I was a child, they were a child. Yet, they told me I was going to hell. I did not know much about religion when I was younger. I don't remember my parents talking much about it, if they did, I probably was not paying attention. I remember my classmate asking me something about the bible, but I had no idea what they were talking about. When I asked what they were talking about, they quickly told me "I am going to hell." I honestly did not know what that meant either when they told me.
It was only several years later that I realized what they meant. For a little bit, I actually resented Christianity (not the people just the religion). I based all of my knowledge and opinions on those five words, spoken from a child who was most likely repeating what they heard from their parents or other family members.
After some time, that resentment went away and I went on with my life, but I still remember those words. It affected me in a way I did not know was possible. I often found myself nervous around those that were openly religious. I did not want them to hate me due to not understanding their religion. I felt like I was constantly dancing on ice.
All that time, I was never really religious, I am still not. I think I fall somewhere in the agnostic territory when it comes to putting a label on my beliefs. I did go to church with one of my parent's friends for a short time somewhere between the ages of 8-10. I was even apart of a church youth group during my time in high school and went on a church retreat, but I was never really religious. I did, however, learn why I was important to some.
While it might not be for me, seeing how it made people feel connected, feel secure and wished to live their life to the best ability was incredible. I have seen people who wanted to give up on life to becoming successful and wanting to keep going. If religion can do that for them, then I am glad they have found their reason to keep going. I actually began to read some of the stories from the Bible, while I do not believe them to the level of some, the messages and morals most stories portray is actually how I try to live my life.
I want to do the best I can in my life and live it to my full potential along with helping those in need along the way.
