You know those people that make a joke out of something or tease you jokingly? But then they start to do that constantly about that same thing over and over again? Then all of a sudden it’s not a joke anymore… It’s they’re true feelings on the said matter.

I’ve written a post about something related to this about insensitivity and over-sensitivity. But I’m getting to a different point right now.

Some people make sarcastic comments or make fun of how involved I am with church. Things like, “oh, no she can’t to cause she has church/choir practice,” in an annoyed or sarcastic voice. When that’s said, it’s almost always before I even get a chance to answer for myself. Or maybe it would be, “Ugh. You always have church. Can’t you just skip this one time?” No, I can’t “just skip” because it’s what I call “my duty.” I don’t skip because I don’t want to skip. Believe it or not, I actually WANT to be there. It makes me feel better and whole and safe. I don’t know about you, but that’s a great feeling - and I feel sorry for those who don’t have something like that.

Some of my friends complain about my church schedule. They get annoyed with me. Mad with me even, give or take. They maybe even think that it’s unhealthy to be so “churchy,” a word that I have been labeled with. And it actually really upsets me sometimes. Why do I even associate myself with them? Sometimes I think that.

It just really bugs me sometimes that some of those people have known forever of my involvement in church. Then there’s alllll the people that know of it. And some of my friends still don’t understand.

What I don’t understand is how you just can’t ACCEPT it. I feel disrespect towards me. Towards my church. My religion… Because many of you fail to respect that part of me.

And if you really know me, you might notice how I don’t ridicule your beliefs. Like maybe you’re Catholic or Muslim or a Jehovah’s Witness or maybe even an atheist or don’t claim a religion at all. I don’t make rude or hurtful comments.

And that’s because I respect that.