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Arriving Home
As a child, I grew up in a Christian home with parents who always took me to church. I lived in a protective environment and was kept in the company of godly friends.
I received the Lord at age twelve; but, at the age of sixteen, my life began to change. Due to some circumstances at home, my sister and I went to live with our aunt, uncle, and seven cousins for a few months. A lot of reasoning took place within me. I compared both families; but no matter what my reasonings were, I always looked forward to my weekend visits with my own family. At a much deeper level, my heart began to feel a yearning for a spiritual home. Whenever I was at church, I felt as though I didn't fit in. I would speak with my friends about a Scripture or an experience of the Lord I had, and they would stare at me as though I was speaking something foreign. I remember a sensation going through me, “I want to go home“, but I had no where to go.
I made plans to attend a conference at the church in Los Angeles. Being disallusioned by the lack of depth in the spiritual life of many of the Christians that I had met in the past, I prayed, “Lord, I will try this church in Los Angeles but if I don't find Christians who love you there, then I am quitting church. I will not give you up, but I will quit church.” During my first few visits, I was very quiet. I participated little and did much observing. I was a little surprised by the loud Amens; however, no matter what my reasonings were, I eventually was attracted by the love that I saw. I watched the expressions on the member's faces, and saw peacefulness and joy. I watched how they treated each other with love, and how they spoke with enthusiasm about the Lord. On a personal level, I was touched how they greeted me as though I was special. Soon, my yearning for a spiritual home left me, and my heart became peaceful. I knew that I had arrived home.
Beverly Richell | Back to List
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