Finding God Outside the Box I was Given

There was a time when I thought faith had to fit into a very specific box.

You believe this.

You don’t question that.

You follow these rules.

You agree with all of it—or you’re doing it wrong.

And for a while, I tried to make myself fit inside that box… even when parts of it didn’t sit right in my spirit.

But over time, something shifted.

Instead of forcing myself to accept everything I was taught, I started doing something different:

I began running everything through my own filter.

Not a filter built on rebellion.

Not a filter built on ego.

But a filter shaped by discernment, lived experience, and a deep, personal connection to something greater than me.

Because here’s the truth no one really talks about:

Just because something is labeled “biblical” doesn’t always mean it’s being communicated in a way that reflects truth, love, or alignment.

Some teachings feel outdated.

Some feel distorted.

Some feel… off.

And instead of ignoring that feeling, I started paying attention to it.

I don’t consider myself a traditional Christian.

I have a Christian background.

I believe in God—or Source, or a higher power—something real, something present, something beyond human limitation.

I believe Jesus was real.

I believe his life meant something.

I believe there is truth in his teachings.

But I don’t blindly agree with everything that’s been said about the Bible or done in the name of it.

And that used to make me feel like I didn’t belong anywhere.

Too “questioning” for one space.

Too “spiritual” for another.

But now? I see it differently.

I’m not lost.

I’m discerning.

There’s a difference.

Discernment means you don’t just absorb everything you’re told—you pause, you reflect, you feel, and you ask:

Does this align with truth?

Does this reflect love?

Does this actually feel right in my spirit?

And if the answer is no… you’re allowed to question it.

You’re allowed to sit with it.

You’re allowed to not take it on as your belief.

That doesn’t make you less faithful.

If anything, it means you’re taking your faith seriously enough to not outsource it.

Because real faith isn’t about memorizing rules or repeating what you’ve been told.

It’s about connection.

It’s about relationship.

It’s about being honest enough to say:

“This part resonates… and this part doesn’t.”

And trusting that you’re allowed to explore that.

For me, my “filter” looks like this:

If it’s rooted in fear, shame, or control—I question it.

If it disconnects me from love, compassion, or truth—I pause.

If it feels forced, rigid, or performative—I don’t automatically accept it.

But if it leads me back to love…

If it deepens my awareness…

If it expands my understanding of God instead of shrinking it…

Then I lean in.

That’s the filter.

And no—it’s not perfect.

But it’s honest.

And I’d rather have an honest, evolving faith than a rigid one that I’m secretly disconnected from.

So if you’ve ever felt like you don’t fully fit into the version of faith you were handed…

If you’ve questioned things but felt guilty for it…

If you’ve quietly thought, “Something about this doesn’t feel right,” but didn’t know if you were allowed to think that…

You’re not alone.

You’re not doing faith wrong.

You’re just in a season of figuring out what’s true for you.

And that’s not something to be afraid of.

That’s something to honor.

So take a breath.

Give yourself permission to question.

Give yourself space to explore.

Give yourself grace as you figure it out.

And if this is the season you’re in…

I’m right here with you.

Come sit with me.