When discrimination has nothing to do with race or gender

As far as being discriminated against goes, I’ve had my fair share of awkward silences while someone else gets the job. I mean, I’m brown AND a female… let’s just say I’m quite familiar with fighting the good fight. Contrary to popular belief, I do believe that we’re progressing in leaps and bounds towards having a more racially inclusive society though. Which is why this took me by total surprise: the other day I realized that I am in fact STILL dealing with a sort of discrimination on a regular basis. And this time it has nothing to do with my gender or my race.

It’s no secret that I am a Christian. I believe that I have a relationship with God. If you follow my blog religiously (haha pun intended, calm down Cathy), I’m sure you’ll see that my faith walk is something that I don’t care to disguise or hide away. Sharing my faith and living out a faith based life is something that I am very proud of, you guys. But I often find myself excluded from certain groups or events because of it.

I mean, in the past I was kept off of office party guest lists because I’m “a big Christian and doesn’t drink”. I even find myself not included in certain friendship circles because they are aware that I am a born again Christian and don’t want to have to watch their potty mouths around me. Yes, I’ve lost friends because of my faith. I don’t get invited to some family events because of my faith. And I’ve even been told that I won’t succeed in specific industries because of my faith. What is up with that?! Has this ever happened to you?

I’m a pretty friendly gal. I try to be kind to every single person that crosses my bath. Yes, I am a church girl, but I actually do have a personality too. In fact, I think I’m pretty hilarious. I’m not out here Bible bashing people… that’s not how I roll. I know for a chappies-bubblegum-wrapper FACT that I am pretty normal around everyone… whether they are Christian or not. (I grew up with my Muslim granny, seriously, I’m not living in a bubble.)

So what could it be then? Someone suggested that maybe people see me as “holier than thou” and they don’t want to offend me. Thank you, but I’m not Jesus… why do you feel the need to be perfect around me? And hey, even Jesus said “come as you are”.

So what am I trying to say? Well, I want you to know that my faith is my sustenance and NOT something I want to wave in your face to make you feel bad. I’m not over here judging every single thing you do (how tiring). You don’t understand my relationship with God? Well, that’s okay. I don’t mind answering questions, if you want to know more. But I’m also not standing around waiting for a hot minute so that I can lecture you into repentance.

I’m a normal human being. Well, for the most part. I’d like to have the same opportunities and be treated with the same consideration as others. So ya, that’s my rant this week. Some may not “get it” and that’s okay. I’ll just be over here loving on people, trying hard to accept them as they are, and always aiming to make every single person feel included even if they’re swimming in a different direction. Why? Well, because the Bible told me so.