"Religious"

A wise friend of mine asked me why I was going to Joplin, Missouri in the near future. I said, "Because I am religious." His expression after I had spoken shocked me. He said, "Oh no, you are not what the word 'religious' is defined as." He explained to me why what I answered with was wrong. He said that too many people think they have some kind of agenda to fulfill in order to be this outstanding Christian. Too many people think that if they do enough good deeds they will receive an automatic ticket to Heaven. He also mentioned how the word "religious" in general can pertain to so many things. Someone could say, "Man, that girl does her job religiously", which would definitely not have been the right word choice either. He used another example like this, "Some people say they are spiritual but you don't know what kind of spiritual they are talking about. Maybe they are practicing some kind of voodoo, but that still defines them as spiritual." I thought about how what I said was the incorrect response I was looking for. I really am going to help the tornado victims so I can be a witness of God's love. I am looking to grow in my faith by changing the lives of those in need by simply showing them love and compassion. I am so looking forward to walking up to those people who have been suffering and in need and to just hug them and let them know that it is all going to be okay. I can only pray that God will give me the right words to say. For those of you who follow my blogs, I ask that you keep such victims as these and all around the world who have experienced such great loss or hardship in your prayers. They need hope and faith more than most of us could even comprehend right now and it is our job as God's children to help one another so that peace may be restored.

Slipping

I haven't bogged in quite some time and sadly it is because I have been extremely distracted. Being on summer break you would think I would have more time to devote to writing but I have drifted a little from my faith and I am not okay with this. Not only have I felt more down and insecure, but my relationship with the one I love has been facing greater problems than ever. I need help seeing the light again and need to have faith and trust that things will work out for the best. I forget I should be letting God direct my way instead of me trying to steer my way through these storms. Luckily I am with a loving and understanding man who is willing to help me become the best that I can be. He has already helped me in more ways than I can imagine and sometimes I take him for granted. I hope he knows how truly thankful I am to have him.