Are You Still Who I Remember You To Be?

When I take time to really connect to what makes my heart soar and what creates hope within me and edifies my being, it always come back to sharing hope, freedom, love and acceptance with others.

Recently I received a message from someone asking some pointed questions about my beliefs and if I still believed the way I did, 10, 15 years ago.
Am I still the same person they remember who shared their faith and beliefs?
Not in those words, but that is what it came down to.

Yes. And No.

Yes, I am the same person. I care, I love, I hope, I encourage, I share my life and thoughts, I listen well, I am kind. I am all these and more.
I would dare say, I'm better at them all!

And, well, No.

No, I don't believe the same as I did in many areas. I'm not the same in that respect.
I remember that person, I know her well. I see what she believed and understand why. But I have changed some of my beliefs, I have let go of some and embraced new ones. I don't use the same language and I don't go to the same resources. I believe I have expanded and grown. Not to say others who believe as I did haven't, this isn't about others beliefs, it's about Mine.

I am learning in my present life, to not compare.
Sure, somethings I think are ok to compare. If it causes you to grow and become more of who you really are. If the comparison is kind and loving to both with the intention of positive influence, then I don't actually think comparison is destructive.

The comparison I am talking about is Me vs You. Us vs Them.  Now vs Then. My beliefs vs Your beliefs. My priorities vs Your priorities. My love vs Your love.

I am here to Be. True to me, my thoughts, ideas, input, beliefs, hopes, dreams, intentions, actions....
Growth.

I feel for those who don't get where I am. Who struggle or are threatened by what I have let go of, or are fearful of what I do believe now. In so many ways, I understand, because for a long time, I felt the same.

I lived with fear, but also the absolute conviction I knew the truth and others were all deceived if they didn't believe the way I did. 

The main fear I have now, is ridicule and anger from those I care about if ever I was to share my heart and ideas. So, for the most part, I keep quiet, I walk away from conversations that isolate or assume agreement.  Because for me, it's not important to argue or defend myself.

I just want love, acceptance, respect and connection.

I am aware that my language has changed. I am also aware others are noticing. I am ok with that. And I am also ok with people asking.

My response is typically another question...."Why?".
Why is it important for you to know?

Ultimately, why is it important to know if someone is the same as they use to be?

I would guess, because people need security and familiar helps them feel safe.

I am not here to give security, but I am hoping people feel safe with me. Knowing I will never ridicule, write someone off, reject, argue or hurt someone based on their thoughts, ideas, beliefs or convictions.

My hope is others will give the same grace to me.