Purpose Statement

I have recently found that the views I adopted during my lack of faith still have a presence in my life. My former bitterness towards the Christian Church as a whole had somehow morphed itself into a lack of respect for the importance of denominations of faith and the different types of churches within those denominations.

I used to think that denominations divided the church. Now I feel that they bring similar believers together.

In order to support this view, I want to learn more about the body of Christ as a whole. I want to learn about what makes up different belief systems and denominations of Christian faith. I am a strong advocate of the philosophy of learning by doing, so I am going to go about doing this by setting up meetings with church leaders and pastors as well as by attending church services. I will take note of the structure of services, doctrines, statements of faith, methods of worship, etc. I'll pose questions and reflect on everything I learn. The purpose of this journal is to share my experiences through this unique, crucial journey and to have a place where I can keep a personal record of my experiences. Ultimately, I want to construct my personal statement of faith.

"Jesus teaches us another way: Go out. Go out and share your testimony, go out and interact with your brothers, go out and share, go out and ask. Become the Word in body as well as spirit."

-Pope Francis

Take Care,

Daniel

Preface - Coming Back to Christ

There was calmness in this moment. The heavy summer air deceived the dreary room into a sense of peacefulness as I watched his breath slowly raise and lower his hospital gown. Each breath looked like an obligation. I studied his features and pained myself to remember his spirit prior to his progression into dementia. He always displayed a sense of youthfulness and wisdom through his sharp wit and depth of character. Now he could no longer form coherent sentences, mainly expressing himself through sporadic shouts when he was able to. I thought about those nights where I would quiz him about life, learning about the moments that stuck with him to the end. They were always such subtle things, simple and profound.

I glanced at my watch as my thoughts quickly fled from the moment to my work. I had other patients to take care of, this moment would have to pass. I turned to prep the lift as my own worries began to surface. I thought about paying for school, moving to Michigan, starting a new life. I thought about God, how I had cut off our relationship for the past two years to try and form my own views. I thought for a moment He might still exist. Thoughts started to flood my head and offered a distraction from the heaviness of the room. I turned back to my patient to see his eyes fixed to mine. The warmth in his eyes was back but with a sense of sadness and fear that I can't forget. He opened his mouth to speak.

"Daniel, I'm so tired of holding on."

The words felt like voltage through my body. I hadn't heard him say anything coherent in months. I tried to use this short lucid moment to reassure him but I found that nowhere within myself was anything that could give him hope. I watched the warmth in his eyes fade back as I stood speechless.

I knew in that moment I was empty, finally understanding my own mortality. I vowed from that moment on to take life at its fullest, to embrace every opportunity, to shun fear, and to attempt to live a truly unique life. My plan inevitably failed as the emptiness only grew. It wasn't until I was led back to Christ that I finally claimed a more substantial goal - To live life fully for God's purpose and to work to become an imitator of Christ.