I can't...I'm Mormon

In a world full of Christians, it always catches me off-guard when some people play the "My church is better than your church" game. Really? Isn't it taught in our churches that we are to love, respect, and treat each other as we would want to be treated ourselves? I know I do not want to be judged solely by the method I decide to celebrate my faith. Why would I do this to another person? If we are all one within the eyes of Christ, where is there room for such hypocrisy we are so willing to offer.

I grew up the oldest child of 2 ordained ministers, or preachers. This would make me a preacher's kid - PK. We are often known as hell-raisers, rebel rousers, or troublemakers. My parents met in Bible College - L.I.F.E. Bible College to be exact, in Los Angeles. They dated for 4 years and waited mere days after graduation to get married.

At the time that I was born, my parents were living in Cortez, Colorado, had started a brand-new Foursquare Gospel church, and were in the process of having a building built for church gatherers. My first memories are when I had just learned to walk, and I was running down a hallway to the basement of the building. It is more like a dream than memory - something that I did not realize as a memory until I visited the church building years later.

As the daughter of preachers, we moved several times growing up. I have lived in Cortez and Greeley, Colorado; Wichita, Kansas; Pampa, Texas; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Payson, Arizona. I don't have an impressive list of places I have lived similar to my military brat friends...no, just a random ensemble of mid-west and southwest states. I have been lucky enough to still have memories of each place I have lived (this is what keeps me from wanting to move to Texas again). Each time we moved, my dad would become the pastor of a local Foursquare church. This particular denomination places their ministers into churches rather than the congregation having a vote as to who they get like other Pentecostal church denominations.

Growing up, my mother ALWAYS had church music of some sort filtering through the air; either through a radio, 8-track (yes, we had an 8-track player until I graduated high school), record, or tape. We had nightly family devotions, and prayed as a family before every meal and bedtime. We went to church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening. And every summer, we could almost guarantee my mother would take us to ANY vacation bible school available at most ANY local church.

I have never viewed my church, whether it is the church my parents raised me in, or the church I attend now, as the end all-be all. I know, based on the church I go to now, this is not something that is widely accepted. I choose to go to my church based on principles taught, experiences felt, and lessons learned. I do not look down at others who do not attend my church. I have no issues attending another church's services with friends or family. I have enjoyed Easter Sunday Catholic mass. I decided long ago that regardless of my convictions, I am willing to listen to someone else's point of view. As long as my point is respected, I am willing to talk to anyone about religion.

I often think it is funny people take a step back from me when I talk about my faith, or the church I go to. I wonder if I am really NOT living the life I should, and they are surprised someone so devilish believes in angels. Or, because I am upfront about my faith it makes them uncomfortable. Truth is, I have found the greatest freedom in being able to celebrate, understand, and rely upon my faith. I have fears, moments of weakness, and times of great tribulation just like anyone else. I am going to a church predominately attended by a married couple with their 6.5 children (bad joke, I know). I have felt awkward sitting there, divorced, with only 2 children (yes, at this time 2 children is enough). But I know that regardless of what others may see on my outside appearance, the Lord is more concerned with my inward desires, needs, and dedications. It is my faith that has made me who I am. It is my faith that allows me to see the world as I do. And it is my faith that has given me so much grace that I can offer love, friendship, and forgiveness to others.