When I was in grammar school my sisters were teenagers who occasionally managed to get their hands on a magazine called True Confessions. This magazine was not approved reading for young girls and was considered fairly scandalous for the times, as it contained purportedly true stories of a seamier side of life, the “dirty laundry” of people’s lives. Compared to today’s reality TV and social media airing the most shameful acts of even famous people, the content of the magazine was innocent and almost humorously naive. However, it was my introduction to the concept of confession…admitting wrongdoing in order to be absolved of guilt.

As a Christian, I believe in the power of confession in order to receive God’s forgiveness.

The confession I’m making today doesn’t require Divine forgiveness, though. While it is not a sin in His eyes, it is nearly unforgivable to many in our society. Today’s culture is not so gracious as our Lord, nevertheless, I can keep my shame a secret no longer.

Hello, my name is Jonna and I’m an unrepentant Conservative: conservative theologically, conservative socially and conservative politically. When I was much younger I was a card-carrying Liberal, but over the years I outgrew it. There’s no turning back. Conservative I am and Conservative I will be.

That being said, you can imagine how frustrated I am by current attitudes and events. This is where my religious and social convictions collide.  As a social conservative I see the world turning in the wrong direction and feel frustrated by my inability to make a difference, but my faith tells me that even in this, God is in control.  Nothing happens without Him allowing it. Although individuals may go against His will and His word, thereby denying themselves blessings untold, His divine plan is in no way deterred.

Many times, simply putting our confessions into words clarifies our thoughts and soothes our souls. Writing my confession has done that for me. When typed out in black and white I can see my problem: I’ve been treating all three parts of my conservatism as equal when they are not.

The most important part of my personality and of my life is my faith in God and His word. My political and social attitudes flow out of my faith. It was my faith that nurtured the change in my thinking.

Political, social and cultural winds will blow where they will, while the rock of my faith remains unmoved.

Thanks for letting me share.