW!!! I absolutely love your post! What an awesome WHERE…why didn't I think of this. haha! I believe that's the reason that a lot of people don't go to church, they've had bad experiences. So glad you found the church you feel home at. That's so important. So glad you linked up with us. 😀 Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Awesome post! Awesome!!!