I grew up as a Southern Baptist. My family has always belonged to the same church and to this day my parents and my brother’s family still attend First Baptist Church in Forest City, North Carolina. One of the reasons Baptists are given this name is because they are not baptized as infants, but when they are old enough to understand the full concept of Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us. I accepted the Lord as my personal savior when I was thirteen and made a public profession of my faith by walking to the front of the church one Sunday morning. Many factors in the past have influenced my relationship with God and continue to do so daily.
I first learned to be a Christian from my parents. They took me to Sunday School and “preaching” on Sunday mornings when I was young. They made sure I was involved in the youth group and children’s and youth choirs while growing up. They taught me to say a blessing before every meal, and they laugh when I still occasionally break into our traditional “God is great, God is good . . .” version of grace I learned as a child. My parents were also the ones who taught me to ask for God’s help when I am in need of something or worried about an issue as well as to give God praise for all of the blessings in my life. My grandparents also helped further my Christian education. My Grandmother Hall made an impact on my understanding of church because she was very opinionated about what her preacher should and should not be preaching about from the pulpit. Her opinions caused me to think about what I believed in and why I believed that way. My family was very important to my upbringing in the church.
As a Christian, I feel there are several places where I can feel close to God. I love to be in...
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...his wife are unable to have children. The wife is so distraught with disappointment and resentment that her husband asks her, “Will you be able to love the Lord even if you can’t have children?” This is a question I have had to ask myself many times, and thankfully after many years of heartache I can answer YES! I realize that we are indeed going to be able to live full, productive lives even without children. (This could definitely account for the crazy love we shower on our dogs, Hunter and Dixie.)
My parents, sacred places I like to visit, and knowledge that God is with me continue to make a difference in my Christian life. I know that as I grow older I will continue to have experiences that show me God is present in my world. I hope I can continue to be a good and positive influence on those around me so that I can help them to see God’s presence as well.
The Christian faith has been a major legacy left by my great-grandfather. My great-grandfather started a Spanish church in Blue Island, Illinois, and raised his family in the ways of the Lord. He taught his children the importance of having a strong foundation in the Word and the importance of coming to church. His legacy is evident in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Even when at times different family members have walked away from the Lord, their strong foundation as children has often times brought them back to God. My grandma and my mom both had similar experiences, and if it had not been for the strong foundation in the Word of God, God only knows where they would be today and if I would even exist. I grew up in church, and have a personal relationship with God, that will enable me to be apart of the Christian culture at Southeastern
After seeing though the eyes of my pastor I’ve come to realize the importance of faith and committing to one’s beliefs. Returning to church after two massive losses has helped my mother in many ways and it has also taught me as a young man how small things that I could do would turn to have a big impact on someone’s life the same way my pastor impacted my life and the life of my siblings.
I am an African-American woman who was raised in a Christian household. Growing up, I lived with both of my parents and my two sisters. We are a close-knit family. My parents made it their primary goal to instill in us religious beliefs by having us attend church
Growing up and becoming a Christian was nowhere on my life timeline. In my early teens I accepted God as My Lord and Savior. Who knew that from that day on my life would take a huge turn. Before this huge turn I didn't know what it was to include a daily prayer nor know the reason why I attended church. Eventually I became mature and was able to comprehend God's purpose for my existence. It was like a puzzle waiting to be solved. I view my life as special because I stand out to people who don't know what it's like to live in a Christ-like perspective because it's a reminder that I see the power of Jesus and they don't.
Religion and faith have been a part of my life since the day I was born. My grandfather has been a pastor at Selma Church of God for 39 years and my mom, along with my grandmother and aunts, run our churches worship team. One could only assume, I have spent much of my life in the church. From years of children 's church and Sunday school, I learned of God 's unconditional love for me and His constant willingness to forgive me of my sins. My family and teachers explained the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. As a child, I knew all these things, these wonderful things about my God and my religion, but it was not until my early teens that I began to thirst for more.
Spiritual formation is a process that morphs as we grow and change. There is no one singular correct path this type of journey takes because each journey is as individual as the person who is experiencing it. Most obvious, the journey will be different from those who identify as religious and those who do not and will diversify with in each category. For example, the spiritual journey a Buddhist takes will be different from that of a believer in Judaism or Christianity. In fact, the journey will continue to diversify between Christians, male and female, age groups, even by demographic location. Consequently, the spiritual formation process is as diverse as it is intricate and we may never be able to discover all the journey options. Although individuals may not actively recognize they are experiencing spiritual formation it is a process that affects all. Because it is in human nature to question, learn, grow, and act, everyone to a certain extent is exposed to a unique spiritual formation journey.
Christianity had always played a major role in my life since the day I was born. Growing up, faith and church was never a question in my family. I was raised in a Lutheran church and continue to go to the same one to this day. This church is very near and dear to my family’s heart. This was the church my parents met at and got married in.
Every Sunday. Stares and disappointment. I sat with my grandmother at this big church. People would stare when they realized I didn't know the prayers or songs. I was trying to learn more about religion why did I feel so scared? Am I going to find where I belong? Will I have enough time? These are questions I sometimes have to ask myself. When I was little I explored many religions but now that i'm older I am frightened about faith.
In addition to being influenced by church and religion, I have also been influenced by my family. My parents have always been there for me and supported me in all I do. They encourage me in my schoolwork as well as my extra-curricular activities. They attend all my concerts and things I participate in including church activities. My grandparents have also influenced me in what I am today. My grandfather is a minister and has always encouraged me to do well and have high morals. They have always done special things such as taking me on trips to show me how much they love me. My sister has also helped me be the person I am today. She has been a role model to me in many things. She has encouraged me to do well in school because she excelled and was valedictorian of her class. She also has an outgoing personality and has been a role model socially.
The beginning of my faith journey can be described as rocky, at best. Each Sunday morning my dad would stay home just so that he could catch every possible second of Sunday football coverage. I wasn't even exactly sure who God was; my mom just told me I had to go to church "'cause I said so." This upset me, especially as a child. Furthermore, the example that my father set for me was far beyond comprehension. Who was he to tell me to go to church when he didn't even go himself? For a long time, I lost trust in my parents because I was being led on so many different paths.
Growing up in a Christian household, attending a Christian school, and engaging in other activities within Christian communities, as a child I assumed everyone was a Christian. My parents sheltered my sisters and me from their perceived dangers. It was not until my late teenage years did I encounter persons of other faith traditions. Certainly, the sheltered approach made by my parents caused an intense level of naivete but because their actions were carried out with the utmost amount of love it is was with compassion that I do not hold these decisions against my parents. With gladness, I am grateful to have met and experienced God at a young age. Had I not known God for myself, I believe that I would have
Two-thirds of children who participate in extracurricular activities are expected to attain at least a bachelor’s degree, whereas only half of children that do not participate do (National Center for Education Statistics, 1995). Childhood is a very important time in our lives, a time when we develop many vital skills that follow us into adulthood. Some people laugh or scoff at us parents that keep our children to busy schedules. Those same people would also argue that our children should be allowed to have a childhood, to not be so tightly scheduled in their daily lives. Before jumping on that bandwagon, I would suggest doing a little research. Participating in after-school activities has shown to benefit children in many ways. Children should
This has taught me to become the person I am today, by following in our saviors footsteps taught me to never give up. When things seem to be at its worst its Jesus who carries the burden for me. Today’s culture takes advantage of the love Jesus has to offer, selfishness seems to be the normal act of today’s society. My Christian worldview helps my personal decisions I make with my family and career. I remember to treat others like I want to be treated (Luke 6:31, King James Version) even when other treat me unsatisfactory. My purpose is to minister to others how great God is, and to testify about the miracles he’s worked for me. God’s purpose impacts my way of thinking because of the instructions taught, miracles he executed, and the passing and revival he concurred
As far back as I can remember, I have been raised around good Christian people with good Christian values. I felt safe in church, knowing that most of the families I had connected with had the same set of values and beliefs that I was educated on throughout my life. Learning what I have in
The faith that I have, and my parents’ example, have both had a large impact on who I am