something to hold on to

I am well aware that religion is not what most people are comfortable discussing about, but I just had to write this...

I was a witness of a friend's friend converting his religion yesterday. The day started as every other day would; we met and introduced ourselves,had breakfast and stuff. Except it wasn't any other day; it is THE day where he'd convert. Later, we went to complete the..ermm..procedure.

Besides he, there was a woman who was there with the same intention. Long story short, everything went smoothly, albeit a rather nervous 'performance' by the woman. She was somewhat distraught or something and later started crying (not the over-emotional-oscar-winning cry, just the regular, body-slightly-shaking-while-crying cry). The only other woman who was there, an older one, said; "it's normal for women to cry over these things..we women are sensitive.." Later when the guy who handled the process asked the crying woman; "have you told your family..?" she simply shook her head (OK,simply is an understatement..she -somewhat emotionally- shook her head). But there was no hint of regret on both people who had just converted. Shaken, but unmoved.

Standing there with tears begging to flow, I felt really small. In a world where religion is going waaay down on a lot of people's list of priorities, I think to hold on to one requires significant strength. To convert into another..well, let's just say that requires more. It is such a majestic thing to complete that if someone actually said he or she wants to convert into another religion; it actually dwarfed everything I ever wanted. I mean a lot of us are waaay concerned about our jobs and how much we make, will we afford a car, what house shall we buy, when are we getting married, and to whom..stuffs like that. But really, choosing a car or a house is just a teeny bit of commitment compared to choosing a religion ain't it..?

..religion is really not what most people are comfortable discussing. Nor do i think is a good first entry for one's blog. But I choose to write this anyway. And it's still just a small,small thing compared to the commitment made by the two people I met yesterday..