Feeling awkward

[TheNewManAgain]

After being quite an avid Atheist for several years, I have recently found God, and asked Christ into my life.

None of my family or friends are Christian, and while I'm certain I won't be ridiculed, I am finding it awkward and difficult to tell the people close to me. I know the Bible says we should not be ashamed, but it is a major change for me and has come on so suddenly.

Any advice to make it easier?

Hello OP. Me too. It's hard. Hopefully you won't be ridiculed, at least not by people who care about you. But will notice your new religion being ridiculed constantly; so be prepared for that.

There will be a few people who need to know because not to tell them would feel dishonest. I just picked one who I thought I could trust, went for a drink with her, and came out with it. Her initial shock soon turned to support. But do most people need to know? Of course I'm not suggesting you hide it, but unless it's relevant to the conversation you're having anyway there's no need to tell the world.

When you are telling those who do need to know don't feel ashamed, try to be confident (without being smug or preachy) and matter of fact. Answer any questions then move on. If you make it seem like a really difficult thing they might worry about whether it is the right path for you.

Good luck.

I bought a discreet silver cross (not expensive in Argos) and wore it all the time.

TheNewManAgain that's exactly how I was when I first found God. I remember my Dad phoned just as I was going through the front door with DCs 1-3, I answered and said I was just going for a walk, because I was embarrassed to say I was off to church! That was about 18 years ago and it does get easier over the years. You will probably start getting involved with things your church is doing in the community, so people will realise that you are a Christian. Some may react negatively, but I have found that most are supportive (because they see the change in me and appreciate the group I'm involved in is helping people), or curious. That has led to some interesting conversations . Pray to God about it and he will help you find the right words to say to people, in the right way and at the right time. Enjoy your walk with Christ!

Case in point. I went out last night with an avid atheist mate. She had already been told by me DP about my 'conversion', so I had to try and explain. It was excruciating. So hard to talk about! I find myself 'admitting' that's it a bit bonkers (particularly so in my difficult situation) which is not at all what I want to say. Yesterday though I also managed to say that it makes me happy, which was a first

How's it going for you OP?

You're not obliged to give lengthy explanations to anyone if you don't want to. If you just mention sometimes that you're going to church or meeting up for the church picnic/open day/discussion group then people will realise soon enough.

I hope that you find support, tolerance and acceptance and, I suspect, even for those who feel challenged by it, it's bit of a 5 minute wonder.

I suspect some other people's preconceptions of Christians are that you will suddenly be desperate to convert them and judging everything they do. If what they see is the same person just getting on with their life, albeit now with a faith underpinning that, it's probably both challenging and reassuring.

I've found, with my faith, it usually eventually comes up in conversations, often just that I've been to church or I know someone from church, so it just kind of eventually crops up with new people, some just ignore it, others ask questions.

I think people who don't have a faith find it very difficult to understand where that conviction comes from, they may change you to provide 'evidence' as it is difficult to understand that faith comes from within and isn't like a scientific experiment or even easy to describe, but that doesn't make it any less real to you.

I wish you all the best on your journey, it isn't always easy but the love of God has provided me with incredible support in both dark times and happier ones.