I'm Off to New Jersey!

I'm headed to New Jersey tomorrow through Monday. My sister's son is receiving his first communion. I grew up Catholic and my family (other than my Dad, who is an Atheist) is still Catholic (some are more involved than others). I'm the only one that has left the church. When I left the Catholic church it was a HUGE deal. My family thought I was being brainwashed. They cried. They begged me not to get baptized (I actually snuck out of the house with a hairdryer hidden in my backpack).

It's taken years for my family to finally accept that I'm not brainwashed or part of a cult. When Vince and I started dating he was on his way to law school. Even though they were upset about the whole Christian-thing, they found some solace in knowing that I would be dating and potentially marrying a lawyer. After one year, he decided to go into ministry and went to Seminary. That was a real blow to everyone's expectations (especially to his Jewish mother).

Now I'm married to a pastor and have started a church. They are totally supportive and encouraging. It's amazing what a few years can do to change someone's opinion. Vince talks about how we have to "Show and Tell" (like in Kindergarten) people about our faith. It's something I've taken literally in my relationship with my family. I've been "showing" them for 15 years, and even get the chance to "tell" them occasionally.

Some of you come from Christian homes and that's awesome. But some of you don't. I guess my biggest advice to you is to live out your faith in plain view of everyone, especially your extended family. Even if they aren't in agreement and don't support you, you are still called to love them unconditionally. Don't give up hope (I know how difficult this is at times)! Years may pass and you may see no results, but they are watching. You have no idea how God is using you in their lives. Continue "showing and telling" them. And love them like crazy!

Featured on newchurches.com