Over the last week I’ve spent a few days up in Brum, and during that time have spent time at the church pictured above or with people from the church above. This is the Church where I was baptised, and the Church that has played a huge part in my life.

I have been asked many times why I’m a Christian, and my answer is… it has always been a part of my life.

That has been shown this week by the fact that I haven’t lived in Brum and been a part of that Church for over 14 years, and yet I was welcomed, and what I saw today, when I went for tea and toast, was that that was the case for anyone who came in. I was welcomed by those I had known all my life and those I didn’t know at all, and similarly anyone who came through the door was greeted the same.

The main reason I went to Brum this week was for some time with mum, a bit of TLC, and because with mum no effort needs to be made… BUT that was exactly the same at St.Giles this week as well… why? Because they are family.

I say my faith has always been a part of my life. What do I mean by that? Sundays meant Church, as did Christmas and Easter – the story was first and foremost in our household with presents/traditions as additional extras! I wouldn’t say that I had theology or rules shoved upon me, but I had an amazing example of parents who lived their faith. My mum will kill me for writing this but she is possibly one of the most kind and caring people I know, she works so hard, and does so much for everyone else, and she just gets on with it. It isn’t until you get to know her that you may realise that her life is a reflection of her faith.

Life is a struggle at the moment, but because of my family, the blood one and the spiritual one, it’s OK to be struggling. There’s no need to put the show on, because faith is a part of life… all parts of it!

I feel so blessed to have grown up as part of a church family, that has instilled that in me in the first place, but also allows me back into the fold even when things aren’t all shiny and bright!

So often we hear talk of ‘brothers and sisters in Christ’ or being part of the Church family. This week I was reminded what that meant. I often put pressure on myself to be more than I can be, and need to remember I am who God created me to be.