PROMPT 26: My religious beliefs ...

I believe in God, the father almighty, maker of heaven and earth who sent his one and only beloved son, Jesus, to die for the forgiveness of not only my sins, but the entire human race.

Those are my beliefs and the faith I have been born into and raised with. I'm Catholic and I have always loved being Catholic. I love the traditionalism and I love what the Catholic faith teaches.

I was taught about my faith and my religious beliefs from my family — my mom, dad, grandpa and especially my grandma. She taught me all of my prayers and the words of so many Hymns. I remember walking to the park with her and singing church song after church song. And when I'd stay the night, I'd lay in bed with her and pray with her.

Because of my family's involvement in the Catholic church I grew up going to Sunday school, and youth group. I went to retreats and chose to continue my faith as a Catholic when I was 16 years old. My religious beliefs have helped me get through some of the hardest times in my life. It has helped me understand death and loss, get through depression and strengthen me as a person.

For two years, I lived my life for my religion. I ministered to youth about Catholicism, the love of God and the sacrifice of Christ. My life for those two years was engulfed by my religion and it was an amazing experience.

But it was also so challenging after it was done to go back into the "real world." Into a world that isn't so accepting of religion and God. It was also tough once I got my feet settled into living life out of the ministry-way to not feel guilty and ashamed when others didn't agree with some of my life choices. But my relationship with God has continued to grow and my love of Catholicism hasn't changed.

My experience with religion so far, especially Catholicism, has definitely formed the person that I am today. My religious beliefs have taught me to be as humble as I possibly can be, to share my love of my faith in a loving manner — actions speak louder than words — to give and sacrifice to my fellow man.

It has shown me how countless normal, everyday people have done incredible things in the name of God. Who have made powerful impacts in this world, in small and simple ways.

It has also taught me to not belittle anyone else's beliefs, whether it may be a Baptist, Methodist, Buddhist, Atheist ... I know that not everyone will agree and say as a Christian it's my job to bring people closer to Christ. But I feel as a Christian and lover of Christ that I'm called to love the way Christ did, tenderly and compassionately. Christ ministered and loved everyone, he did not shun anyone.  I love hearing and learning how other religions celebrated God and Jesus.

I believe if I try to mimic Christ's life and way of being I will shine as a child of God. God has yet to fail me. Yes, he has challenged me in so many ways, ways I thought would end me, but in the end have truly strengthened me.

My faith, my religion and God are what keep me going each and every day.

We all believe in one thing or another and I think that's quite alright.