Proud Jesus Freak

“Prude”

“Holy roller”

“Bible thumper”

JESUS FREAK

Sound familiar?

I once saw this tumblr post:

It hit me hard.

It hit me because I thought I was the only one who was proud to be a Jesus freak!

I attended a public high school, where I mainly lived as an outcast for four years. Though those years are now behind me, I still remember their stares as I said my prayers, or condescending smiles as I articulated my (apparently false) beliefs.

Now, brothers and sisters, will I begin my first year at a Catholic college where I will major in theology, I feel I may finally have found an earthly home. My teachers seem passionate about Catholicism and the textbooks may actually agree with me. I love it. And yet it almost feels too easy.

I have fought four long years to stay close to my faith during some of life’s hardest years (*gasp* high school!). My classmates didn’t know what they were doing when they whispered “Jesus freak” behind my back. But I certainly threw them for a loop when I metaphorically turned around and said, “Why yes. Yes I am.”

Now listen because this part is important:

‘Jesus freak’ is not an insult. It may be poised as one, ending in ‘freak’ and perhaps a bit of spite. But it is only a disguise. When others around you say those words with ill meaning, it is only because they don’t know what it truly means. It means you are holy, living your life through the example of the Saints. They just don’t know that it’s actually a compliment.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, when called those words, to say, “Why yes. Yes I am.” Because you are good. And you are holy. Truly a proud Jesus freak.

#Jesus #Proud #Catholic