Personal Narrative: Growing Up In A Christian Community

Growing up in a Christian based church community, one would expect to be embraced by love, understanding, and open arms. However, that was not the case in 9th and 10th grade. Late in the 9th grade, I made a mistake that strongly affected my image and well-being. Rather than continuing to exhibit Christian qualities, I was outcaste for 2 months. It was a very trying period of time, because the people I grew up with my whole life, the people who knew my family, the people who were supposed to be my friends, and more importantly the church that is supposed to welcome those who make mistakes, turned their backs on my family and I. The people at my church began to make assumptions and gossip about possible things that I could have done. Although the information was supposed to be confidential with the pastors of my church, one of the pastors' sons vaguely overheard what had happened without context no less, and proceeded to spread lies. I felt betrayed. The patient,

Though the journey was long I expressed how I felt to the people who genuinely listened and showed sympathy and understanding for the experiences I had gone through. What I had once thought of as unspeakable events soon became merely a fading memory that taught me how to grow and fueled my education and drive. I decided to achieve more in my life instead of wasting away in my past memories. I formed new relationships, tried harder academically, and got more involved in the church community I knew and loved all those years ago. As I became more open with others, I learned that they too had many hardships of their own. When I learned this, I knew I wanted to help others by sharing my experiences. Through my church, I displayed love and understanding to those who had trails of their own. I spoke to my pastor about what I could do and took on leadership roles that led groups at church and retreats, planned youth events, and set up community outreach