No, I am NOT ashamed

I have never considered myself "religious".  Even during the most "churchy" times of my life, I did not proselytize  in any way.  I did not hand out tracts or sneak them under the toilet paper in public bathrooms as I heard others say they have done.  I didn't hand tracts to the tellers at banks.  I guess I am not a tract person.  I used to feel guilty that I didn't care more about lost souls.  


Now, I know the Bible says the fields are white unto harvest and more workers are needed.  Sorry, I've never been too good at that.  Oh yes, I went on two missions trips to Mexico to help with programs and Bible schools for children, but honestly, I went because I wanted to see Mexico and we couldn't afford a vacation at the time.  I was touched, however, by the people there.  They seem so light-hearted and happy, to have so little.  I came home very thankful for my house and all I have.  Mexico taught me more than I taught those children.  


I have never been ashamed of going to church.  
Hold on, I am leading up to something here.  


When I did the entry about how I wrote "God's Patchwork Quilt", I started out with a disclaimer that went something like this:  "Warning.  Religious content, if you are not comfortable with that, move along."
  
Then I thought of blogs I read that make fun of God and religion, and I realized none of them give any warning or disclaimer.  In fact, many of those people seem to have the primary goal of poking fun at others' beliefs in hopes those people will read what they have to say and feel bad about themselves.   

I support their right to speak their minds.  So then, why shouldn't I speak mine?  
I won't go into detail, but my beliefs have become ever more liberal as I grow older.  However, God is still a big part of my life. 

I talk to God often throughout the day, but I don't usually ask Him to change the order of things or perform miracles.  I ask Him for strength to deal with whatever comes my way, and I ask the same for my loved ones.  


At my age I seem to always be misplacing something, and when I've looked everywhere without results, I stop, take a deep breath, and say, "God, You are going to have to help me or I'll never find it."  
Nine times out of ten, He does.  

I'm sure that to people outside the church (in my book, "the Church" includes various denominations, not just one) might find the words to Patchwork Quilt rather insulting:  "We once were ragged remnants...," "a person without Jesus isn't much to brag about," etc.  
These lines are written from my viewpoint, from what my life was without Jesus.  The song isn't meant to put down outsiders.  It's all about me and my past.


In the end, I removed the disclaimer.  It's my blog, my beliefs, and my song. 

You don't have to like it.