Ever since I can remember, I have always been interested in religion. My parents aren't religious so we never went to church but I would watch the services they had on TV on Sunday mornings. I had my own children's bible and frequently went on EWTNkids.com (eternal world television network). Just recently, I started going to church with my cousin. I believe in God. I believe in Heaven and an afterlife. I believe that God has a plan for everyone and that everything will happen the way it is supposed to. When my Grandfather passed last summer, I found religion as a comfort. Losing my grandfather was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I found comfort in knowing he was with God in Heaven and that one day I would see him again. I know he is watching over me everyday and that is my motivation to act the way I do. I want him to be proud of everything I do and the person I am turning into.
During middle school/freshman year, I'm not going to lie, I was a bitch. I was very arrogant, selfish, and judgmental. Once I realized that there are bigger things in this world, I took a step back and realized that wasn't the person I wanted to be. I started trying to see the best in everyone. Of course it was hard at first because it had become so automatic but with time it has gotten easier. Through this process, I have realized that I love making people happy. I love complimenting people and I love cheering people up or just brightening up their day by telling them they are important. There are so many beautiful people in the world that need to be told just how beautiful they are. My goal in life is to help as many people as I can, and by doing that, I hope I make my grandpa proud.
I can really relate to your blog post, I believe everyone was mean at some point in their life. Something happens in everyones life to make them realize the value of life. Some people choose to become a better person, like you and I. And some people choose to be mean. I love how you talked about your relationship with your family and how even though your family doesn't believe in god, you didn't care and chose to believe anyways. Do you think your family will ever want to go to church?
ReplyDeleteThis blog post actually seemed like it could be fitting for every person one way or another. I like how you said that you realized there are more important things than being rude and arrogant, but whats awful is that people still can not realize this. My cousin passed away when I was in first grade and that is when my dad started to bring me to church so i could understand what was going on, yet it took me awhile because I was so young. I do also, have the feeling now of happiness and relief knowing that he is in a safer place. This blog post was really awesome.
ReplyDeleteJoc, this is a very well rounded post. It is very interesting to see how you were as a child with religion, how it helped you in the past, and the way of which you have applied it to your daily life. I am terribly sorry to hear about your grandfather, and I'm glad to hear you found comfort early on in your grief. There are so many great things this world has to offer, and it is inspiring to hear how you have changed in the past few years. I can relate to making a loved one proud, as I'm sure many others can too. We will, I know it.
ReplyDeleteYour post almost made me cry Jocelyn. Getting to know you this year, I have been so impressed by the fact that you are both one of the most "popular" and well known people in our grade, but also one of the kindest people I've ever met. I'm so inspired by your open mindedness towards religion and that you turned to it during a hard time in your life to help you through. I can tell by reading your words and listening to you talk about him, how much you love your grandfather. I know that you are making him the proudest man in the world. It is wonderful that religion has helped you feel more at peace with your loss. You are an incredible person and this post really reveals who you are. You rock girl!
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