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My Journey of Faith - Julie
Where are you from and what do you do?
I originate from Worcester but have lived in different places around the UK. I have been a Civil Servant for 8yrs.
What is your family’s faith background?Church of England but not practising.
When did you start attending church and what did it mean to you?
I started attending church when I was a 13 to go to Confirmation classes which were brilliant. My RE teacher at secondary school had made me feel that I had somewhere to go when things were hard, so from that age I began to have faith that there was a God who cared for me.
Can you describe something of your own personal journey of faith?
Knowing I had someone to turn to when I needed them; believing that good things that happened to me were from God and knowing that there was a right way to be, and a right way to treat others all came to me through my faith.
Were there any key turning points that had an impact on your faith?My sister is very religious and works for the Church. We have had lots of conversations about faith and spirituality. I think I have an inbuilt belief although I don't where that comes from, and I know my sister would say the same.
 Were there any people who made a particular impact on your journey of faith?
My sister, because she has shared her beliefs with me, and also my RE teacher at school. Generally knowing that other people also have faith has helped to build up my own.
What do you make of the Church now?
I feel that the Church is full of people who know what they are doing, and you can walk into a church and feel totally lost and unsupported. This can make you feel that you don't know where your faith belongs. All churches can be friendly, but when you are a newcomer you can feel 'outside' of things when there are set ways of doing things that you don't know about, are different from your last church. You don't feel that you can belong because everyone knows what they are doing and you don't. I have found it overwhelming to conform to all of these right ways of saying things and doing things or even being, and my faith gets lost in the middle of all the formalities. This can be really intimidating. On saying that, the sermons are usually fantastic and you can think, 'Yes, that's just what I need to hear for my life!'
How has your faith been reflected in your life-style?I would treat everyone as I would want to be treated. I think that's it really!
How does your faith uphold you during periods of difficulty?I believe that faith has given me the strength to be the person that I am.
What would you now say to others about faith, religion and knowing Jesus Christ as Lord?
If you've got faith then hold onto it, no matter how hard it seems! I just think it an important part of society and people should have faith and somewhere to go for spiritual direction. My daughter's school and I, encourage my daughter to think about faith matters and spirituality. I think that faith is also the basis of moral teaching for society. I strongly believe that the only place I could take my daughter to, to learn about how to live well as a human being is the Church. I also think that faith is an integral part of any society and people should encouraged in this area.
Is there a particular scripture, prayer or teaching that holds particular significance for you?
I would always consider the Ten Commandments to be my main influence. They seem to cover everything in a nutshell!
If you could change one thing about the Church what would it be?
I would make sure that people were welcomed and approached on their first few times to church. There have been times when I've been to church when I haven't been spoken to by anybody in the congregation or by the Vicar after four visits! Then you don't know what to do and neither do you feel accepted. This is really hard for un-churched people, because you just walk away thinking that you don't need church because your faith and the church seem so separate.
If you could make a difference in the world what would it be?
Too many to list! I suppose the biggest difference would be that all children would be healthy and free from mental and physical pain. That they all had a chance in life, and had their basic needs met such as food, warmth, a home, health-care and education. I'd like to lobby governments about World Poverty... see I said I had too many!
How do you think your life would have been different without coming to faith and acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord?
I don't feel that it has changed my life, because it was introduced to me at a very young age at Primary School and this it where it grew from. I can't imagine my life without faith but I suppose I see the world sometimes as being so self-centered and so unrealistic with people out for their own needs they contrast a lot with the people I know who have faith who seem to have more mature personalities and they have more awareness of the needs of society as a whole. They are so protected by their faith but also they are so open to loving and caring for others who find themselves in need. Where there is no faith we see all sorts of bad things happening in families and in society, and without faith we have no hope of things ever improving or having enough people working towards supporting others who need their help and support.
Maybe that's the answer - my faith gives me hope, and we all need a goal to help us move forward into our futures when things are difficult.
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