When I was a little girl, I’d get ready for church every Sunday by standing in the bathroom on the toilet lid while my dad brushed my hair into a side ponytail. Church was part of our weekly routine and I grew up with the Bible feeling familiar and approachable.

So I put the words "You are worthy of love" on yard signs to defeat shame and thousands of people all over the US have seen this message. But, there's a problem. You aren't worthy of love. 

In case you haven't noticed, some Christians are hypocrites. If you think that's bad, just wait. It gets worse. It's not just that it's some Christians, it's all Christians. We are ALL hypocrites.

You know what I think our faith community's biggest challenge is? We're defensive. We're defensive because we feel like our Truth (belief systems and God) are threatened and compromised if we love others as they are

I couldn't pass up an opportunity to share something encouraging when I had 50 pastors in the room that I will never see again. So I shared with them this very simple message:

I refuse to be mindless in any faith I possess.I refuse to swallow whatever is spoon-fed me.I will be mindful. I will challenge. I will ask.