For me, my religion is the soul foundation of who I am. I was raised in a very Christian household; I went to church every Sunday, Wednesday nights were choir rehearsals, Saturday was dedicated to Youth meetings and repeat. Every summer I attended Vacation Bible School, and when I got too old to participate, I would volunteer to help out with the younger children. I practically lived in our fellowship hall, and I loved it.
Growing up in a small, conservative Southern town, I did not face much ridicule for my belief. Most of my friends were Christian and some of my closest friends I had met in the church; so what I believed in was never a concern for me. Of course, some people disagreed with my faith, but I was too young to notice.
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As the years passed, however, more and more people that I knew went to the church began to stray away from God. They would curse his name and mock the very scriptures they used to praise. It was very disheartening to see, but I did not know what I could do. I soon became known around school as a "prude" for my beliefs and people would often pick on me. I was able to ignore the mean comments and remarks until I reached high school and found my voice.
In high school, before I got into social media, it was easier for me to stop the harassment. People tend to get scared when they are confronted face-to-face, and I had no problem quoting scriptures and hymns backing up my beliefs to those that mocked me. However, as social media grew and the concept of "staying anonymous online" became a thing, a confrontation was no longer possible. People would post outrageous things about Christians saying that we're "hypocrites" and "liars." Apparently, all Christians believe that they are perfect and hate everyone else, which gives them cause to hate us back. So many things like this were posted and tweeted that I could not fight them all; it is just not possible. They would judge me based solely on my religion that I became terrified ever to state that I am a Christian.
My first week at college, I went to a student-run Christian service called CRU, and people laughed when I told them where I was going. I began to hide the fact that I went from my "friends" and never spoke of it again. All I would hear in class lectures and discussions was how people practically resented my religion, and I could not confront these people. It was not the same 100 students I had grown up with, but almost 10,000 people that hated what I believed. I began to feel ashamed that I called myself a Christian. As the year went on, I strayed further from God because of all the hate I received and I actually began to agree with some of the harmful things I heard.
I wish I could end this article stating that I made a massive display of faith publicly, but I cannot. I can say, however, that I know who I am and what I believe in. I do not care if you do not like me because of my faith and what I, apparently, "stand for". I refuse to be ashamed any longer of my religion; I will fight for my belief. I will no longer be quieted by the majority trying to suppress me. My name is Maria Uzel, and I am a Christian.
