While I do not speak about it very much, I am a practicing Christian. The reason I tend not to speak about it is that the first question people ask you is usually, “What church do you go to?”

I have to awkwardly smile and explain that I have no real church home. It has taken me a very long time to come to grips with the idea that no church is perfect, and churches still hurt people, even when they have the best intentions. Anyone can be burned by anything or anyone, we are all imperfect.

Many people would and have told me that church is a church. As long as it is doctrinally sound, then it should be fine to go to. Some people would even explain that if Church is not for you, even if you do not connect there, you should still belong. I do not believe that.

The bible talks about going to church as if it is one being fed, but how can you be fed if you are allergic to the meal?

It does not work. As much as the church is for God, it is also for the community and for the people that go there. Of course, people go to church to worship God, but as many people including me can attest, when one walks out of the church, they also feel good and free again.

Despite my reservations which were many especially because so few churches have services at times I can go to, I decided to try one out anyway.

As I parked nervously on the side of the road I could feel my hands getting sweaty. My friend, whom I brought along is questioning me “You’ve never been here? Are you sure this is the place? Is this even a good idea?”

But I’ve come this far. I do not want to give up yet. So I turn the car off and brace the rain to try and get through the doors. Next major hurdle, other than the band and the greeters, there is nobody here. I can feel the doubt growing.

What if I have done this all for nothing? What if this was a terrible mistake? What if the sky falls on top of me because I've gone to the church of my own choice for the first time in probably eight years.

Of course, none of those things happened. In fact, I had a great time and everything was wonderful, but it's not really about the church, it's more about the fact that I did it. So often I find myself saying, “Well I didn't like this then, so I won't like it now.” I shut myself off to something that maybe I would like, or maybe I could do.

This time in a college student’s life is all about new. New experiences, new feelings, new life, new everything. So why are old feelings the ones we go off of?

I want to encourage everyone to get out a little more and do something that helps support not only yourself but other people in the community.