I can easily be pegged for the black sheep of the family. I have piercings, tattoos and think openly about controversial topics rarely accepted by the Pentecostal faith that I was raised a part of. I don't like most titles so for me to say that I am this or that would be a stretch. What I am though is a Christian. I most definitely believe in God and he is the one I ask to forgive my daily sins.
I may have a very unorthodox way of being a believer, but it works for me. My parents have learned that beneath the colorful ink on my skin and the 'out of the box' thinking I am still the same sweet girl they raised with strong moral beliefs and values. I cannot tell you how differently I am treated by the groups of people that I grew up around in church when they see me now. They see the outside appearance and it fires off some sort of alarm to stop there and not to bother understanding the real me. These people that also call themselves Christians are the ones that persecute me most. I must say that even several of my own family members treat me as if I am an outsider. It is truly sad, but you know what? It's not about what they think, it's about what I do and how I lead my life that is important. If I feel a comfort in the way I live my life and treat my relationship with God then that is all I need to go to bed at night knowing that I am indeed a good person.
It saddens me to listen to all the negativity. One of the biggest reasons why 'outsiders' lash out against the Christian faith so often is because they are persecuted against so harshly. As Christians we are taught to love each the same, equally. I may not like everyone, but they deserve the same respect that I feel I do. Whether they are gay, a different race, different faith - whatever - they are all the same to me. I have friends that cover the entire board and they aren't my friends because of what they believe but how they treat and love me. Love is a common bond and when you can truly be yourself around someone it is a pretty good indicator that they are a lifer (friend for life).
I am happy with who I am. I have fought tooth and nail to find the confidence to love the real me. Now that I have found it I never want to let it go. I ignore the naysayers and pray for them to find the satisfaction they need to help them sleep at night. I just wish everyone could see in color and not the black and white that generations before were raised to see.
Peace and love to ALL.
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