I never did enjoy taking the easy way out...

I've come to the realization that my life as a Catholic will never be "Easy". Some people in my church will make mistakes and give my faith a bad rep., people will falsely accuse me of many things, I will continually be judged, I will give my whole heart to each person knowing that I may not receive any love in return, I will prayerfully battle for things that the world does not understand, I will continuously be misunderstood by those who have no interest in seeking what I really believe, I will be called closed-minded by those whose minds are already closed, I will not be encouraged to act on emotions alone, and I will not do things because they "FEEL" good, and so much more. I will carry many crosses..with much joy. Because, I know what the church is and what it is meant to be. I see the good it does, and I know its' love. I know the presence of Christ, and I see it's truth shine to the darkest places on this earth. I know "the way, the truth, and the life" lies where Christ has lead me. I know it's a miracle that I was brought to the Catholic Church, and nothing can break that. Thanks be to God that He has made me a fighter along with so many beautiful souls to stand up for our beloved Church, and to radically say, I am proud to be a Catholic.

The two most important things in my life.. Jesus AND Religion

So, I'm sure you've seen the video that went viral on youtube "Why I love Jesus and Not Religion". If your facebook was anything like mine was last night, you would have had the oppurtunity to watch it via friends "share"s 20+ times. Their words to describe the video: "moving", "beautiful", "truth", "a step in the right direction", were much different than mine. I found myself thinking "wounded", "heart-breaking", and "persecution".

You see, some of his points are valid, and I know his heart is in the right place. However, this video persecutes all of those who do try to follow Him and love Him and have a personal relatinoship with Him. It's man that can get it messed up sometimes, not religion. It makes me question why in our culture it has become an extremely popular sport to attack religion, especially when it comes to Christianity- the MOST persecuted religion in the world. Why is it so sociably acceptable to attack those who try to follow Christ? Why is it more popular to see an attack on "tebowing", which is nothing more than a man who wants to give thanks to his creator, on the news rather than the war in Iraq? Why is it sociably more acceptable to hate a Catholic than be one? These are all questions whos answers I am not sure of yet. But one thing I do know is that there are many wounds in our society from our culture, especially in my generation. It is much easier to go with the flow of things than stand up and say "I am made for more, and I choose to live my life in a radically beautiful way, head over heels in love with my creator". It is hard to rise up and say, "I belive in chastity" or even just a simple "I believe in God". And sometimes, we find those who have been wounded by, yes, religious people, who instead of saying "You are loved and worth more than our culture of death can ever tell you", they have said "you are a sinner, and you are doomed". If I could take the hand of each person who has been wounded in some way, I would say, find Christ. Find the truth of Him and hate what someone thought religion was, not what it is really is. Religion is not bad. It is a tool that brings us closer to Christ. If I could rap, my message would be this:

I understand that you've been hurt by the things that people say,

by the one's who tried themselves to save you instead of letting Jesus lead the way.

I get it sounds like only rules and things you have to follow,

but finding truth will bring you peace and your heart will never be hollow.

You see, He didn't hate religion, no He didn't hate at all

The bad you've heard is evil, it's weakened man cuz of The Fall.

No religion isn't perfect, but God is so much more,

and I beg you to keep on searching before you the close the door.

The love from Christ IS perfect, it's intimate and pure,

But if there were no hospitals than we'd never have a cure.

Don't persecute religion, no don't persecute at all

cuz that's where our wounds come from-the judgement not the law.

I ask you to keep on seeking

for His love- it will change your life

Cuz religion is a tool to lead you to our savior Jesus Christ.

Please read: http://youngandcatholic.net/2012/01/why-i-love-jesus-and-religion/.

I ask you to pray for all those who have closed the door on religion and ultimately finding God, and for all those who dedicate their lives to bringing the fullness of truth to our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

Peace of Christ be with you. <3