Bam, the moment hits you. You’re asked your personal stance on religion. What you believe in, what you don’t and what religion you may classify yourself as. You know the answer, heck, you know yourself better than anyone else knows you, so why is this question so challenging?

Religion is defined as a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices agreed upon by a number of persons. Everyone, at least has some person has their own stand point. Their views can differ, or change, yet it’s still their opinion on the topic. So why is it that as we grow older many people tend to stray away from the idea of announcing their stand point? We know that the chances are, by proclaiming what we have faith in, someone in this world might have an opposing view.

You see, in this world, people have this saying, “There’s two things you don’t openly discuss: politics and religion," yet how do you understand a topic, or see it from someone else’s world, if you can’t openly talk about it?

Growing up, I was raised a Catholic, who ritually attended Mass and completed several sacraments. I have still followed my religion to this current day, however several people in my life have chosen to disregard their religious upbringing. This doesn’t make these individuals any less important to me due to their personal choices, however allows me to see another side to the story.

Currently a college student, I began to understand the power of being your own person. The concept of accepting who you are, and truly embracing it. I’ve learned that I didn’t get to pick my religion when I was raised, yet I truly believe I would have picked it if I got the chance. I wasn’t forced to do anything or go anywhere to acknowledge my love for my faith, and with that said, I shouldn’t have to be embarrassed to openly speak about it. I shouldn’t have to bite my tongue in fear of the nasty looks or offending someone. I was raised to love my faith, but to love those around me regardless of what theirs is. With that said, there would be a lot more love, and a lot less hate in this world if people began to understand that.