The word “perfect” can’t be found in my testimony

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- “I don't preach the gospel because I'm not qualified, and it can be annoying coming from other people. This is as close as I'll ever get...

My parents took us to a Protestant church in Springfield, Massachusetts, every week. I also attended Sunday school. In total, I was there for three hours every Sunday, and I can't describe to you how torturous it really was. Because it was mandatory, it felt like an impromptu punishment. I just couldn't see the whole picture that was being ingrained in my brain. It all seemed so far-fetched.

My parents divorced when I was eight, but my mom continued to take us every week.

Fast forward to Texas and attending college: I never went to church once it was entirely up to me. During my last semester, I met a girl—who is now my wife—who was a devout Christian. She was a good influence, but I still didn't "get it."

When we got married, we attended church every week at a place that was a bit stuffy. The people seemed to be a bit high on themselves, and I saw no reason for them to be. So, in essence, I was dragged to church every week, and it felt exactly like when I was little.

However, I was never negative, and I liked how Linda was bringing up Connor to be a Christian. Connor "got it" right away, and it served him well. His meanderings down "Trouble Road" lasted a very short time, and we never had major issues with him. He set an excellent example for me. Eventually, we switched churches to The Loft in The Woodlands, and I started feeling more comfortable with my surroundings. People weren't stuck up at this new church, and I was finally starting to get it.

Then, when I was 50, I watched a message by an awesome preacher at The Loft. I won't get into too much detail, other than to say it was about conquering our giants. Something clicked in me. Since that day, I've enjoyed my Sundays a lot more. Although I'm not a Bible thumper by any stretch of the imagination, I now understand what all the hubbub is about.

I do believe if I'm a good person, good karma will come my way. I could say it's just karma and not power from above, but I believe I'm a better person because I have Christianity in me. Don't get me wrong, I feel I was a decent person before. It's just that where I used to act like a total jerk in some instances, now I'm less of one.

Is there an afterlife? I hope so! But if I'm wrong, what do I have to lose?

For 50 years, I saw people preaching the gospel while being horrible human beings. That only enhanced my belief that faith and Christianity were like someone believing in voodoo. I had to get over the mindset that to be a Christian, you have to be a perfect person.

Well, I conquered that, and I finally understand how and why churches are filled with imperfect people. That was a big hurdle for me.

What’s your story? I’d love to hear it.”