How much does your faith help you?
 

I hope I don't offend anyone here. I never usually bring up money, sex or religion with anyone I know, let alone perfect strangers.
BUT, I'm toying with the idea of going to church on sunday.
I used to go in my youth but fell out of the habit. and that's what it was- a habit.
Perhaps I need to look from a different perspective and seek something more.
I wish I had a stronger faith. But I know it's not something you can just buy off a supermarket shelf.
Where does it start? Does your faith grow as you search for your answers? Or should I have the faith before I go to church? What does your faith do for you?
I'm not expecting a revelation if I go... just comfort. Is there comfort to be had? Should I just go and see? Am I just kidding myself?

I depend on my faith to get me through just about everything. It's been tested more times than I care to remember but looking back I can clearly see just how much it's taken me through difficult times.

I don't "go" anywhere for church anymore. But I've always believed that you don't have to be sitting in a pew in a building to worship.

Going to church does provide fellowship with others and a chance to make new friends. There's also a few really good church programs on television that I enjoy watching.

If you do decide to go on Sunday I hope you enjoy it. :)

Absolutely go, PF, at the very least, if you don't, you'll never, ever know how it might have improved things.

I depend 110% on my faith, it is literally the only thing that keeps me from going over a dangerous edge.

I've been an atheist since I was about 10 years old (raised a Roman Catholic) so I dont really have a faith. (I believe in science)

That said tho, I'm not one of those atheists who want to take all the 10 Commandment monuments out of the parks, and I dont want to take "in God We Trust..." off the dollar bill, and I think that if people want to organize a prayer in a public school or a government building, that's ok too. (it's not "freedom FROM religion, it's freedom OF religion...)

People's religions are a special thing. Everyone has a right to believe in what/who they want (well, I draw the line at devil worshippers who like to sacrifice babies...)

I'm all for encouraging people to go to church/temple and think it's great when people have something to believe in. Even if I dont. I think anything that helps people get thru the everyday yuck of having MS is always a good thing.

I dont think faith is a thing that has to "get stronger" as you go along. It's a part of the person, it's just there. How it's expressed (bible thumpers who go to church everyday, all the way to "I only go on the big holidays like Xmas and Easter..." is sometimes confused with strength of faith.

From watching the differences between my parents (dad's Roman Catholic, mom is Methodist, and she was raised by a Methodist preacher) I think faith is a learning experience. It changes. It changes depending on what's going on in your life. I noticed my dad, when he got sick, started to carry a rosary in his pocket, and went to confession. He also let a priest give him the Sacrament of the Sick when he had to have a procedure to see what his heart was doing.

I dont think his faith got any stronger, I think he's more aware of it tho.

My mom tho, for her, church is something she's kind of "meh" about. She'll go if she wants to, but doesnt seem to see going to church as a requirement of her faith. That might have something to do with being a preacher's daughter.

Faith is fluid, and changes as you go along.

Did I ever tell you that, Kelly/Kitty and I are twins..:D

It's all that we (Jim and I) rely on to get us through the day. :hug:

We watch Joel Osteen every Sunday on TV.

My faith, COMBINED with attitude and experience, has gotten me through every obstacle so far. There were a couple of times that were touch and go though :eek:, I must admit.

I am not religious at all, and don't relate to the "interpretations" that come out of many of the man-made institutions. I did attend church for many years though, so I got what I needed out of that before I decided to go out on my own. :D

I follow my heart, and fortunately GOD is in it. :)

Cherie

my faith has led me out of some dark places.

I also go to church for a social outlet. There are many worthy projects to get involved in, and roll up your sleeves for. it feels so good to be able to give back.

I hope you go! :cool:

Go you have nothing to lose and possibly lots to gain.If not then at least you found out more about your feelings. I believe in my faith and trust me the good lord has helped me so much in life although most people would say I had a crappy life. It may not make sense but if we try something new and don't find what we seek at least we took the chance. Hugs and many blessings.