I'm a writer, an artist, a crafter, a Christian, and an Armenian; yet I am loathe to describe myself in words because I think labels tend to confine as much as, or maybe more, than they illuminate. I don't define myself as a "goth" because I am a human being first, but another element to who I am, is that I am Goth influenced, and have been most of my life. I started to get into punk when it first came out, then came new wave, and then early goth. I don't see goth as just music, I love a lot of different kinds of music. It's more a way of expressing yourself and how you walk through life. There are actually a lot of Christian Goths, and I am blessed to know them. We are a breed apart, from the world, and from what people think Christians are supposed to be like, look like, and act like. Our hearts are totally committed to God, and we have the freedom in Christ to be individuals. To dress as we like, to be who we are, and to show the world that gothic doesn't have to equal evil. In fact, being Goth means we can identify with all those that are sorrowful, who have seen tragedy and loss. I have a deep heart of compassion for people who are broken, because at one time, I was broken too. I still am in places, but my wounds are healing. So, that all being said, the best way to know who I am, is to actually know me.
*The Christian label is especially loaded, because so many so-called "christians" have acted so un-Christlike. I am just a deeply flawed human being, who is sincerely trying to do it right, as far as following the real teachings of Jesus Christ, such as loving and serving all of my fellow human beings who I share this earth with; as everyone alive is one who God calls my neighbor, and commands me to love them, as much as I love myself, and as much as I love Him.
All I would ask of you is please don't assume I'm like all the other Christians you may have met. This is not to say that many Christians are not sincere and loving, the trouble is, that the ones who are bigoted, judgmental and hateful tend to be louder and get a voice in the media, tainting the reputation of all the unsung Christians who are feeding the poor around the world, who are helping people, and doing all that God has called them to do.
Whoever you are, wherever you are in life, whatever you have done, or are presently doing, whatever you believe, just know that God loves you unconditionally and wants to have a relationship with you. He has a great plan for your life, and can make your life better than you have ever dreamed. He has changed my life completely for the better! I had a very rocky past, and many troubles, and yet I am being healed of my past, and God is giving me a vision for my destiny and my purpose in life. I now have hope for the future, when in the past I didn't think I'd live to be 30.
