So I have to be honest, 24 was a blur. Nothing stands out about that age other than nothing stood out about that age.
Actually, I do remember something, I was in church ALL THE TIME. I made the 30-minute journey to church at least three times a week and I loved every minute of it. Being a member there was nothing like I’d ever experienced in church. I’d attended relatively small churches all my life, but my new church boasted more than 20,000 members, with a sanctuary that seated thousands. Everything was big, bright and extra, just like how I like most things in life. I started singing with the praise team, made some amazing new friends and volunteered with various church groups–I was all in.
What’s most important and what I’m most grateful for, is my relationship with God expanded in ways I never imagined during that year. Jesus was my woe. I fasted, prayed, read the Bible and was IN every service. It was an amazing time of personal and spiritual growth. I remember telling my friend I’d probably be a member of that church for the rest of my life. I was wrong. I left the church nearly five years ago after a series of strange and unsettling leadership decisions. Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made as an adult.
I learned from that experience that no matter how much you love something (or someone), or how good it’s been for you, you may have to let it go. Sometimes we’ll stay in a situation after it starts to go sour because that what we’re used to, but sticking around will most likely result in more damage. Be grateful for the experience, but have the courage to let go when its time.
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