I was raised celebrating Christmas, but more in the Santa, gift giving, magical decorations kind of way rather than celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. It was the Easter Bunny rather than the Resurrection. I had family morals and ethical standards instilled at a very young age which I am beyond grateful for. It was never God or Jesus or any organized religion, for that matter. I was turned off by all the religious stuff because I believed it created unnecessary separation and discord between sects and religions, which I still think is true, even though I am now a believer.
Anyway, thru my adolescents and early 20s someone would say the name "God or Jesus" and I would shut down, stop listening, or even leave the room. I believe God used yoga to help bridge me toward becoming a believer. God knew I was wildly resistant and I needed it to be a slow process. God used yoga with all the spiritual texts and philosophies to start chipping away at my heart.
I will never forget the first time I actually wanted to listen to what someone was saying about God. It was at a Yoga Journal Conference in Hollywood, FL. I was so excited to be in the same room as the world-renowned yoga teacher, Seane Corn. If you know her, you know she has a way with words. She speaks so beautifully and ties her messages together thru such a magical story telling kind of way and I wanted to listen to what she said about God. I told her this pivotal story of 15+ years ago when I recently saw her again this past Spring and she got goosebumps! It's amazing how we can impact strangers in such a profound way and not even know it!
Anyway, my spiritual journey has evolved over the years. It took a while for me to fully embrace Jesus. It required many, many testimonies and stories and books and the most patient mentor I could have asked for.
I will forever be grateful to God and all those who helped save my soul. I was a tough egg to break but with the utmost love, gentility, and patience. I am delighted to say I BELIEVE in God and Jesus and pray to them everyday!
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