Well! I’m aware that today’s topic won’t be the most popular one. I even expect to have a brick, a lantern, a chair, a cross, and probably a statue of the Virgin Mary thrown at me. This topic has earned me more rejection and contempt than many others. I’m talking, of course, about my faith.
With everything going on in the news, and with all the insensitive comments I’ve been receiving, I think it’s time I talked to you about my faith. I’m a Christian, and I believe in God, in Jesus, and in the Bible. I also believe in love, forgiveness, and tolerance. I believe in compassion, kindness, and faithfulness. My faith is what keeps me from worrying when my little one isn’t feeling well. It is this faith that allows me to hope for better days for my children. It is also this faith that drives me to be honest and act with love. It is this faith that compels me to ask for forgiveness when I’ve hurt someone and to make amends.
I’m not perfect—far from it. What I’m trying to say is that my faith has nothing to do with those madmen who blow themselves up in public places. My faith has nothing to do with those deranged leaders who believe it’s noble to decimate a people. My faith has nothing to do with those who abuse women and children or let them starve to death. My faith is one that calls on me to care for my neighbor. My faith is one that calls on me to open my door to the widow and the orphan. My faith is one that encourages me not to act out of anger and teaches that bitterness is a disease of the soul. My faith forgives when I am rejected or hurt. My faith is one that saves, not one that kills.
In short, I don’t want to get into a religious debate here. I simply want to ask you not to lump me in with those madmen who create injustice and evil in this world in the name of God. It’s completely different! It’s easy to blame everything on God rather than admit that we’re just despicable human beings. I understand why you’re wondering why there’s so much injustice if there is a God. I don’t have an answer to that. But please, don’t judge me because of my faith, because it’s a huge wave of love for you, my friend!