I was recently asked why I go to Church. I was on the spot and I found it hard to answer honestly.
We were having a conversation about weighty matters but it wasn't the time or place to really go into detail and I felt as if I'd given an evasive answer.
I think if the question had been asked about why I go to Church years ago, it would have been easier to answer. But since my youngest daughter was born 18 months ago with Down Syndrome, I've got to admit that I have felt so battered and bruised, that I find it hard to answer.
I often go now because it's part of our family routine but getting us all ready and out of the door and to church on time is stressful.
I go because I am accepted for who I am.
I go because I am a part of an incredible family and when one of us is hurting or going through a tough time, we help one another.
I go because when I went through dreadful things in my life, people were there to lift me up.
I go because I can contribute and help others.
I go because my eldest daughter loves to go and be in a worship environment and sing praises to our God.
I go because I am accepted for who I am.
I go because I am a part of an incredible family and when one of us is hurting or going through a tough time, we help one another.
I go because when I went through dreadful things in my life, people were there to lift me up.
I go because I can contribute and help others.
I go because my eldest daughter loves to go and be in a worship environment and sing praises to our God.
But most of all I think, I go because there is tremendous power in all of us joining together to love our God, serve his people in our cities and be the best that we can be. The power of love of our God for his people, of us for our God and the sacrifice of Jesus for each of us is tremendous.
It still sounds like a woolly answer but below I've posted a link to a video of our church in Bradford. (We also have churches in Belfast and Leeds too).
This video was taken from a programme which aired in the USA when our pastor Charlotte Gambill was speaking about our church. It's powerful and makes me cry because my eldest daughter is on it. I, and the people who've known me a long time, know what my husband and I have been through and how powerful it is to show that we made it through and we're raising our family in an incredible environment of faith, hope and love.
I hope the link works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn5VOjF9V_I
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