This is why it's hard to stay Christian.
Yesterday I stopped by the library and as I was getting back into my car I saw a girl I used to go to church with. We made eye contact. For a split second, I thought she might smile or wave like we used to. Instead, she looked away. Deliberately.
I know there could be a hundred reasons—maybe she was distracted, maybe she was awkward, maybe she heard rumors. I don't want to assume the worst. But it hurt. Deeply.
I tried so hard to belong in that world once. I took my faith seriously. I wanted to be around people who loved Jesus. Now, moments like this make me feel quietly erased. Like I'm dangerous just for existing differently than I used to.
I'm not looking for advice on how to confront her or a debate about whether Christianity is true. I just need to know I'm not crazy for feeling this sting. Has anyone else experienced this kind of silent avoidance from former church friends? The kind that makes you wonder if you're still seen as a person, or just a warning label?