Scott, I'm so glad these words moved you and touched some deep part of you. As I mentioned in my response to Meredith, even though it's tempting to just tell funny, happy stories, I often feel a topic like this just nagging at my soul, in a way that's impossible to ignore. In the end, because of people like you, I'm always glad I paid attention and put down the words that needed to be written.

Modern Gal, I have a Christian friend who's a Yankee kid transplanted to the South. Her stories and frustrations sound very similar to yours. What you say about "learning to trust [your] own faith" is so important. I've noticed that confidence growing in myself these past few years. It's a confidence that's similar to a teenager who's able to have their own very distinct style rather than just wearing what everyone else has determined is currently "in." It's so freeing, isn't it?