I've often wondered how an individual is defined as religious. Is it one who attends church, synagogue or mosque weekly, daily or just on the holiest of days? I have no right to make that determination. For me, being religious isn't defined by the number of days I attend church or how much money I turn in at collections or even how often I pray the Rosary.

I have the spirit of God and Jesus within and I praise them every day. I give thanks for the talents I've been given to earn a living, to do what makes me happy. I say several Hail Mary's and Our Fathers every time I am befallen by a verbal tirade and ask for forgiveness.

While that may not make me as religious as one who attends church every morning or is a lecter at Mass, it is important for me to feel as if I have the spirit of my Christian religion in me. I believe that there is a reason I am here and that I have been given certain skills. I know that I am imperfect, vulnerable and sometimes fearful of the unknown.

I choose to believe there is a hereafter and hope I am worthy of being accepted in heaven. Without my Creator, I am nothing. But, like all of my brethren, I matter. I feel as if I have a place, that I am loved and embraced by a higher power. That's what's important to me. That I can share my talents with others, reach out to someone who is hurting or lonely.

My religious beliefs help me get through each day, allow me to look forward to tomorrow without assuming it will be here. They allow me to pray for peace on earth, to sleep soundly, to fight against sickness. That's what makes a difference in my life.

Learn more about this author, David Skolnik.
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