This is the most beautifully raw and probably the most Christian-like testimony I have ever heard. You were honest, apologetic for your past beliefs that you learned from and how to be more open. Truly beautiful and exactly what this world needs now and forever. I am a forever follower of your business…but a true believer in you as a human. Thank you for sharing your heart with your community.
This is how my husband and I (former Catholics as well) ended up in a New Jersey Synod Lutheran Church. They are includers. Our Pastor (A WOMAN!) performs gay marriages, her grandchildren are interracial, she makes a point to reach out to the vulnerable in our community. She's not afraid to tell us what she believes to be right and encourages us to do the same; never discounts the importance of medicine and science for the sake of religion.
The community they have built in our neighborhoods has fostered so much good. My four year old asks to go to church on Sundays; albeit he calls it Pastor Pat's House, he wants to be there, even at 4 years old he feels included. If only all places of worship were as inviting.
So beautiful, Emily! Each person's faith is as unique as the people God has made us to be. I like how you describe that yours was expanded by experience, by witnessing love in the world. Mine is nutured by studying the Bible, storing those verses deep in my heart, and clinging to them for dear life when things in our world get wild. I am always in awe that our precious God knows exactly what each of us needs and how to reach us best, right on time. How marvelous that He loves us all so well. Thrilled for you to take this next step in your faith!
I love that you shared this. He truly reaches us all differently - in His own way for us. I find that the more I feel centered in this idea of love, the more I want to read and learn scripture too.
Not the first moment I teared up, but this is what got me: “But I know what love is. And everyone deserves it. They deserve to be seen, heard, and included.”
Thank for being brave enough to share 🤍 We’d live in a different world if everyone could open their eyes to these experiences and lessons!
The way I just sobbed at work. I’ve been on a struggle with my faith over the last few years and wow did it feel like you took a lot of what was in my heart and head and wrote it all down.
What a beautiful testimony of God’s love and the truth of how our faith is a not a linear journey and also so many unique living examples. Thanks for sharing your story, Emily. Congratulations on your upcoming confirmation💖
Emily, I have been a long time customer (and fan.) Watching your journey through the years (Brady with his first few lost teeth, the twins births, and watching and supporting your flourishing business) has been an utter joy. You exude love and grace and pure happiness. I connected deeply with your journey during the election cycle, and to read this…just WOW! My family joined the Episcopal church (here in Texas) when I was in 2nd grade (we left the Baptist church.) Any time people ask me about my faith and subsequently my Church, I proudly say the Episcopal Church’s slogan, “The Episcopal Church welcomes YOU!” YOU means everyone, no questions or shame or guilt. My only goal is to love like Jesus loves. This post is beautiful. Thank you for sharing! ALL the love from Texas 🤍
What a beautiful and vulnerable post. Thank you so much for sharing. So happy for you and your strength to take these next steps in your faith. May God Bless you! ❤️
Yes, yes, yes and ditto. I have a very similar faith journey, and my people are my best friend’s dad and a few friends from my Baptist youth group. The Episcopal churches I’ve attended across three states have embraced me with love, respect and kindness. Welcoming my doubt and questions with genuine curiosity and compassion. Some of my most treasured conversations regarding faith and spirituality have happened in episcopal formation classes. Some of my most memorable conversations about race and love have happened in godly play sessions with kids at an episcopal church. Happy confirmation Emily and Brady! Such a special moment for the both of you to share.
"I never found God in a church. I found Him in a nursing home. At a cemetery in Pennsylvania. And in an operating room in Tampa."
This, right here, pierced me straight to the heart. Don't even have words to tell you how meaningful this is to read.
Hugs to you my friend. ❤️❤️❤️ you know my heart so well.
This is beautiful and vulnerable. Thank you for sharing Emily.
Thank you so much for receiving it with open arms ❤️
I came to say exactly this. Thank you.
This is the most beautifully raw and probably the most Christian-like testimony I have ever heard. You were honest, apologetic for your past beliefs that you learned from and how to be more open. Truly beautiful and exactly what this world needs now and forever. I am a forever follower of your business…but a true believer in you as a human. Thank you for sharing your heart with your community.
This is how my husband and I (former Catholics as well) ended up in a New Jersey Synod Lutheran Church. They are includers. Our Pastor (A WOMAN!) performs gay marriages, her grandchildren are interracial, she makes a point to reach out to the vulnerable in our community. She's not afraid to tell us what she believes to be right and encourages us to do the same; never discounts the importance of medicine and science for the sake of religion.
The community they have built in our neighborhoods has fostered so much good. My four year old asks to go to church on Sundays; albeit he calls it Pastor Pat's House, he wants to be there, even at 4 years old he feels included. If only all places of worship were as inviting.
Amen and amen. ❤️❤️❤️
This was so so beautiful! First time commenting on a letter but my God, you are such a beautiful writer.
Also would like to mention, I cried 3 times.
Your comment put a big ol grateful lump in my throat. Thank you. 😭❤️
So beautiful, Emily! Each person's faith is as unique as the people God has made us to be. I like how you describe that yours was expanded by experience, by witnessing love in the world. Mine is nutured by studying the Bible, storing those verses deep in my heart, and clinging to them for dear life when things in our world get wild. I am always in awe that our precious God knows exactly what each of us needs and how to reach us best, right on time. How marvelous that He loves us all so well. Thrilled for you to take this next step in your faith!
I love that you shared this. He truly reaches us all differently - in His own way for us. I find that the more I feel centered in this idea of love, the more I want to read and learn scripture too.
Not the first moment I teared up, but this is what got me: “But I know what love is. And everyone deserves it. They deserve to be seen, heard, and included.”
Thank for being brave enough to share 🤍 We’d live in a different world if everyone could open their eyes to these experiences and lessons!
Congratulations on being confirmed!
Thank you for sharing such personal stories with honesty and generosity. ❤️
Echoing so many other commenters: thank you for sharing such a vulnerable post. It was beautiful and touching and brought me to tears.
Yeessss!!!! Fellow Episcopalian here! Yay!!!! This was so beautifully written and to know that we are all capable of change🩷
The way I just sobbed at work. I’ve been on a struggle with my faith over the last few years and wow did it feel like you took a lot of what was in my heart and head and wrote it all down.
What a beautiful testimony of God’s love and the truth of how our faith is a not a linear journey and also so many unique living examples. Thanks for sharing your story, Emily. Congratulations on your upcoming confirmation💖
Thank you Theresa!
Thank you for sharing your story Emily. I resonate with this story deeply. 💚
Emily, I have been a long time customer (and fan.) Watching your journey through the years (Brady with his first few lost teeth, the twins births, and watching and supporting your flourishing business) has been an utter joy. You exude love and grace and pure happiness. I connected deeply with your journey during the election cycle, and to read this…just WOW! My family joined the Episcopal church (here in Texas) when I was in 2nd grade (we left the Baptist church.) Any time people ask me about my faith and subsequently my Church, I proudly say the Episcopal Church’s slogan, “The Episcopal Church welcomes YOU!” YOU means everyone, no questions or shame or guilt. My only goal is to love like Jesus loves. This post is beautiful. Thank you for sharing! ALL the love from Texas 🤍
What a beautiful and vulnerable post. Thank you so much for sharing. So happy for you and your strength to take these next steps in your faith. May God Bless you! ❤️
Yes, yes, yes and ditto. I have a very similar faith journey, and my people are my best friend’s dad and a few friends from my Baptist youth group. The Episcopal churches I’ve attended across three states have embraced me with love, respect and kindness. Welcoming my doubt and questions with genuine curiosity and compassion. Some of my most treasured conversations regarding faith and spirituality have happened in episcopal formation classes. Some of my most memorable conversations about race and love have happened in godly play sessions with kids at an episcopal church. Happy confirmation Emily and Brady! Such a special moment for the both of you to share.