It amazes me how people turn out to be in two different categories when they’re older. They adopt the mindset of their parents or guardians or go the complete opposite direction of every belief they know at the age of ten. Whether it’s politics, religion, or morals and values, they could disagree with what was taught or want to explore and make their own opinions. Perhaps they had more than one bad experience and decided it wasn’t for them. Regardless, we should be more understanding and accepting of those who find what makes them comfortable.
For me, it was leaving organized religion.
I don’t condemn those actively attending a church or “service” of some sort, but I think it’s great that those people found something they’re so passionate about. My problem is when someone is adamant about shoving their beliefs down your throat and judging your decisions without even knowing you or why you’re making that decision. We’ve all been there with some “ultimatum.” Whether it’s coloring your hair to fit in with the popular crowd, choosing to date someone of the same gender or different ethnicity, deciding that the religion you knew growing up was not what you wanted, and deciding to explore others.
I think more people adhere to the “Golden Rule” than what they admit. We’re all just trying to fit in at the end of the day and find success and happiness. If you’re not worrying about everyone else and their decisions, it gives you time to focus on You.
Since leaving the Church, this is the first time in years I have felt even remotely like myself. Things didn’t make sense to me, and I didn’t know where I was. I didn’t appreciate the people who would just “pray for me” and beg me to come with them to Church to find God. I think people forget that your faith in a religion is based on your walk with that God or Gods. It’s not for everyone else to know about on a one-to-one basis. Again, I’m not harping on those with a fantastic relationship with an entity; that just isn’t me, and I’m more than okay with it.
For the ones who decide to pull away from their family and friends once knowing they’ve “walked away,” perhaps you should be asking why they are, not just jumping to the conclusion that they’re “bad people.” It’s not always black and white, and I know the number of people who have walked away from me after knowing me for over 20 years, which is disheartening. Sure, we may not see eye to eye, but at the end of the day, I believe we have more common goals than people realize.
Have you had an experience like this where things changed for you? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image via Pixabay on Pexels
