Faith & Spirituality: The Way I Was Raised, The Way I Live Today

I was born into a beautiful Christian home.

My father was a Baptist Minister for as long as I can remember, and the church was woven into every chapter of my childhood. I grew up surrounded by scripture, fellowship, and strong values. I learned early on that God was real, God was present, and God was personal.

But here’s the truth that took adulthood to teach me:

Faith and spirituality don’t always look like the church you grew up in.

And that’s okay.

I still believe in God as my higher power with every part of me.

I pray daily.

I give thanks for my blessings.

And when life gets heavy or confusing, I ask for guidance—because I know He hears me.

But I also know this:

I no longer live inside the structure and doctrine of organized religion.

And I don’t feel guilty about that.

My faith didn’t leave me when I stepped outside the walls of the church.

It followed me—into adulthood, into motherhood, into hardship, into healing, and into the spiritual practices that shape my life today.

✨ What My Father Taught Me

My father used to tell me something that shaped my entire understanding of God:

“God is everywhere, not just in a building.”

And he meant that.

He raised me to know God as a presence, not a location.

As a relationship, not a performance.

As a source of strength, not a set of rules.

That truth stayed with me long after I left home.

When I lived in Vegas, I was blessed to still worship online with my home church in Seattle.

Staying connected that way mattered to me—it grounded me, reminded me of my roots, and kept my faith familiar even when life wasn’t.

✨ My Spiritual Practice Today

These days, my routine is simple but intentional:

Morning prayer before I get out of bed

Evening prayer before I go to sleep

Meditation to quiet my mind

BreathWork to calm my body

Setting intentions to carry a peaceful spirit into my day

This routine helps me sleep well…

helps my attitude…

keeps my pain levels down…

and keeps my soul in alignment.

And I like to believe I carry God with me into my work.

Into my conversations, into the way I treat people, into the patience and compassion I show our patients—especially the ones who are hurting, scared, or frustrated.

I try to let the God in me shine through the way I move through my job.

Sometimes that’s the only version of God people will meet that day… and I take that seriously.

This is how I walk with Him now—directly, quietly, sincerely.

✨ The Bible Is Still My Guide—Just in a Different Way

I love the Bible.

Not as a weapon, not as a rulebook, and not as a tool for control.

I love it because it teaches:

morals values boundaries resilience compassion wisdom

The stories remind me that life isn’t perfect, people aren’t perfect, and faith is what carries you through the things you never asked for.

To me, the Bible is a guide on how to live with strength and good will.

It’s not there to trap you—it’s there to remind you that you are never alone.

✨ Faith & Spirituality Are Not Opposites

Some people look at spirituality and call it a cop-out.

They think that if you’re not sitting in a pew every Sunday, you must be drifting.

But let me tell you something:

Believing in a higher power—truly believing—

is not a cop-out.

It’s a blessing.

As long as your faith:

motivates positivity

guides your choices

strengthens your morals

supports your wellness and

helps you live with intention…

Then you are on your path.

And God is on it with you.

Faith can be structured.

Spirituality can be personal.

And the two can absolutely live together.

✨ My Real Talk

I am a woman of faith.

I am a woman of spirituality.

I am a woman who believes in God deeply, without needing a building to prove it.

My faith raised me.

My spirituality sustains me.

And both keep me grounded, grateful, and growing.

That’s my truth.

And if it resonates with you—even a little—then you’re probably on a journey of your own.