From Religion to Faith

First in a series following my journey from fundamental Southern Baptist religion in childhood to a much different way. This is primarily for my children and grandchildren, but you are welcome to come along.

Early Church

I was a good little Southern Baptist girl. When I was born my siblings were 15, 12 and 8 years old. I was obviously a surprise to my 39- and 40-year-old parents and I knew it. We attended the First Baptist Church often. When I was about eight, I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and was baptized. As I understood the most important thing was what I believed.

My dearest friend, Joyce, was the pastor’s daughter. We spent lots of time together, making fudge and spending overnight with each other.  I was with her when we walked into our huge new church-First Baptist Church in Port Neches, Texas. We had all contributed dimes to pay for the bricks. That sanctuary would hold many memories in the coming years. My dad’s funeral, my mother’s funeral, my son and daughter’s baptisms. Everyone knew us and we knew them. 

In my teen years I participated in youth activities. My friends were mostly church friends. We never questioned a word of what we were taught. In our community the church was the center for many activities. I appreciate the strong biblical training I received there.

At one point my mother found herself at odds with some of the activities of the church. All she ever said to me was, “I’m not going to sit through another meeting arguing about what color the carpet should be.” She and two others started holding Sunday School and services in the slums of our town. These were wood buildings on piers that were built after the war. They were terribly run down. They did manage to get a piano and children were the ones who attended, mostly.

Religious Questions

I was about nineteen when I began questioning. I recall asking my mom, “Why is it that we hear more about what not to do and little about what we ought to do.” I don’t think she had an answer. I dared ask, “What difference would it make if we learned that Mary was not a virgin?” Mom sharply replied, “You aren’t questioning that Mary was a virgin, are you?”  I knew better than to get into a discussion with her and let it go.

I was acutely aware that there were other religious denominations. My neighborhood playmate, Johnny and his two sisters, were Roman Catholic. I must have been told some critical remarks in Sunday school because I’m certain my mother would not have said anything to me. But I was an outspoken little girl and I would criticize Johnny’s beliefs. I really wish I hadn’t done that. Johnny and I are lifelong friends. And that was over seventy years ago.

I raised three children as a single mother before I remarried. In 2007 I founded SMORE for Women, a nonprofit whose goal is Single Moms, Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, and Empowered. I’m also a Certified Professional Coach and my stories have been published in several Christian books and magazines. My book, Living Learning Loving is available on Amazon.  My Website.