It never occurred to me that I would be an influential person. It never crossed my mind that I would have the power to influence anyone other than the children I would raise. But, its happening. I am happy. I am settling into my own skin, and making the changes that I need to be the woman I know I am. This is new, and nifty. My friends were first to be interested in the goings on. They wanted to know what my faith meant, what it was like, how I practiced, how I knew it was right....what it felt like. This became a discussion that grew from our back porch info session to a yearlong, thing. They shared with their family, and response back has ranged from fear to acceptance to ambivalence.
Then Rick's family got involved. Really involved. And it more of the same...however, one member has stepped up and said, my beliefs are similar to yours and maybe this is something I need to research. Its an amazing experience.
My family has stepped up with their interest. And its strange. It's almost a competition of faith, and I don't understand that.
I know that faith is intensely personal. Even the belief that there is a lack of faith is very personal. I know that the practice of faith creates judgement based on fear, or respect, or acceptance. People weigh in, wanting to share their experiences. But this is my first time out. And what I'm noticing is that the stronger I become in the faith that suits me, the more the reaction changes. When it was new, people were afraid and quick to dismiss it all. When it had hung around for a while, people became divided. When things were starting to firm up, and results were beginning to show, people became involved and emotions rode high.
Faith is the sustaining of a soul. And mine is not yours. Just as yours is not mine. And while I can quote all the things that religions tell us, and cement my point, it just doesn't seem important. What is important is knowing that I live with integrity, with intention, with joy, a bit of irreverence and responsibility.
