You believe there is some 'bigger' power but don't know what it is... you see the proof of science... you aren't gullible enough to just blindly believe in things that don't ring true to you... and have the belief and strength to rely on yourself.

Sounds to me like you're a pretty smart girl who's got it right ;)
Trust yourself.

You're not hopeless, and I think we're all confused. I honestly believe that your magical source of unconditional love and strength can be found within yourself. You said it yourself, you were the one that saw yourself through the trials and tribulations. I believe faith in oneself is the ultimate faith to have. In the end it's not really God, or any other name a diety is given, that we draw strength, hope, and answers from. It's ourselves. We just tend to see it as an outside source for whatever reason. And I'm not saying that a higher power does or doesn't exist, just that at the end of the day we're the ones that make the choice. We're the ones that hold the power to make the most of the life we're given.

Roxie

It is easy for some to blow off God, when they are not feeling what they think they should feel. When there is no strength that seems to come from that source. Like you I was raised Catholic and did not get it. Being Born Again sounded crazy. I kept searching and dug into the Bible and asking for that saving power that others seemed to have. Through all my looking, asking and wanting, I found it. It truly is a strength you cannot find anywhere else. There is no doubt that God is real for me. There is no doubt in the power He can give and the trials He can give you the power to bear. I would encourage you to keep searching till you find it.

It is easy for some to blow off God, when they are not feeling what they think they should feel. When there is no strength that seems to come from that source. Like you I was raised Catholic and did not get it. Being Born Again sounded crazy. I kept searching and dug into the Bible and asking for that saving power that others seemed to have. Through all my looking, asking and wanting, I found it. It truly is a strength you cannot find anywhere else. There is no doubt that God is real for me. There is no doubt in the power He can give and the trials He can give you the power to bear. I would encourage you to keep searching till you find it.

It is easy for some to blow off God, when they are not feeling what they think they should feel. When there is no strength that seems to come from that source. Like you I was raised Catholic and did not get it. Being Born Again sounded crazy. I kept searching and dug into the Bible and asking for that saving power that others seemed to have. Through all my looking, asking and wanting, I found it. It truly is a strength you cannot find anywhere else. There is no doubt that God is real for me. There is no doubt in the power He can give and the trials He can give you the power to bear. I would encourage you to keep searching till you find it.

I have a lot of faith issues too. Wish I had some answers for both of us. I know that God never promised us that the journey would be an easy one and for some people life can seem to be just about impossible. And God doesn't always help out, even when we need Him the most. Don't know why that is. Wish I did. I do think it's good to keep searching though, no matter how hard it gets. I think it's good to ask questions and to be honest about how hard your struggle for faith really is. I think it's better than just trying to sugar coat everything and act like everything is okay when it isn't.

your just confused. Its actually a normal part of development to questiob beliefs and religion on your 20s. Its something that you continue to explore and change through out life.

i've never found comfort in traditional religions either. I've come to beleive in a higher power, but o believe that power loves me for who i am and for the good and decent choices that i make. But i find my spirituality to be outside of religion.

Hi,
Sunsets, God will never see you as hopeless, and He doesnt desire for you to be confused with any matter, spiritual or worldly. Its really awesome that youve been thinking lately about Christianity, values, and beliefs. And you are correct by examining how some people behave poorly while claiming to be a Christian. Matt. 23:27-28; Isa. 32:6, out of the Scriptures, speak out about such behaviors. I feel that, if it were me searching for spiritual answers, it would be a perfect start to pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit to guide me towards a clearer understanding of gospel doctrine principles, laws and commandments. Pray vocally and keep prayer in your heart each day for God, the Father of all spirits, to send you some person or idea to righteously influence you spiritually and bless you to feel comfortable as you are searching for and ultimately learning the true nature of Deity. Be forever in thought that God does hear every genuine prayer and He loves you unconditionally, and He weeps as you are struggling with persecution at the hands of wickedness and that you are feeling isolated from within His love because others are not treating you by Christ-like love or attempting to keep His commandments, as true Christians should always seek to behave. You dont necessarily have to reach the proverbial low status that has at times drawn others towards the true light of Christ. You may start at this moment to know, as state of positive awareness, that God is very nearby you, and He cares that you should be blessed with real spiritual, mental and moral security and peace of mind. I leave you with my prayer that Gods glory will increase your faith and that you will find the answers that you seek. Be of strong courage and God will guide you.

IMO and I will probably get crucified (pun intended):

You sound exactly like I did until the last couple of years. Raised Catholic and everything. Sunsets1386, there is NO god. I could explain it rather easily but I am not going to "preach" to ya. You said yourself that the only thing that ever got you through anything was yourself. There are so many reasons society came up with the idea of god. But god is WITHIN, so quit looking elsewhere. The magic of some man in the sky being able to help you (unless he sends you to hell) would be great, but it's not there. You're fine and complete the way you are.

I believe in God. Raised Catholic, and still am Catholic, although a weird one lol.

But what you mentioned about the crap behavior of people at your church...that irritates me like nothing else. So...I can tell you what I believe, but that doesn't help you much. I suppose the best advice I can think of is to read and research on your own, away from the people who are acting so shitty. Far too many people use religion as a cloak, hiding all their shitty attitudes and behavior under a big fake smile and a handshake on Sundays. Which is pure bullshit.

Sorry...that has always really pissed me off.

I was raised Catholic and went to a Catholic school as well. Now, I found a great nondenominational church; honestly, I've found it is about the church you go to, one that doesn't care what you wear or what you've done or do. I've questioned God numerous times but then something just happened and I started understanding certain scriptures in the Bible. Right now, God is really all I, personally, have. The judgmental and cruelty you mentioned is what turns people away from God I believe. When I was 15 I tried killing myself and had to have my stomach pumped, there were 41 pills in the bottle and the doctor said had there been anymore I wouldn't have been here, I didn't go to God then. It wasn't until 5 years later when I had my first panic attack high on cocaine that I turned to Him. I was at my ultimate low. You aren't hopeless, or else you wouldn't have come here to express your feelings! If you are questioning your belief or you feel like you know there is God or a higher power, you can check out Joyce Meyer. She is a Christian speaker and I have Liked her fan page on FB, she's very motivational! Good luck to you, you've got people praying for you!

I know how you feel. I was raised the same way, my parents are still uber christian. I am experiencing the same things you are expressing. I think people look to the lord in order to have someone help them carry the load on their shoulders. It's not for everyone. Don't beat yourself up. Realize you are STRONG for for getting yourself up when you are down.

I think you are trying to find God in a building or by comparing yourself to others in it. I don't believe in organized religion but I do have faith within myself that God does exist. Keep searching within yourself. All you need is faith and he will make himself known to you.

Hmmm!????

I am a LAPSED Catholic....

Far Out... You HAVE TO confess sins... What if you didn't sin?

I remember (as a kid) making up (lying) SINS for confession!

Pretty F'd up - Yeah?

xo

Have you ever tried going to a different denominational church? One that isn't so strict?
Hugs