Thanks for your answer. I have tried for 15 years to find people who would care for me in the church to no avail. I prayed and am the friendliest person ever. I concluded that these people really must be hurting or have problems if they can’t even be friends with someone. They are commanded to do that at the very least. To me, all churches are the same. There’s gossip, slander and unrealistic expectations. God did not reward me with people who cared. I am sure that I am doing the right thing. I still pray and listen the Christian music but don’t belong to a church. No harm in that. I was harassed online on the Huntley Street Facebook page for months and kicked out of a worship meeting in Ottawa for really no reason at all. Those were the worst circumstances I faced. I am happy working at a job I love and getting in touch with the real me. Many will and are falling away from God. Many Christians are ashamed of their love for God and try to hide it the best they can. Life is hard enough. I do not need the Devil, rules from a book, or people telling me that I’m not living my life the right way. I love your video blogs and hope you won’t block me on Twitter, a tactic other Christians used. Oh, she doesn’t follow God, let’s block her or unfriend her. I hope to hear back from you on this and anyone else facing the same issues…..let’s start a conversation.

I think I can say for Lisa and I that we always have questions… but one thing I know about God is that he is not afraid of my questions… So never be afraid to ask them Melanie!

I also do understand how you can say it is easier to live now that church is no longer a part of your life! The bible talks about our sinful nature and that the flesh is always fighting against the spirit. So to give into the flesh can feel easier at first but unfortunately the consequences of that are often felt down the road! Be careful.

Melanie, let me also say that the church is made up of a bunch of people and unfortunately they may fail you. They should be held to a higher standard, God’s standard, but the key part is that it is made up of “people” and people are flawed (all of us) and so there will always be difficulties within a church. When your focus is on what the people of a church can do instead of what God can do in you through a church you can often be let down…

Melanie, church is not the answer, God is the answer. Church is the place where people get together and share experiences, failures and triumphs. Where people work together to introduce their friends and neighbours to God. Put your focus on God and he will reward you with people who will care for you… I promise!

I hope this wan’t too much for on here… I’d love to hear your response!

Chris and Lisa