five minute friday {welcome}
Welcome to five minute Friday to where us bloggers where we are given a word prompt and write for just 5 minutes simply for the joy of writing.
No editing or backtracking necessary. No need to be perfect. Just words freely flowing from my heart to yours.
Today’s Five minute Friday word is “Welcome”
START
When I see the word “welcome” I think about my experience coming into the catholic church 2 years ago. It was an experience I will never forget.
I felt so welcomed into the church of Christ; into a community where we all shared the same love and compassion for our faith.
The night I was confirmed and welcomed into the church was a pivotal moment in my life. My family, friends and support on this healing journey was there to witness the welcome and the experience of coming into something so beautiful; something I wished for since I was little.
I stood up there in front of the church, in front of my new family church welcoming me, looking out in the crowd and seeing the face of someone who stands by my side in my healing, looking out towards everyone who helped me get there, it was a beautiful thing!
I never felt as if I belonged, especially in my faith. My parents and family went from church to church. My Nana was a Catholic Nun before she stepped out of the convent to marry a man. I always admired her faith, and since I was little I wanted to be catholic, and 2 years ago I made that happen, and I never felt so welcomed more than I did that night.
I walk into church on Sunday and I feel loved and so welcomed into the place where God meets us in prayer and love in community with others. I love to sit in the same pew every Sunday and look up at the crucifix and just pray and thank God for welcoming me into this world where I am surrounded by love and connection.
Because of him and his sacrifices, I am welcomed, and I am loved
END
4 Comments
Elizabeth
October 5, 2012 at 1:02 AM
That is beautiful. It reminds me of the feeling I have when I walk into the church where I was raised. Isn’t it glorious to feel arms open wide, inviting you in? I love it.
Jennifer
October 5, 2012 at 9:24 AM
Karen, I love this, the warmth and acceptance and welcoming arms you came home to, as you were folded into the church, for the first time. Just beautiful, and so encouraging. So happy to have found your blog {we are neighbors, today, at Five Minute Friday!} Bless you! 🙂
Joy
October 5, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Yes! It’s that long last family ‘welcome home, dear one!’ hug that makes you feel like you’ve finally found a place to stand secure on, and the ground’s not shifting under your feet anymore. I felt the same way when I entered into my church too. You described it so well! Came over here from #FMF. I’ll have to stop by again…can’t wait to get to know you better.
denise
October 6, 2012 at 3:23 AM
Really lovely.