Church Is for the Broken—And That Includes Me

It’s always a little funny to me when I mention that I’m a Christian or that I go to church on Sundays. I often get that look—like I must be a Bible-thumper or just someone who’s no fun at all. And that’s what makes me laugh. Because here’s the truth: church is for the broken. I am broken. I’m a work in progress.

Do I still cuss sometimes? Yeah, I do. But I’m working on it. Just because I choose not to drink doesn’t mean I care if you do. And just because I parent my kids a certain way doesn’t mean it’s my place to judge how you raise yours. Truth is—we’re all figuring it out as we go.

Not everyone is going to agree with everything we do, and that’s okay. But please, don’t judge a book by its cover.

Some Christians even find it odd that my church doesn’t require you to wear suits, ties, or dresses. It’s a come-as-you-are kind of place—because you still matter, no matter what you’re wearing. Is it nice to dress up sometimes? Sure. But fancy clothes aren’t your ticket to heaven.

Kindness goes a long way. You truly never know what someone else is walking through.

Not long ago, I heard a story about myself that really hit me. Someone from high school remembered me from church. She said, “I know we didn’t run in the same circle, but you were one of the few people who were actually kind to me—and it meant a lot, because I was going through a really hard time back then.”

That touched me deeply. Because it’s true: it doesn’t take much to be kind. A small word, a gentle smile—that might be exactly what someone needs that day.

Now, I’m not saying to let people walk all over you. I’m not saying to be a doormat. I’m saying—don’t go out of your way to be cruel, especially when there’s no reason to be. It’s something I try hard to instill in my kids. We don’t force anyone to believe in God—we just try to be a light.

I tell my kids: Be leaders, not followers. If someone’s being bullied, you don’t join in. You be the one who reaches out your hand and helps lift them up.

I truly believe there’s a difference between kids playfully teasing each other and intentionally making someone feel like they don’t matter. And I remind my kids that sometimes, the ones doing the bullying are hurting in their own ways. Maybe they’re insecure or struggling at home. Hurt people often hurt people.

What breaks my heart is when I see people claim to be Christians, yet act in judgmental or unkind ways. That’s not Christ-like in any sense. We all mess up. We all fall short. Every single day. So who am I to judge?

We all put our britches on the same way every morning.

My hope is to be a light. And maybe that’s not your cup of tea—and that’s okay too. But if you’re looking for real people, with real flaws, who are just trying to live with kindness and grace, you’re in good company here.

Bible Verse:"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." —Matthew 5:16