I left the church at the age of 17 when I got out of high school.(I graduated a year early) I have not attended any church for around 25 years. I went to catholic grade school and I hated it. I was smacked in the face, hit with a ruler, put in a closit, had my ears pulled on, watched other kids get punishment by pulling down their pants and hitting them with a paddle (all this was done by nuns for 8 years in school). I did go to to siminary school for one year but was also hit, and treated badly so I left. I haven’t been to a catholic church until 2000 when I moved back home and put my 5 year old son in the same school (thinking times have changed and things would be different) he was treated about the same. He had to go to the restroom and they wouldn’t let him so he wet his pants. I took him out of the school right a way. I have not abeen to a catholic church since.
If that is how they treat children I didn’t want any part of it. I was invited to got to church by a family I met and I loved it. They showed me love and kindness, they gave me hope, they understand and don’t judge you, you really come as you are, they accept everyone, since I been going to a baptist church I have became a minister (non-dom because I preach at nursing homes to all religions) I teach sunday school to 6th graders, I am very involved with my church. I feel at home. I like the openess of the church, its not the same ol’ thing week after week (I can still repeat word for word the whole catholic mass) that how repetative it is to me. It had nothing to do with God, your beliefs (although I don’t agree with some ot your teachings it was not a factor). It was bad schooling, the same ol’ same ol’ in the church services. I just found a way to worship God and praise him that suits me and isn’t that what its all about just praising and worshiping God not what religion you are its all about God, your love for him.
It’s good of you to go preach at nursing homes, rev kevin.
My mother, age 89, is in a nursing home, enduring
advanced Altzheimers. She is now far too ill and infirm
to be part of any religious service taking place,
and she is now under Hospice care, while still
residing in the nursing home.
I often hope that those who are good enough to
visit the aged and the infirm, in a religious capacity,
will take the time to visit the floors in a nursing home,
where those who’s mind is no longer clear will then hear a loving voice
and sense the presence of someone who cares for them.
One who will affirm that they exist - by being at their side,
and speaking kindly to them, even if there is no reply.
For in the end, God will say to those who did this
“Come into the joy of My Kingdom. For I was alone,
and I was ill and aged - and you visited Me.”
reen12