I get asked fairly often what the *why* is behind my faith - more so than usual over this past weekend - and I started feeling convicted when I found myself giving a sort of fluffy, easy answer. So I’m challenging myself to be more bold in my response (hence this post).
Why I follow Jesus isn’t about how I was raised, and it’s not about checking off “Christian” as my religious preference. My reason is a pretty simple one, but it’s also one that makes people a little uncomfortable when they learn it, as it may for you right now.
The truth is that I’m completely and utterly lost without Jesus. Period. Gracie without Jesus is hopeless, depressed, anxious, and selfish. That’s right - I’m not a “good” person in my own strength or doing. Anything good about me comes from Him.
I’ve tried finding fulfillment in the things of the world, and it has always left me feeling emptier and more hopeless. Money, alcohol, status, approval from others, and even self actualization are terrible masters. The only real joy and fullness of life comes from Jesus. And when you realize that, and once you’ve been set FREE, there’s no turning back…
I feel like I’m supposed to extend an invitation. If you’re reading this and think it seems crazy (ha) but it still struck a chord with you, or if you just want to chat more about faith/Christianity - shoot me an email at gracie(at)girlmeetslife(dot)com <3
Thank you for sharing Gracie. I love your simple, yet powerful, answer. And it’s such a good reminder of how much better we are with Jesus. I’ve been having some anxiety about some haters lately and prayed this morning to feel Jesus’ love and be reminded continually that His love is all that matters. Your post was an answer to my prayer. <3
Ah, thank YOU for this comment! I wasn’t sure about posting this, so just knowing it resonated with at least one person means so much. I often worry about what other people think/say about me too, but then I remember that if the God and creator of the Universe loves and approves of me…well, who really care what anyone else thinks! And also, you’re just awesome 🙂 xx
<3 this post and this song. Memories from childhood Sunday school. I understand what your saying. One of my frustrations is that some like to lump us that love Jesus in one group and label us haters. They don't know me and we've never had a conversation but yet you know I hate because of my faith…sigh.
Beautifully said, don’t hesitate to post stuff like this! God is on your side and loves when you proclaim his name!
Thanks for that, Brianna - needed it 🙂 xo
Uhhh… I sent my email via the Speakable.co contact form? Awesome jewelry and concept by the way. I saw this post this morning via gmail but missed the part with your addy.
If it means anything, your faith and fearlessness in sharing it has everything to do with why yours is the one and only blog that I follow. Keep up the awesome work!!!
“My reason is a pretty simple one, but it’s also one that makes people a little uncomfortable when they learn it, as it may for you right now.”
You said it. This makes me… sad? Confused. Can you not find happiness simply in YOURSELF? In the person you are and were born to be. The people you encounter and all the beautiful things in the world, like trees and laughter and family and the feeling of sand between your toes?
I am not religious nor will I ever be. But it definitely interests me hearing about others people’s faith! Just as I happened to be born into a non-religious family, you happened to be born into a religious one, and it could just as well have been the other way around. That’s how I see it. Hmm, not really sure what I wanted with this comment, I think your post just made me a bit pensive. Hope you’re well girl! <3
Hey Maja! Thanks for this comment 🙂 Definitely don’t be sad for me! Let me clarify a bit. I *absolutely* find joy in those things - relationships, nature, etc. - but even more knowing the one who created and orchestrated all of those things.
For me, as much as I love so many of the things this world has to offer, I’ve always had a deep sense and longing in my heart that there was more…and a bigger purpose to all of those things. And so when I came to the conclusion that I truly believed there was a God (aside from what I was raised to believe), I thought - okay, so what am I going to do with that? If there is a God, I want to KNOW him! And so like I said, having that relationship with God has only magnified the joy I find in all of those things - the conversations, sand in my toes, etc. 🙂
(In fact being at the beach over the weekend was the greatest “God experience” I’ve had in a while. I loveeee standing at the end of the ocean in awe!)
Hope that helps explain a bit more what I meant. Thanks again for your comment 🙂 xoxo
Hey again girl! Thank you so much for your response, I definitely understand your reasoning a bit better now. We’ll agree to disagree, hehe 😉 Thank you for being open-minded and I hope you respect my opinion as much as I do yours. Love from Switzerland! <3
I really needed this right now. Thank you so much. Sometimes I get so anxious and lost and feel so hopeless and it’s not until I realize my relationship with Christ is suffering, and that’s why I am suffering.
absolutely love this ! One of the main reasons I read your blog is that you are not scared or ashamed to talk about your faith…so refreshing in a world where many Christians diminish it… Or the fact that we are all completely hopefless without Christ. I’d hate to see what my life would be without the beautiful gift of salvation!! Keep on being real Gracie it’s so very appreciated!!!
Thank you for sharing, Gracie! One of the reasons I have always loved your blog is because you aren’t afraid to be real and honest about your faith. It really encourages and challenges me to do the same.
LOVE this! Thank you for sharing.
I love how open and honest you are about your faith. It’s so uncommon for the blog world, but it is a much needed theme and voice for our generation. Thank you for being so willing to share!
YES YES YES!!!! I would be a WRECK without Jesus! I am so so thankful for his never ending grace and mercy and UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!
Amen. My life and mind has made a 180 since I gave myself to Jesus a little over a year ago. I’d be so lost without my faith. Living by the standards of this world only leads to shame, anxiety and constantly feeling insufficient. Jesus fills me with a joy I never knew before.
Thank you for your boldness, Gracie! When I read this I immediately thought of Acts 4:20- we cannot help but speak about what we have seen and heard. It is not about “religion” or morality but about knowing Jesus and making Him known to a world in desperate need of His love, grace, truth, and mercy. Thank you for encouraging my faith!
I love this and so appreciate your openness in sharing! It’s not always easy to be a follower of Jesus in this city (I live in NYC, in the West Village) and your encouragement and boldness are refreshing and wonderful! Thank you!
xo,
Riley
http://www.walkuphome.com
Hiya! I just came across your beautiful blog and was blessed enough to find this post, thanks so much for sharing. Love that there are young women who are bold enough to talk about their faith in such a public way- I know how nerve racking it can be! Keep on using this incredible gift of writing that He has given you!
2 Timothy 1:7 ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind’
Ella x