Once a month, our weekly church service is essentially an open mic meeting. Anyone willing to share their experience is welcome to get up and share. For years, I was the one who stepped up to the podium and shared my thoughts and experiences about my beliefs.
I am a little more selective about when/where/with whom I share my testimony. It’s often not with words from the pulpit but how I live my life. As the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” I choose to live my ‘religion’ (I’m putting it in quotes because it’s not my religion, it’s just who I am) rather than give lip service to it.
Yesterday, I was prompted to share my testimony… but I did not listen. The time and opportunity slipped away. So, I’m listening now, and sharing here.
My family is a kaleidoscope of belief systems/religions. Some lean heavily into the ritual, some just have abstract beliefs, and others follow more traditional sects. The only overarching truth is that we all believe in God and try to be good humans.
Time with my family is always interesting, especially as we are processing a loss or adversity as a whole. My perspective is different because I believe.
- I believe there is an overarching plan for my life. It’s not disjointed. Everything is used to make me the person I am supposed to be.
- I believe in an afterlife, and my forebears are over yonder doing all they did here without the same constraints.
- I believe that our efforts are enough. Our efforts don’t have to be perfect, just intentional.
- I have an eternal perspective, and because I do. I can firmly say that the dumpster fires happening all over the world right now will all work out in the end.
- I believe that our family relationships endure. I don’t see or even really know many in my family anymore, but I will get that opportunity one day.
- I believe that eternal truths cannot be denied and will be affirmed across the board.
Indomitable Bellatrix 