Community Christian Church

Unexpected Life Change

Written by Jamie, Montgomery Campus Friday, 20 February 2009 08:06

Never would I have thought attending a home-school Christmas play would bring me back to God and more!  I was well aware my existence was completely lacking spirituality…but I would never know the complete extent.  Before my rut, I was a pretty cool/normal person.  I’d helped a couple of elderly people with groceries, I volunteered here and there, I watched my mouth around my mom and elders.  I even showed up for church on the occasional holy holiday, for weddings and funerals.  I hadn’t confessed to a priest in over a decade, but I didn’t consider myself a heathen.  I was aware of a Higher power, but felt I didn’t have to have any formal accountability.  I guess you could say I was the stereotypical South Side Irish Catholic. 

The first time entering the Montgomery Campus I could not believe THIS was a church.  The instant energizing vibe hit me as soon as I walked through the glass doors.  The cozy, welcoming foyer area—high tech chalkboard, comforting fireplace, lemonade stand and all!! The bright detailed children’s rooms weren’t anything I ever experienced in a church before.  That same weekend I thought I would “do the right thing” and I attended the services when my niece Mackenzie and nephew Aodhan asked me if I would be going to church.  Even the first service wasn’t comparable to any mass I’d previously attended.  I actually thought my family made mention of my huge void of spirituality to their pastor friend.  (pardon my only child syndrome)  I felt like the guy on the stage was personally speaking to me.  As if he knew my exact lack of faith at that moment…reaching inside to my personal thoughts.  It was so amazing and frightening all at the same time.  That first service I cried more than Cubs fans did when that Steve guy ruined their chance to the world series!! I actually found myself commuting from my apartment in the city all the way to Aurora a few more times to check this place out.  I was thinking it was a fluke.  My curiosity brought me back over and over. To this day, just over three months later, the same phenomenon brings me back and the impact is still indescribable

Now I look forward to weekly services…I actually plan my weekends around them!  I’ve become so hooked, I am working with Kids' City helping out the 1st through 3rd graders with their spiritual path.  It’s an extra bonus because I can totally relate to them better than most of my friends.  Each time a volunteering opportunity presents itself I cannot wait to sign up.  My old self—the one who lacked accountability, the more ignorant judgmental chick would point and laugh at all of this.  Who knows what she would think about this amazing small group I’m hanging out with and making real friends of!  I’d hit my emotional rock bottom, and finding my way back to God has totally allowed me to ditch the despair and loneliness while surrounding me with great people and a greater purpose.

I am choosing to have my would-be big brother—he’s a whole foot taller than me, continues to think he’s always right, and still two years younger than me—baptize me today.  I want to be baptized as an adult to publicly and internally confirm I am one of Jesus’ followers finding my way back to God.  I am ready to rid myself of some of my old clothes---those grudge-holding jeans, the malice shoes and anger coat are outta here.  Now I’m going for the classics---forgiveness tanks, patience pants and compassion tee’s in my everyday wardrobe.  My old closet didn’t include Jesus, and now I am choosing him as my everyday timeless bracelet.