So Much Controversy

Just over a year ago, we made a huge lifestyle change, and became vegetarians. Well, technically we are "pescetarians" because we do eat fish. (I also might add that this was not such a huge lifestyle change for me, but for my strictly-carnivorous-up-to-this-point husband.)

We have adjusted to our new diet remarkably well, it is truly quite satisfying. And Hubby is much healthier since we made the change, which makes his doctor and I happy. The funny thing is, our choice to omit meat and poultry from our diet has proven to be very controversial within our Christian community. I have actually been to pot lucks and BBQ's where I was aggressively encouraged to "just eat some chicken" or "try a bite of my rib, it won't kill you" to the point that it was downright awkward and uncomfortable. (Imagine if they knew I don't consider myself "right wing" or even "conservative" for that matter. YIKES!!!) 

We found out that to many, the word "vegetarian" is interchangeable with "left-wing hippy." OK. How crazy is that??? But you know, I can remember being in the "group" with that mindset. I find it bizarre now, looking back at the things I picked up over the years within Christian culture...so many judgments. Christianity is the most inclusive of all religions, yet we have set up our own "ins and outs" and classifications according to our cultural and political "norms."

I think it's sad that so many of the conversations that take place within Christian circles involve  judgments. We love to opine about who is or isn't going to hell (please tell me how anyone knows this), who is or isn't truly a Christian, politics (a favorite), how "certain people" dress, or (horrors) if they have tattoos, the list goes on and on. Reminds me of the unwritten code in middle school, "We must all dress alike, act alike, and be alike, or we will suffer for being different."

It is odd to find that I no longer "fit in" with those whom I thought were my peers. Sometimes I want to keep my vegetarianism hidden for fear of judgment and scorn. But there is freedom in breaking out of the need for cultural acceptance and realizing the only acceptance we truly need is God's...and He already provided for that in Jesus!!

Therefore, today I will stand up amidst so much controversy, and say without shame: "My name is Holly...I don't eat meat, but I love God." Whew, that felt good!