Religion is a Funny Thing to Me

I wanted this to be my first Blog post, unfortunately, I couldn't figure out the blogging in time and also posted it in my "Notes" section of Facebook. Some of you have read it. Don't waste your time reading it again.

Someone asked my mom if it bothered her that I questioned religion, faith, god and pretty much everything else. Did it bother her that I generally dislike Christians (by todays definition and standards)? Was she concerned for my soul? My mom is a story teller, though she'll tell you she's not, and I love when she tells me stories from when I was really young. One of her shorter ones is the one where she tells me that she used to whisper in my ear almost from week 1: "Question Authority." Now, she says she should have been more specific. I drive her nuts questioning HER authority. So, the answer to the questions has to be no. And this is the reasoning.I question everything, but I especially question my faith. I question god, his church, everything. I don't want to be spoon fed my religion. "Here, eat some carrots. They're good for you. Have some spinach. It's good for you. Here's a dose of religion. Take it. It's good for you" Thank you, no. I"m not trying to be a cafeteria christian (shudders at the word). I just want to know why. Is this real? Why do I believe this? The bible talks about putting on the armor of God. Mine is not a hand-me-down armor from my parents. I see it more of an I'm-over-the-forge-going-at-it-hammer-and-tongs with god. I'm almost constantly over the fire. Occasionally, there is the coolness of peace when the water flows over my work, but then it's back to the firing and hammering. But, I think, when I'm done, the armor will be mine. It will fit me perfectly and I will love every shining piece of it. And, yes, I will have done it the hard way as I do all things, but my armor will be strong because I have examined, forged and molded every inch of it. I will be stronger in my convictions because I waged battle with them.
AML