When Two Churches Collide (Why I'm Thankful for My Church)

This past weekend, I attended a home school convention with some friends from my church, and I ran into some members of my former church. It was a strange feeling. Not an awkward feeling, but a strange feeling none the less. As I stood in front of my church's booth at the convention hall, talking to an old friend from my former church, I could hear her husband behind me, talking to my current church's missionary. I definitely had the sensation of standing in between two worlds... my old church life and my new church life.

I love my old church family. We went through a terrible, terrible thing together and although it felt like the world had collapsed around us, we hung on to each other and got through it together. It was hands down the worst thing I have EVER gone through in my life, and I will always feel a bond with those who went through it with me. However... as I stood there I was overcome with a feeling of gratitude for my current church, and the feeling that I am exactly where God wants me to be.



I sometimes miss the casual dress and atmosphere of my old church... but I'm thankful for the variety of people/dress in my new church and for the priority placed on modesty.

I sometimes miss the hugging in my old church... but I'm thankful to be around men and women who have made it a priority to set physical boundaries.

I sometimes miss the way that my extended family members all felt completely comfortable and accepted in my old church... but I'm thankful for "uncomfortable" preaching. I would much rather see them saved from their sins than comfortable in their sins.

I'm thankful for...

... the friend who prayed faithfully for me regarding my desire to quit working and start home schooling, and rejoiced with me when that desire started to become a reality,

... the friend who is the mother of eleven children and still takes the time to advise me on child training,

... the friend who made the commitment to help me homeschool my niece and nephew for four months, which allowed us to pull the kids out of school, rather than suffering through the remainder of the school year.

Above all, I'm thankful for a pastor who lives what he teaches, and goes to great lengths to make sure that he is never alone with a woman who is not his wife... because I remember all too well what it feels like to find out that your pastor is not the man you thought he was.