Church: Christianity and Late Middle School

The beginning of my relationship with the church that I could recall was when I was 5 years old in kindergarten. I grew up in a Catholic family that was conservative. I was blessed enough to able to go to Catholic schools my entire life. I truly felt loved growing up in school by my teachers and peers. As a student I was able to learn almost every aspect of the Catholic church from a young age. As I got older I could really see the difference learning about God made on myself and others around me in school. I always felt like I was in a comfortable environment and that I could be myself around people who accepted me.
I started to begin questioning the church and my faith in late middle school into high school. Up until that point my life was calm and I did not have many issues. After moving and switching to a new school I was bullied and teased horribly. I started to question is there a God? Why is God letting this happen to me? Why won't he listen to my prayers? My teachers and family began to reach out to me guided me through a tough time in my life. I learned that is God is always there and that certain things were put into my life for a reason. I knew that retaliating would not do any good and would just be spreading my hate. I decided to ignore them and let them talk but not give them the satisfaction of a reaction. When I felt like my world was crumbling I would pray and my pain would be eased. Eventually, the bullying stopped and I became a better and more confident person. I believe the biggest factor in me overcoming this obstacle was the church the community of people I knew from it. They were a support system for me and I knew I could count on them.
Now I am in a place of exploration. I still believe that I am Catholic but I don't always agree with the Church on certain issues. But I have learned especially through this course so far that the bible can be interpreted in many different ways. I have learned to take the bible and turn it into something that is my own and my own perspective. Every day I try to better myself and be the person that God put me here to be. I take pride in living a positive and happy life. Although, one thing I struggle with is going to church. I found it tedious and boring growing and being forced to go and to be honest I still do. After taking this course I am starting to realize the importance again of going. The church is place for the community to come together for a sole purpose, to worship God. In society today it is so hard to take time out to just dedicate to God because we all live such busy lives but it is something that should be done.
Overall, I am still learning everyday about the church and exploring my relationship to God and the church.