SUNDAY WAKE UP: DAY ONE HUNDRED TWELVE WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

I think the majority of the world's population is born into a religion and has NO CHOICE with which one he or she begins life. There are religions that are more a 'way of daily life' (Muslim, Hassidic Judaism), and then there are those that a very cultish with OUR WAY or NO WAY attitude. I think every religion has some positive intentions, great followers, and beautiful grounded communities that strive to celebrate the beauty of the Guiding Spirit. I was baptized Roman Catholic in Newport Beach California and throughout the time spent in the community was a parishioner at Our Lady Queen of Angels. There I was a first grader, second grader, altar boy, gave my first confession, and received the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It was during a struggling, confusing, and crazy time in my life, but it was a place of learning, playing, praying, singing, and understanding. I know my concerns have been discussed, but I strongly believe I was introduced into the Catholic Church way too young. I know religion is all about gathering up the PEOPLE from DAY ONE and provide them a living environment of grace, joy, and Light, but truly understanding the significance of receiving THE BODY of Jesus Christ at age 7 or 8 is quite overwhelming. I completely understand that the Catholic Church has some major flaws from the top and have experienced true evil through recent/past ongoing actions of some sick priests. What I strive to do in life is to focus on the goodness people and causes have to offer and surround myself with joyful intended people and communities. As I have matured and made my own decisions there has been a wide variety of communities that I have celebrated and practiced amongst. I prefer churches that love to celebrate oneness of ALL people and accept ALL cultures. I have never understood churches that recruit and have a real aggressive approach to take people's money. There are certainly proper and comfortable ways to stabilize a church community's finances, but I have experienced so many churches that just don't understand how to respectfully ask people for money or invite them to their service. I have a true love for music and enjoy feeling/celebrating in church the creation of some powerful music that really touches me making an everlasting impression. Currently I don't attend church. I would consider myself a spiritual and very open soul, but definitely would love to be a part of a striving spiritual community that I can grow and believe in. I have been on a long journey and can remember those Sunday Wake Up calls of getting to church on time, but have certainly expanded my mind and soul by practicing Kabballah for 30 weeks, meditating Maum Meditation for over a year, engaging in yoga for 8 years, and really spending the time to search from within my true beliefs. What do you feel in your heart about religion? How many different churches have you been a part of? Do you have the desire to become spiritually grounded? What brings joy to you? Keep sharing and believing in You- RVB