09/19/2025
This is long but whether you're a believer and follower of Jesus or not, I hope you'll take a minute to read.
There's something I say to my kids as a guiding principle/standard on how to treat people and do our part to bring more light and kindness into the world.
"Every single person in the world, no matter who they are or what they've done, are another son or daughter of God who He created and loves just as much as He loves you. You treat them the way He would and the way you'd want them to treat you as one of His children too."
It's become so apparent to me that the whole world needs that reminder. And even if you're not a believer, the treat others how you want to be treated still applies. We need to stop the constant finger pointing and instead put our effort into what we ourselves can control and change. Of course policies and things can always be worked on and improved but if all of us as individuals can't get back to kindness and respect and raising our kids to do the same, policy changes are going to be pretty much irrelevant. Because let's be honest, when there's such strong division and hate between people and a lack of respecting and accepting differences, some will always find a way to make these constant tragedies happen.
For all of us who are believers and *most importantly* FOLLOWERS of Jesus, just imagine how much we can change the world just by following that same principle I mentioned above. If we can all truly view and treat others as our brothers and sisters in Christ, not only would we create a massive shift wave of change for the better, we'd get to be the example of what Christianity and discipleship should really look like. Because respectfully, a lot of self-proclaimed believers are NOT the example of that and a reason so many have avoided or walked away from their faith. It's on us to change the way people see us and tip the scales on bad versus good experiences with Christians. Take it from me who spent 20 years of my life being basically Atheist and speaking against faith because of my bad experiences from church and some people in them. I get to see now that wasn't how it's supposed to be. We are not called to change people or their hearts. And certainly not to be their judge or belittle them for their sins or lack of faith, especially when all of us sin too. It's our job to plant the seed and share the goodness of salvation and His love. What better way to bring people to the kingdom than to show them the forgiving, unconditional love that saved us? WELCOME them. LOVE them. Be the light He called us to be.
And if you're reading this as someone who has never believed, has had no interest in it, or like me had a bad experience with the church or some of its people, this part is for you. I am never here to push my beliefs or faith on anyone because that's one of the big things that kept me away from Him for so long. I'm here to share my own story and help others find what I have through having a personal relationship with Him.
If you're someone who was hurt or put off by the church or people in it, I feel you, I was you, and I hope you'll make the choice to seek Him like I did after finally encountering people who truly reflect Him. Revelation 3:20 says "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." And I can tell you it's true. I prayed continuously for Him to show me if He was real. And honestly it was mostly out of cynicism so I could reinforce my lack of belief. But He showed up. Even when I kept writing signs off as coincidence He kept showing up. So please don't let others or a church keep you from Him. Seek a relationship with Him, He will show up. He will guide you to the right people and church like He did for me. You don't need to "fix" yourself or "get yourself together" before you come to Him. Go to Him as you are because He knows it all already and loves you anyways.
Following Him may not always be easy but life will bring hard no matter what and I can confidently tell you that going through the hard with Him to lean on and guide you makes it so much more bearable than going through it alone, and I'll gladly walk the hard path that ends in eternity with Him over the alternative. So no, I'm not here to push my faith or belief on anyone, but I will proudly share my own faith and testimony and although I'll never be perfect, hopefully be a true reflection of Him and get to bring more of you to know Him. Because one thing I am not okay with is looking back one day and knowing there were more people I was supposed to bring to Him but didn't because I was too scared or timid or worried about what someone would think or say. Other people's salvation is infinitely more important than what anyone thinks of me. I hope if you're curious or have any questions at all about it you'll let me help.
Make Heaven crowded🫶🏼
