#RealTalk : Private Spirituality

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

We’re in the home stretch of Lent.

Easter is less than two weeks away. And if you’re anything like me, then maybe you’ve slipped up a time or two – or twenty – on what you’ve “given up” for Lent.

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So these last two weeks are the final push – the home stretch where you give it all you’ve got.

Every year during Lent, I try to watch The Passion of the Christ. And if you haven’t seen it, I highly suggest watching. Yes, it is difficult to watch at times. Yes, it is emotionally exhausting. Yes, it is long, and you will need to wear waterproof mascara, but trust me when I say, it will make you see your personal relationship with Jesus in an entirely new light. And make your faith come alive in such a personal, moving way.

And sidenote: Jim Caviezel did an amazing job portraying Jesus. And if you’ve never heard his personal testimony about his faith and what he went through to execute that role, I would highly suggest listening to his testimony on YouTube.

But one of the things that I take away from the movie, after witnessing the excruciating suffering He endured – the torture, the mockery and humiliation, the physical abuse – was how extreme His love is for me.

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Jesus took all of that, and atop Calvary, publicly stood up for me.

It was a public declaration of love. Defending my salvation – taking the nails literally, so I could be free and get to Heaven.

It is almost too much to comprehend.

One of the things about this time we’re living in, is how private people are about their faith.

We’ve become a society where people are no longer are “faithful,” but spiritual. God is now “The Universe.” Brunch has replaced church. And as a natural progression, any faith we do have left, has been hidden away into the privacy of our minds and homes, for fear of being seen as “weird,” “antiquated,” “close minded” or worse…”religious.”

I hate to admit it, but sometimes, when celebrities or people throw out the vanilla “My thoughts and prayers are with [insert tragedy victim]…” I know it’s horrible, but I sometimes will literally think with pleasant surprise…”Oh, you pray??” 

We have put any inkling of faith left into a little bubble that no one sees, no one talks about, and no one demonstrates, other than a banal tweet that lost its sincerity years ago.

We are a people of privacy.

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And I’m guilty of this too. I saw a friend at the grocery story the other day, and I told him I had just come from church, and I felt as though I had just admitted to still listening to Nickelback or something.

We’re afraid to share what should be the most important part of our lives.

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One of the comments I get a lot is how people are so surprised that I can share my faith so openly on my blog.

And honestly, I feel pretty convicted or even – phony – hearing that. Because there’s so much more I could be doing. And frankly, it’s a lot easier for me to write about on the Internet than in real life, but I am really trying to work on that.

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But why do I write about my faith?

It all goes back to The Passion.

Jesus defended me.Now, it is my turn to defend Jesus. 

If Jesus would have practiced our pathetic “2018 Christianity” and kept His faith private for fear of coming off as “religious“…then the crucifixion would have never happened. He would have never ruffled any feathers or caused a stir…Salvation as we know it would not be a thing. Because what He did was a public declaration of FAITH. Of TRUTH. Of love.

Jesus was not ashamed or embarrassed to show His love and defend me and my shortcoming and sins through a public display of action that literally landed Him on top of a hill for the entire world to see. The least I can do is to share that with others.

The least I can do is live a life in gratitude for that gift, and try to live a life that points to Him.

Watching The Passion this year with that new perspective, I felt completely convicted. Because it all boils down to one question: Do I believe this? And if that answer is yes, then what am I going to do about it.

I could be doing so much more. There’s such a need for His love out there in the world. And not just the world – but in our own backyards. In our communities, friend groups, families – in our own hearts!

Lent is our time to reflect on His public declaration. And question how we are living in response to that sacrifice.

So in these last two weeks, I’m really going to try to remember as I go through my day, the fact that Jesus stood up for me. He stood up for me all the way to the Cross. The least I can do is stand up for Him.

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284 thoughts on “#RealTalk : Private Spirituality”

  4. Caralyn, I agree with you completely and understand how it feels to be practically embarrassed to express what is truly in my heart before those who might misunderstand, or may view me as weak or simple. Having just said that, that estimation would be quite accurate, so why do I care? idk I should only be concerned with how I am viewed in His eyes

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  8. Hi beaut…The Passion…I saw the movie only once and could not watch the whole presentation…I wonder if you have ever viewed the silent film from the late 1920s, The Passion of Joan of Arc, practically a teenage girl who was a warrior extraordinaire because that was her holy calling; she was an ardent follower of the King of King and Lord of lords, who faced down the oppressive English with heavenly instructions, but first she went to the king of France to gain permission to do the mission and that only went well because of angelic assistance…to compare the two ‘Passion’ movies spiritually would be difficult because that is probably not meant for comparison, but both movies trigger extreme emotional impact…here is an excerpt from a NY Times article written in November 2017:

    The poet H. D. began her review in the British magazine Close Up with the declaration that Dreyer’s “Joan” was “a film that has caused me more unrest, more spiritual forebodings, more intellectual racking, more emotional torment than any I have yet seen.” Writing in the National Board of Review Magazine, the critic Harry Alan Potamkin called “Joan” religious but not sanctimonious, ending his review by stating: “It is a transcendent film.”

    I have studied the life of Jean de Arc and admire her deeply. The movie has a music score but is otherwise silent. The lady who played Joan in the movie actually suffered during the filming, no easy time for her.

    The one comparison I would make is that Jesus suffered extreme persecution and torture in part because of the hatred inflicted upon him by the Pharisees, the prominent Jewish religious sect of the day; on the other hand, Joan faced in her trial which was recorded in detail and is still intact in its written record, the extreme persecution against her of very own church hierarchy – the Roman Catholic church.

    Joan was brave because of her faith in Jesus was unshaken by wordly or religious hatred.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. I have not seen that one. Sounds really powerful. I’ll have to check it out. Hugs and love xox

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  9. You’re awesome! What a great post, and your Lenten traditions of watching The Passion and slipping up way too often on the things you give up for Lent sound identical to my own traditions…of watching The Passion and slipping up way too often on the things I give up for Lent. This is the time of year that I start trying to justify my slip ups with claims of celebrating a Saint’s day…a few days ago was St. Patrick’s Day (I had to celebrate that by letting up on the fasting!), today is St. Joseph’s Day (can’t miss that day!), and before we know it, we’re at Easter. You might want to adopt my strategy. 🙂 In all honesty though, I commend your faith!

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    1. Thanks Rob. What a kind thing to say. I know! Easter will be here before we know it! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  10. I once heard someone say that the world doesn’t neet another secret agent Christian. I appreciate how you’re “putting it out there”. I cover some faith topics on my own blog but not as consistently as you do. Probably time again.

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  13. “Jesus defended me. Now, it is my turn to defend Jesus.” Beautiful. And challenging. I would love your permission to use this in a homily (with attribution of course). Thank you for this inspiration.

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    1. Thank you Rey. Gosh I would be absolutely honored. And I’d love to watch your homily too and hear tour thoughts!! Hugs and love xox

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      1. Thank you. I’ll post on my blog and include a link to your original (awesome) content. Thank you and keep up the good work.

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  14. When we read the Bible we are tempted to look at the foolish acts of God’s people of the past and in doing that we feel superior to them. But we are not! The Bible describes what humans are like walking around in the environment satan has usurped. So while we look at the Romans and Jews of that time with disgust at what they did, in actual fact we need to ask ourselves a question. What would we have been doing at that time? Running with our tails between our legs like all disciples did except John? Shouting out crucify Him? Or like Simon of Cyrene expressing genuine sympathy for the man who was actually God in the flesh and carrying the cross for him. Sobering thought. I think the greatest sacrifice was not the cross, though that was massive. It was God taking on the form of a baby to experience what we have to experience so He could understand us and our experiences when it comes time for the judgment. Imagine that! God stepping down from the perfection and harmony of heaven to grow up in this ugly world. It was done to demonstrate what true love is all about. Satan’s demonstration is chaos and hatred. God is love..

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    1. This is such an insightful response. So powerful. You’re right – He is love. And we have to cling to that as we try to navigate this fallen world. Hugs and love xox

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  17. I was hit and miss about sharing my faith for years. I finally remembered
    that He had redeemed me because he wanted to have a relationship with me.
    So I talk to people, as the opportunity arises, in agreement with Him—an opportunity to bless them!
    In the case of faith (our relationship with the one who redeeemed us),
    Give what you’ve been given (have fun).
    The seed has likely already been planted by someone before you.
    You may be planting or watering,
    He will bring the harvest (1 Corinthians 3)
    Thanks for your post, it got me thinking.

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    1. Hi Ben, thank you for sharing your story. Amen!! Your words really hit home with me. thank you friend. Hugs and love xox

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  18. Truth. It’s hiding our faith that has allowed it to even become the taboo thing it is in society’s standards, not discussing it has allowed the non-faithful to steer the conversation.
    I find myself asking that question a lot, “what more can I do for His Church?”.
    I get told by our elders in our gathering that I already do a lot for His Church, but I honestly look at myself in the mirror and know that I can do more. I can start tithing like I should be doing, if not the 10% then at least $20 a week. I can invite people to come out on Sunday with us, we’ve had some people stop coming to our church and it’s up to us to assist in the effort to get more people in the door (we are His emissaries and such). I can do a better job at delivering the message when it’s my turn to speak on Sundays. I can devote more time to His mission as a whole.
    I am tempted at times to not openly discuss the faith, but by not discussing it I am failing the unbelievers that interact with me. I livestream our service on my FB page, I don’t shove it down their throats but it’s there if they want to watch or listen.
    Keep speaking the truth.
    On a side note, I know you posted recently about worrying about attacks on churches. You can do something about that. This Thursday will be our church’s “Safety Team” first training meeting, while the Safety Team will involve security and other concerns, this meeting will be training all the volunteers on how to respond to traumatic injuries and use the supplies in the Church med bag.

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    1. Thanks for sharing your heart and thoughts on this topic, Bryce. it sounds to me like you’re doing an awesome job! you’re an inspiration to me!! Safety Team – wow that’s so awesome. That’s a great idea. Hugs and love xox

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  19. i just wanna say, that i LOVED this blog post….

    except this 1 thing: Lent.

    WHY do you observe a thing that is NOT in the Bible and something that was NEVER EVEN HINTED at by Jesus Christ himself?

    Lent is not biblical. It’s not even sacrifice but the ashen mark on the forehead IS the mark of the beast! 😦

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  20. BTW i would also ask you, in response to your rhetorical question to yourself, about being convicted and your saying “there is so much more i could [or should?] be doing about this…”

    Tell me this ok: what exactly CAN or SHOULD you be doing, about that?

    the christian life does contain and is encouraging that of “good works”, but good works in and of themselves sometimes serve only to ease troubled CONSCIENCES.

    Have you ever thought that maybe God might not want, need, or require that you ever do anything AT ALL?

    Salvation is a FREE GIFT. There is NOTHING you can do to earn it or make up for it. ITS GRACE THROUGH FAITH and NOT of ourselves. Sometimes, people who busy themselves with “good works” are really in DANGER OF DECEIT. Whether by Satan or Self (almost the same thing, honestly).

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  21. You’ve reminded me of conversations I’ve had with people who are very active in their churches. One is retired and works at the parish full time. Devout, teaching the youth. This person isn’t comfortable with sharing the faith outside of church.

    Everyone says that a person’s faith is a private thing that shouldn’t be interfered with. They only preach to the choir! I ask about Jesus’ command to go and teach all nations, and I get hostility. HOSTILITY! From fellow Christians!

    Part of it is what you wrote; we’re afraid of being shunned for sharing our faith. I also think that it’s the absence of community in society overall. You and I shared notes on how Halloween has changed since my childhood when it was a neighborhood event…still is in yours. Now we’re locked up in our phones, cut off from others.

    We used to go to friends’ houses to say hello without calling for permission. Now we text someone to ask if we can call them! We have walled ourselves off in so many ways!

    The reticence you mentioned to sharing your faith “live” is indeed partly the stigma of faith, but it’s also the unwritten rudeness of actually talking to people, actually connecting. But this is a gift you have. How many tales have you told us about people reacting openly to you? I think once people get over the shock of actual human contact, they might start to like it. Maybe not all the time, but enough.

    Maybe that’s the “in,” the entry to a conversation, to a life. A personal witness, seen in the eyes instead of a view screen. You may want to do more, but the stories you’ve shared here show how effective you have been when you make the effort!

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    1. Thanks for this, Jeff. That is SO true! It’s absence of community! We’ve become non -commital, and more concerned with the community in our smart phones than the community outside our front doors. Amen! Your words resonated so much with me. thank you for sharing that Jeff. hope you and julie are having a great night. Hugs and love xox

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      1. We are. Listen; would you remember me in your prayers? My last physical showed a big drop in testosterone and I’m officially anemic, which explains why I tend to sleep away my weekends lately. No one is quite sure why the anemia. Getting harder to work and keep up with writing. Thank you for your continuing messages!! xoxo

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      2. oh gosh, Jeff, I’m so sorry to hear that. absolutely. i will pray big time for you. please keep me posted. hang in there, my dear friend. sending massive hugs

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  22. I’m not afraid to talk about God. I’ve never been afraid but still this really touched me.
    Somehow I felt like I have messed up as a believer . This year I didn’t do anything really which is really disappointing 😢. But thanks for sharing as usual eye opening ❤️

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    1. Thanks Sergine, I’m so glad this resonated with you 🙂 It always brings me comfort to remember that God sees our hearts 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  23. Let me come out of the comfortable shadows of the “bloggerverse” and offer affirmation and encouragement.

    I rarely, if ever, comment on others’ posts. However, over these past few months, I’ve been following and (usually) reading your posts. This particular blog post discusses an issue that I think is so prevalent in what you politely reference as “2018 Christianity.” The message is one that I think many discuss at one point or another, but unlike many such posts, I was compelled to read your entire post because of the “real” in it. When you write from the “real,” those posts are the most compelling and convicting.

    You have a gift for expressing your thoughts and feelings into written word. In my profession (i.e. academics), it’s a gift that I fear is becoming less realized by those who possess it. Keep writing. May the Lord continue to sanctify your heart, and exhibit Himself in your writing, your words, and your deeds. God bless!

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    1. thank you so much for this beautiful encouragement. I try very hard to not shy away from the “real.” So I am so glad this resonated with you. Thank you again for your kind words and for taking the time to respond! big hugs to you xox

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  25. Awesome read, Caralyn!!! You would think that it would be easy to become desensitized to certain portions of the film, but each time I watch it, I find myself being humbled as I am reminded that this was all for me (if I may be a little selfish for a brief moment). And I want everyone to feel what I feel and understand it why it so important to my life. Thanks for sharing!!!

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    1. thanks so much Sean. humbling is definitely a great word to describe the viewing experience. what an incredible gift He gave. Hugs and love xox

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  26. Well said my friend. I am thrilled you are a fan of the “Passion of The Christ” Even as horrific as it was, the beating of Jesus, I have listened to some sermons on the radio and it sounds like his beating was even worse than the movie – to the point, one could not recognize it was Jesus any more.

    One of my favorite shows on Netflix is “Person of Interest”, you probably know who one of the stars is, Jim Caviezel . I only found out he was Jesus in the movie recently when I wanted to find other roles he had done. In a write up, Mel Gibson warned him that playing Jesus would affect his career and it did.

    I am very glad that you are taking a stand on your relationship with Christ, not being a closet one, like so many of us are, not just in our beliefs, but in our daily lives too. We are a “Christian” on Sunday and Wednesdays, but the rest of the week, it is all politically correct. I am exactly where you are on that path – taking a stand, being willing to step out of the crowd and say, hey, hey, I am a Christian and I am proving it not just with my words, but also with my actions.

    Paul and James have a slight disagreement about faith. Paul says actions cannot save you, but James states, your actions confirm your faith. Therefore, they both are saying the same thing, but the focus is on both ends of the spectrum. I think James, however; is saying faith is not faith until you do something, which require faith.

    I will admit, I do not do Lent. I never heard of it until – well since I was baptized in 2009, yep one of the older ones to do so. I looked for it in the Bible, did not find anything, so I did a search online and found it is a time made up by the Church, which is fine and I like the premise, but have not done it. Would love to have someone to do it with, I think that would be an awesome solidification within a relationship.

    How we make others strong is exactly doing what you are saying, be willing to stand up be a Christian with every word and breathe. Be willing to say Amen and God Bless. I don’t do this for effect, but I have my Bible with me at all times, at least in my computer bag which is in my car, and I often while waiting for anything, pull out my Bible and read it and study it.

    God Bless you for your stand, I am glad to know I have you, a sister in Christ to .stand with back-to-back against not only the forces of evil, but to proclaim our love and faith of Christ and to invite others to join us.

    God Bless you!
    Leland

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    1. Hi Leland, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. yeah it was so powerful to actually see the scripture come to life in that movie. Hugs and love xox

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  27. I so agree that Christians are less likely today to identify. I originally was just going to put stories on the blog when I was going to be the only author. I thought that maybe I would get no followers if it was a Christian blog. But, then, it didn’t matter, because God laid this on my hart as a way to tell my stories and encourage people to love the Lord, regardless of how many people follow. It became for Douglas and me a way to present our faith and explain why we are convinced of the reality of God th Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ, and believe that God the Holy Spirit lives in us. And we have been successful. What matters is if one person reads our posts and gets saved. Enjoy your posts.

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    1. Yes! Encouraging people through faith is such an awesome thing to do. thanks for this awesome response. Hugs and love xox

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  28. Thanks. That was an excellent post. Very true. The scripture says ‘we should be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us, 1 Peter 3:15’ . Many thanks. Stephen

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  29. Beautiful post!! I also wanted to thank you because reading this blog has helped me a lot with self-image and being gentle with myself. 🙂 You also inspired me to start blogging again! Here it is if you ever had time to look at it 😛 (Ah, I always feel so awkward posting my own blog places haha) https://loveresides.wordpress.com/

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    1. Hi Abigail, oh my gosh thank you for this awesome feedback. I’m so glad my blog has resonated with you. big hugs to you xox

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  30. I truly appreciate your passion…but have you ever heard of the Franciscan interpretation of what the crucifixion was about? It comes from the Franciscan theologian John Duns Scotus just after the time of St Francis. Read Richard Rohr’s reflection at the following link. Not looking for a debate but I find many Christians don’t even know about this (including me at one time). This interpretation freed me…and frees me every day: https://cac.org/incarnation-instead-of-atonement-2016-02-12/
    Peace ~ Bill

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    1. Thank you so much for this insight, Bill. I will definitely have to read about it! I am unfamiliar. thanks for passing it along! Hugs and love xox

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  31. This again goes back to other posts I have seen lately with a similar theme – Western Culture has become so consumed by “offending” that we no longer are comfortable in our own skin. So many things we could place blame on but why? We don’t hold anyone accountable – we allow pro athletes to kneel for the National Anthem who are paid by ticket holders that are mostly church-going, freedom and military loving Americans. We are worshiping the wrong idols……

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  34. Have you ever watched Matthew by The Visual Bible? It’s longer than the Passion of the Christ but that’s because it’s verse by verse from the Good News According to Matthew. The person who plays Jesus is truly the best picture of Jesus I have ever found. It seems you can watch it on YouTube – https://youtu.be/fc8qOXeTsUQ.

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  36. I’ve looked at some of the comments here and they are all well and fine but I have a bone about Easter as kid and never have gotten of over it. I was a lousy Easter egg hunter as a kid, never found more then few. Now! I know the important of Easter but it was them damn! eggs that frustrated me so. Too funny I’m 56 yr old and it still brothers me, I think I need counseling Damn!

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  37. This was such a great post! I love it when people talk about their faith and are open about it. When you do, you discover that others do the same thing (which is awesome!). You also never know who you are inspiring by talking about your faith 🙂 All it takes is one person. I remember growing up and my mom telling me “You maybe the only Jesus some people see.” Thanks for talking about your faith. Keep up the great work!

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    1. aw, thank you so much Ashley! That’s so true! Vulnerability is contagious, and brings people together/strengthen relationships. I love what your mom said! Hugs and love xox

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  38. Hi hi, is there cinema around you that’s going to show Paul, the Apostle this coming week too? I am looking forward for that movie this week 😊 Paul said ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, as it is the power of God who gives the salvation to those who believe – Romans 1:16 ☺️

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    1. aw, thank you so much much. what a kind thing to say. so glad it resonated with you 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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      1. I believe you are a light of the love of Jesus and I appreciate that you are willing to share how Jesus helped you overcome eating disorder because that gives hope to many people who struggle with ED. I will pray for God to continue to empower you and bless you.

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      2. oh my goodness what a kind thing to say. thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. I am so touched. Hugs and love xox

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  40. As always, appreciate your sharing a piece of your heart and struggles. There’s always something in there that resonates or connects. Be encouraged, Caralyn. God’s grace is sufficient and His power is perfected in our weakness. As you continue to seek Him and walk with Him, being filled with His Spirit, authentically sharing your faith more will be a natural by-product of that process. Funny your title is Real Talk: “Private Spirituality”. My post tonight is titled “The Struggle Is Real (And Often Unseen)”. I had just finished my already-titled blog post when I got the notification of your post. Ironic. Take a read when/if you have some time and let me know your thoughts, ya?

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    1. thank you Jedi. what a kind thing to say 🙂 Amen – when we are weak, He is strong! haha – great minds 🙂 absolutely! Hugs and love xox

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  41. Well said! And there is so much that I want to say, but the words are stuck! (Wow…how’s that for a confession from a pastor!)

    I think that we need to get ‘simple’ in speaking of and living out our Christian faith. It is the person in front of me that I must be concerned about…sometimes the conversation about faith takes off right away and sometimes it takes a while to get there…and I know, given what I do, that people look at me for a long time before they might seek to engage me… and how I treat them, respond to them, talk about others, life, myself…it makes a difference in whether or not I get a chance to share with them Christ’s great love for them

    Kindness…respect…listening…understanding…so important to me Caralyn…I have moments when I cannot, simply cannot, fathom what Christ has done for me, for us…and the journey of faith and life for me this year has been a challenge because what Christ did for me is both to make me, through His death, and praise God, His resurrection, right with Him!

    But it also is a reminder that my character and my habits are need to be changed, transformed…and that is the deeper and harder work of discipleship.

    I’ll stop now before I start going in circles…

    Bless you dearly my friend!

    Jim

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    1. Thank you so much Jim, I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this. Get Simple — I love that idea. Great thoughts, thanks friend. Hugs and love xox

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  42. Right on again Caralyn. Whenever most of us attempt to share our faith in Jesus Christ, a battle starts up in our thinking process. Holy Spirit is inspiring us to share the Love, Sacrifice, Salvation, and Glory of Christ, and the enemy is saying things like:
    Do you think they really care? You don’t know enough theology. They will argue and win. They will embarrass you and tell others what you said. What makes you think yo are right, and they are wrong? Do you want all your co-workers to talk about you?
    And many other, even worse things fly through a person’s mind when the enemy attempts to disuade us from speaking about Jesus Christ.

    We need to remind ourselves, what Jesus Himself took on Himself for us, and that Holy Spirit Himself came to live within each of us who call upon Jesus as Saviour. Holy Spirit will give us words, and empower us, because He has come to direct others to Jesus Christ, and if He will work through us, we are blessed.
    God Bless you, Caralyn. We are blessed by God through you.
    Luv, 😀🌹❤️

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    1. That is so true, George! it’s that little doubt that creeps in. Gotta remind ourselves that indeed. He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called! 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  45. I appreciate you sharing your faith in our Lord. It is a beautiful story. I can not fathom what a sad and terrible place this world would be if Christ never walked the earth. He bridges the miles and miles between God and the world. God’s blessings to you.

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  46. I basically needed a maxi pad to collect the tears et al when I saw the Passion. BTW I loved your piece on the award show that featured Oprah and all the hypocrisy that was reported that evening.

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  47. Caralyn,

    As you pointed out, “Jesus defended me, it is my turn to my turn to defend Jesus.” You do, in fact, defend Him in your daily walk. We are known by our fruits and you are inspiring people in ways that many people who claim to be Christians and even hold positions in the church do not do.
    You said, ” Because there’s so much more I could be doing. And frankly, it’s a lot easier for me to write about on the Internet than in real life, but I am really trying to work on that.” What makes you think that your gift or ministry isn’t exactly that? There are those who serve by teaching or preaching, others who are involved in street ministry, still others who feed the hungry. Your service to our Lord is of paramount importance to the furthering of His Kingdom as long as you are doing it for His glory.

    Love and Blessings,
    Jim

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    1. Gosh Jim, I am humbled by your incredibly kind and generous words. Thank you. Your affirmation absolutely warms my heart. Sending such big hugs xx

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  49. Hey, I have a personal question: not necessarily about the post topic, but about religion. I am a Protestant, but I’ve been following your blog for a while, and I barely notice that we really are from a different denomination. I will admit, my only experience with the Catholic Church is what you read out of a history book when Martin Luther first split from Catholicism. So forgive me if I sound ignorant. My question is why did you decide to be Catholic? What made you decide to be Catholic, not Protestant? I would love to understand.

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    1. Thanks for your question. Yes, I am Catholic, and I love being Catholic. I was raised Catholic – I want to raise my future kids Catholic. That being said, I don’t believe that One denomination is the “right” form of Christianity or another is the “wrong” form. There are just slight dogmatic beliefs that differ. At the end of the day, I don’t even like discussing these differences because I personally feel that they just drive people apart or cause unnecessary rifts or divides when in my opinion, we’re all on the same team: Team Jesus. 🙂 That being said, there’s a lot of misconceptions/stereotypes about Catholicism – it is the butt end of a lot of jokes, but I have had nothing but a wonderful, faithful experience that has fostered a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a desire to share His love with whoever i can 🙂 so that was a long answer, but I do think it’s important just to state that we’re all on Team Jesus 🙂

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