Yesterday was "Confirmation Sunday" at my church. What a difference from the Confirmation I received as a young adult. The children that stood before me today were there because they felt ready to express openly their desire to be followers of Christ. They had completed a course and really learned about the bible. They were on stage reciting verses from the bible and they were present in their decision to have a relationship with Christ.
Now let's back up about 10 years in my life - I wouldn't have been caught dead in that church. I was raised as a Roman Catholic - after all I am Italian - and the Italians... well they're Catholic. I did all of the right things as a Catholic... made my Communion, Confirmation, Penance, went to Confession, said my Hail Mary's and all of that. But there was still something missing. I never really liked going to church. I went out of obligation and guilt. I went into church feeling like God was a punishing God and that I had to follow a certain set of "rules" to get to Heaven. That is what I was taught from my church. "Follow these rules and you will get in!" I was mislead.
I tried to stay with the Catholics - even when I felt uncomfortable. I read book after book about the makeup of the church and the reasons for the rules they made. I tried to talk to the priests but could never get an appointment with any of them. I cried out to MY CHURCH - this was supposed to be my church and I was left feeling alone and confused. I am not trying to be a Catholic basher here - there are some great churches out there. And I know plenty of great Catholics - people who really connect with God through the things they learn in the Catholic church. I just wasn't one of them.
So it was so awesome yesterday to see these kids - young adults - children - whatever you see them as - make their Confirmation as Christians. These children have a great understanding of the Bible - which is important whether you are Catholic, Protestant, Born Again or any other form of Christian. They have a strong desire to follow Christ. They were there because they wanted to be there. They had to own their decision and had to testify to the entire church their desire.
I look forward to the day when my children choose to make their Confirmation. To be able to sit in a packed church and watch my sons proclaim their faith and desire to follow Christ will surely go down as a special day in the Lupo household. I know that the foundation that we are trying to lay for our children will serve them well all throughout their lives. I pray that they choose to follow the Bible and to follow Christ. I know that they will feel the contentment and peace that comes with it and it will help them to get through their lives.
I am so inspired by the children from yesterday. If they are the future leaders of our country... then we are in good hands. I pray that I can somehow, someway show my friends and family the love of Christ. I pray that they come to know Him and follow the bible. I pray that those who do not believe will come to know the truth.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10: 27-28
OK - so I wrote this blog and now I am sitting here trying to decide if I should post it. See I don't want to offend anyone and I don't want to scare anyone either. 10 years ago - I would have called me a Holy Roller! Maybe I am - but really I am just a Mom and wife and daughter and friend who wants the best for her family and for her life... and the best is... God. I am not afraid to tell people that I am a Christian. I am not afraid to tell people I follow Jesus. But I am afraid of the way maybe some people receive it. I don't want to be too over the top. I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable - because I remember feeling that way about Christians. I remember thinking that all Christians were crazy and closed minded and freaky... I remember. But I have learned that most of the Christians I know are loving and kind and just want the best for them and their families... God! I hope you understand what I am trying to say. I hope you can relate to me - and I hope you still follow my blog.
Thanks! -TheFullNancy
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