Church Girl?

 

Who's a church girl? A church goer? Someone that frequents church activities? or maybe a  person that dress a certain way? Diligent in serving God?

I was rushing outside school to fill up our gas when I met my classmate and had to stop to greet him. During the chat, he said something and made reference of me being a 'Church girl' and we laughed over it.

Well, when I thought to share this story...I didn't want to identify as a Church Girl. Yes. Mostly because of the biased idea of some church folk on who a Church girl or boy is supposed to be. mean the feigned perfection and boxing  others who have not yet attained the level of religious 'righteousness' in one category. But, thinking it through...YES I'm one.

I'm an imperfect lover of Jesus. I have my downs and emotional outburst that have led me to make decisions that are not scriptural and logical. I've said 'sorry' a plenty of times and still have times when my weakness takes the better part of me. But, I'm grateful for all these because they've help shape my perception and look at the weak side of others with empathy and how imperfect we all are as we strive to look more like Christ. I love Jesus and I am his bride same as anybody that have decided to accept the call of salvation and membership into the kingdom. 

But, the identity as a bride of Christ is what makes me a Church Girl, not because I go to Church, or work in Church or wear ankle - length gowns or do everything right. Those things are beautiful and necessary but my identity as a Church girl stems from being a bride. From believing and loving Christ. Now with this in mind, I can fully embody my identity as a CHURCH GIRL. And I hope every of my Sister - in - Christ begin to own up their identity as a CHIRCH girl with pride. Yes, it means you're a bride to a God ---- Jesus!

A friend of mine told me yesterday just before our exam started that a  Man of God whose ministration blessed me years ago when I was still in secondary school has backslidden! One of us tried making a logical reason for that but ...is there? It made my heart heavy.

What happened? When did it start? .

Backsliding as a Christian is such a slow poison that eats up our spirit man slowly and rapidly at the same time even before we realise it. What would make someone who has become matured enough to be used by God as greatly as He has used this man to now stand and lay down every conviction he has.

It's a thing to grieve heavily for and draw lessons from. I wish I  have all the right words to say to you or even to myself but even  Apostle Paul warned us to be careful not to fall while thinking we  are standing. This is something to cry to God for. I don't even know what to say.

I hope it's not true. God help us!

Dear God.  I am grateful that you accepted me and called me your own. Your bride. I'm eternally grateful for calling me up to be part of your identity. Thank you. Help me to be bold enough to embody my identity and acknowledge you in front of everyone irrespective of who they are. Help me to stand and hold firmly to the calling you've called us to. There are times I'm down and I feel like dropping everything I know it's true and right, please uphold me in your righteousness and faith in such moments. Keep me fastened to your feet. Thank you, Lord!