If I die at church

Our church's Vision Statement is wild:

Boldly Believing, Belonging, and (Be)loving All God’s creation.

Shocking really. How could we possibly profess the love of Jesus and still be Christians?

It has been suggested that I'm not going to "heaven" or am not a "real" Christian many times, including by some friends. I can let those words slide off my back, even when it stings.

I do wonder what horrible things I do that leads them to believe I will be punished for eternity.

But something shifted after Trump's first presidency that gave people permission to use even stronger words on social media and to make public threats acceptable.

It was during this time that I began to feel nervous about going to church and that anxiety grew exponentially after the church began receiving threats because we were believed to be evil.

So, I face the reality that I could die at church.

If I die at church it may be while our pastors encourage us to examine our own biases and explore ways to take care of those who have suffered due to the color of their skin.

"I don't like that they allowed members of their congregation to hold signs supporting a terrorist group that looted and burned cities because a felon overdosed." David Madhatter

If I die at church it may just be for voting Democratic.

"What you are is a pathetic piece of shit that should have been wiped a long time ago." Morgan Duncan

If I die at church it may be because I don't own a gun and believe that background checks and mental health restrictions should be required before the purchase of one.

"Bring some guns, have some fun." Tom Craig

If I die at church it may be because we used our First Amendment right to create a Pride event or have a peaceful sit-in on our property.

"Uggh, more spoiled rich kids looking for their purpose in life. Howa about get a job...move out off ur parents basement already." Jennifer Skelly Spriggs

If I die at church it may be for helping to sponsor a refugee family, believing that every human has the right to live free and unafraid.

"Please protest in front of HER house at 6211 Amanda Northern Road. Professional troublemaker.... I believe in maintaining the culture and traditions for Europeans, who landed in American in 1492." Ayla Lynette

If I die at church it might be because some Christians think their beliefs are the only right way to interpret a series of stories written by 40 different authors over a period of approximately 1,500 years.

"You are just as bad as the KKK. Don’t bother praying for me, you’ll be praying to Satan.” Random woman shouting at me in Canal Winchester

If I die at church, I hope I've left a legacy of boldly believing, creating belonging, and demonstrating love to all of God's creation.