“If you don't go, it doesn't hurt them - it hurts you.”

- Wisdom to 14yr old me, from a loving mother.

Have you ever gone to church and felt out of place, invisible, or wonder why you even came?

I've talked to many people and heard stories of people feeling alone even when they go to church each week.

I've gone on joyful days when I was proactive talking to others and I've gone on devastating days when I sat hoping to be invisible and have no one talk to me for I may just bust into tears.

It's part of the human experience. Come with me and let's dive into some things that may be helpful for all stages of your journey with Jesus.

 Here are 3 reasons to keep going to church!

1. It's about Jesus!

People are great and I do believe that God wants us to be united and support each other.

However,

the purpose of church is to draw us closer to Jesus Christ and to help us to develop a personal relationship with Him. One of the key reasons is to remember our covenants and anchor ourselves to Jesus Christ.

You belong to Him.

He loves you. He wants you to come and be a part of His church and His Kingdom.

Ultimately, it is a sign of your devotion and love of the Savior.

The experience can be amazing every time as we embrace the challenges of humanity and

Show Up for the Savior.

2. Connection is Key

Perhaps it's not about you after all...

It's so easy to look around and feel like you aren't welcomed, that others are judging you, or so many other things our brain will come up with.

It's important to remember that FEELINGS ARE NOT FACTS- they are feedback.

If you choose in to the discomfort and anxiety you may be experiencing and change your way of looking at it, you just may find the greatest gift of all.

It's a choice - get out of your head and into your heart!

I invite you to focus out!

Instead of looking down and seeking for others to make you feel welcomed, look UP!

Connect with Jesus.

Express gratitude for all you have and that He is with you in the hard times.

I like to pray and ask for God to help me.

These are some of my favorites:

• "God, let me be the answer to someone's prayer today"

• "Help me have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that knows and understands"

• "Guide my steps, show me how you want me to be a blessing to someone else today and I will do it."

I find that as I get out of my head and into my heart, miracles happen!

3. Proximity has power

It's been on my mind and heart lately as I have watched the goodness of God play out in my life.

When I plan to do something that is good for me, then the time comes and maybe I'm not feeling like it. It would be so easy to just stay home.

Then I check in with Him and ask where I need to be.

"you need to go". So I go.

As I put myself in Holy Places, God washes away the cares of the world. He softens my heart. He opens my eyes. He fills my worry with Peace.

Remember -

God loves you. Every other person at church is also on this mortal journey. Every person has challenges they are dealing with and may be suffering in silence as well. As you yoke yourself to Jesus Christ and make a commitment to show up consistently and do what He inspires you to do, you can experience the mighty change of heart that comes from making Jesus Christ the center of your life!

Each of us needs a lotta grace and a little space!

I invite you to go to church. Stay the whole time. Pray with real intent. Look for the miracles.

Go again, and again...

Seek Jesus. He will guide you step by step through your life.

Be committed -- this means "I have decided that I go to church. Jesus is the center of my life." (there is power in firm decisions. It's not just what we do- it becomes who we are.)

It's time to let go of the decision fatigue of "do I feel like it today?" and keep our commitments to God like He keeps His commitment to us.

It is firm. It is steady. We can count on Jesus.

Can He count on you? (to show up, to be His hands, to bless His children, to connect with Him.)

You got this. I believe in you. God does too!