I am not a theologian, not a psychologist, not a moralist. Just a believing woman who reflects on things that are not usually spoken about directly. Although, perhaps, it is here that it is worth speaking about it honestly.

We live in a strange time. On the one hand, we are imbued with a consumer culture - we choose people like shoes in a store - this one is too old, that one is too experienced, this one is not ready for children, that one has already experienced too much. And on the other hand, we are all deeply drawn to true love. Not to the ideal, but to the foreign one, but to the one who knows about falls, tears, repentance... and still remains.

Many times I caught myself trying to imagine, if I were a man, could I love a woman who had a past? Not a mistake, not two cases, but a whole story, which at some point, perhaps, was far from God's truth? And if this woman came to me - with an open heart, with pain, but already with faith, with a desire to be different - would I extend my hand to her?

We, Christians, constantly talk about mercy, about forgiveness. I read the Gospel and again and again I see how Christ did not turn away from those whom society had put a cross on. He did not approve of sin, but he never denied a person the right to be loved and to be new. Why do we, when it comes to real people, suddenly begin to doubt?

I know one girl - now she is quiet, calm, teaches children, sings in the church choir on Sundays. But ten years ago her life was completely different. She admits that back then she didn't know why she lived, didn't know who she was, and how scary it can be to be empty inside. She threw herself into relationships, fun, parties and debauchery.

One day she stopped. Not from happiness - from complete burnout.

And she told me more than once that what she fears most is not loneliness, not condemnation, but that no one will take her seriously - because she has a "train". Even if she is a different person.

I think about this when I read. Many write: "I want a wife with a pure heart." But what if the heart is pure now, but has gone through dirt? Will it still be "pure"? In the eyes of God - yes. He looks at us not as an accountant, counting mistakes, but as a loving Father who is waiting for our return. And in our eyes?

We are all imperfect. And if God accepts us no matter what, can't we learn to accept each other a little more?

Lana Banana