For my birthday, I made the decision to take a significant step in my faith journey by getting baptized at my local church, Lincoln Heights Christian Church. As I reflect on this choice, one word resonates deeply in my heart - grace. It’s God’s grace that has gently carried me to this point, shaping my soul and illuminating my path along the way to a place where I know this not only is right, but breaks down walls as a gay person. Never did I think this day would come, my husband and I are entering our 17th year together, and attending church was not on our radar. No one in my life really saw this coming. I grew up Catholic and had been baptized as a baby, which is still a moment I honor, especially in regards to my parents. However, this is my personal decision as an adult, and one I made on my own, in a place of worship we know that cares for my husband and I. It was also important to me to put in the work over the years especially since I’ve shared my personal journey very publicly in my writing and on social media. This is one reason why I decided to make my baptism an invitation to all to witness. The connections and messages that have come through this experience have been beyond meaningfully, which is why this moment is meant to be shared - openly and proudly.
To further understand my decision to get baptized, you would have to understand my faith experience over the past four years. While I won’t dive into every detail of that story here, I encourage you to revisit my previous articles in the Sunday Paper, where I’ve shared my faith path and reasonings to have a deeper relationship with God. Throughout these years, the Holy Spirit has been a constant presence in my life, but what has been woven throughout every movement has been grace. This word is so powerful when truly used, and one that I wish echoed throughout our society, workplaces, and neighborhoods more. You see, God’s grace is what enabled me to lift up every rock in my life—to confront past pain, to seek healing, to ask hard questions, and to embrace a deeper understanding of what it means to love like Jesus. It was His grace that opened my eyes to opportunities where kindness, forgiveness, and love could be felt in all areas of my life, even in the midst of hurt and uncertainties.When I felt insecure to join a church, I felt God’s nudge to keep going. This included volunteer opportunities, men's groups, to even a camp away from home.
However, it was also the grace of our church community and our head pastor that still makes me emotional. It is the comfort of that “welcome home” feeling, the genuine smiles, the “how are you?”, “how can I pray for you?”, and new friendships that fill my heart. I don’t know how many people in my church knew of a “Matt & a Nick” before, but there is something to be said about the grace that was given to us. And, yes, I know part of this involves our own light, but grace comes with patience and understanding. It was also my own lesson to lower my guard and not be judgemental if I was seeking the very same. And, like any situation, not every moment is going to be “perfect,” but grace is not meant for that. Seeking perfection or anything close to that is so out of bounds, and one that sets up hope for failure. The goal is to keep our eyes on God and reflect a heart like Jesus. Today, I have such admiration for our church community and the special bonds that have been built. I believe it is exactly what God wants - for people to come together and celebrate his grace.
I prayed for this very type of season of my life and I hope that it encourages others to never give up on God. I’ve always said you don’t have to go to church to be a person of faith, but there is something to be said about praying amongst others, singing out loud, and creating a network outside of your family that will be there for you. I have seen mini miracles happen and when such God moments are recognized, there really is no way to not believe. Hard days are expected, but that should never take one off course. In difficult times that is when we need to reach out to God. It is also just as important to express his praise during the good times as well.
For anyone out there that is seeking a connection with faith, please know my path was not easy. But, nothing in life with this level of joy tends to ever be simple. God wants us to go through it - right through it so we can remember to stand with him no matter what. I am rallying for everyone to use their own ability to give grace to others during this sensitive time in our country. Remember the person you are fighting with or disagree with is a child of God just like you, and sometimes people react from pain. Let's approach one another with compassion and trust that God is at work, guiding everything to a resolution. When life hits us with challenges, pause and be thankful for the blessings we often take for granted - our health, meals, homes, and the kindness of others. These small daily gifts are a reminder of God’s love and grace.
Looking back now, everything that I prayed for not only came true, but it turned out better than I ever imagined. I praise God and the beautiful souls in my life that cheered me on, even when going to church sounded like not the typical route. If my story sparks any kind of curiosity in you, then I ask you to lean in because with God, nothing is ever a coincidence.
Your Friend,
Matt Jacobi-Caprio
