Amen.

Religion is such a hard subject for me to talk about.  Growing up in a euro-catholic house hold, I had one rack in my clothes closet that was specifically for my 'church outfits'.  I went to a catholic elementary school, and part of highschool (I realized that it was ok to have a voice, and decided to join the general public in school after the first 2 years of not evolving) went to church every sunday, and said my prayers before meals, and at bed time.  I couldn't pay attention in church because I was only 10 and hadn't a clue what the priest was talking about (what do you mean the guy next to me is my brother? he is older than my mother.. how could my mother have given birth to him?? haha). As I got older I grew to hate my mother for making me go, but still went, thinking of it as an opportunity for a nap. There came the time when I had enough of religion class and decided to move on to a place where things are 'normal'.  My parents argued it for months, leaving me in fits of tears and frustration.  Finally, after a long battle with convincing them with brochures and parent reviews, they said yes. 

     There was no excitement behind those godles forbidden walls.  I still made great friends, but learned exactly what I was learning in a catholic school, minus the religion.  I guess that is what I wanted, right?  Wrong.  I wanted to believe that people were different when they weren't from what I thought was an organized cult.  I thought they were nicer, stronger, unique, non-conformist individuals who knew what life was really all about.  Turns out they were just like me.  They did not want to be religious, but they all had a sense of spirituality.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I still believe that the Roman Catholic religion is an organized cult, it's what my foreign 80-year old grandmother practiced because it was all she knew(It made her feel like she led a clean life in the eyes of God, and that is okay if it worked for her).  We all believe in something. We all belong to some part of organization whether or not it is non-religious, that makes us feel like we are respected and whole some well-bred individuals. We all want to believe that there is something or someone out there that is taking the reigns in these hard times. That we can let go of the power when we are tired of having it. That is all we long for.  I am not by any means religious.  I no longer go to church, haven't in years,  and I don't read the bible and I certainly do NOT practice catholic traditions.  But do find myself talking to God, asking for help when I feel the need.  I want to tell the world my views on religion-- I think it SUCKS.  But I believe spirituality is the key to all good things.  You don't have to believe in God, but believe in something or someone. Believe that something or someone is watching over you when you are at your lowest. Something or someone loves you!