Beliefs: A Narrative
Motivation and Destination
I've been on a spiritual journey as long as I can remember. As a small child I was very captivated by the idea of God and spirituality. I recognized even then that there was something more to life than what I could tangibly sense. Something or Someone is beckoning me to search, to seek, to learn, and I am and have always been unable to resist, like the mice with the Pied Piper of Hamlin. The journey has contained moments of ecstasy and moments of misery, but regardless of its trials, I am never able to walk away for that which I am following brings me hope. It promises that there is more to life than 
what I see and opens up worlds of wonder, possibility and opportunity. It whispers to me that there is purpose in the existence of all things, including myself. All of these things I have found personified in Jesus Christ. He offers hope that I can transcend my past failures and live a full and meaningful life, and I have hope that someday all of creation will be restored to its original glory.
Jesus and Grace
For the past several years when people have asked me about my beliefs, I am quick to share that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. The responses i get are varied, but most try to categorize me in boxes to which i cannot relate. I love to share that I am a follower of Jesus because of the grace which he brings.
No where have I found in any writings before the time of Christ the concept of grace like we see it after his life. In the first testament of the Bible we find the concept of mercy which says to us "you are forgiven for screwing up," but the grace we see after Christ is so much more. "You are forgiven for screwing up, oh, and here's a sandwich, and by the way, let me show you the fridge in case you want to make another for yourself or for someone else."
Just like the western world today thinks and feels according to what Shakespeare wrote about life, we live in abundant grace because of a man, who had to be God himself, invigorated humanity with it.
No world religion has it. I need it. Thank you Jesus.
Jim
