Weighing In Part 2: Faith

So I don't talk about it much because I'm not a preachy kind of a girl, but I feel today like I'm being called to share some feelings about faith, more specifically, my faith. I'm usually not this touchy feel-y, but I won't apologize and I won't be embarrassed.

I was raised Catholic, decided it wasn't really for me, drifted for awhile and then found a wonderful congregation that made me feel supported and loved. I am a member of a Lutheran church, the pastors of the church know my children by name. I'm not here to recruit members of the church, I just want to point out that I have found a place where I feel nurtured and loved by not just my heavenly father but also a large number of his sons and daughters. You can routinely find a bible on my kitchen table, full of post-it notes and my children praying before bed each night.

Perhaps the most important thing about my faith is that I feel peace, that's what my faith gives me, peace.

I don't feel guilt, shame, fear, or doubt. I live my life with the knowledge that I am saved, by grace through faith in Jesus and the fact that He died so my sins can be forgiven. My heart aches for those who do not live their lives in this peace, who feel the panic and uncertainty that I have experienced and no longer feel the burden of.

Without trying to sound like that Joel-dude on TV, I believe that my bible is a resource, I believe that it was put here for a reason and that I should know what it says. John 20:31 says "these are written that you may believe" and I do. During my bible study tonight I was struck by the fact that God loves me so much he has given me his word, to physically hang onto when nothing else is certain. It literally brought me to tears, and filled up my heart with joy and appreciation. I didn't earn this, it is a precious gift. 

Many have told me during the last week that I should be proud of what I have done with my health. Instead, I am thankful. I'm thankful that I am blessed with good health and strength to do it. I am blessed to have people around me who have supported me and traveled down the road with me. I am humbled that I may, in any way, share my inspiration and help others be healthier. And I am humbled that God trusts me to be a good steward of this amazing body. A body which has nurtured my children and carried me through this life.

I sincerely hope that the Rapture isn't Saturday, but I do believe that it will happen, maybe in my lifetime, maybe not. Regardless, I'm ready, I'm a sinner, but I ask everyday for forgiveness and because the Son of God gave His innocent life for me, and even though I don't deserve it, I will receive it.

"I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:3-4