Growing Up…As A Nerd and Christian!
Safe to say, I am a weird person.
When age comes, you mostly come to embrace the depths of who you really are.
However, when you are young, it’s difficult to deal with.
The average young person wants to be embraced by his/her peers.
When I was growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, being a nerd meant you were outcast.
You were labeled a socially awkward person.
People that read comic books, played video games, and enjoyed anime were often seen as weird in comparison to the “cool kids.”
But, for me, it was even more difficult.
I was a born-again Christian.
The video below shares more of my story.
I was labeled:
- a church boy
- a holy roller
- a goody two-shoes
So, I spent a lot of time in isolation.
Even though I am naturally a loner, it was much easier to be a loner in my youth because I felt misunderstood.
I only felt at peace with my video games and cartoons.
My youth was a time of conflict, anxiety, and frustration.
So, What About Now?
Like I mentioned, growing up as a Black Christian nerd was not easy.
For many years, I had separated parts of myself.
This means that I was “Christian” around “church folks” and a nerd around other people who would understand it.
There was an internal conflict going on and I had no idea why.
However, something happened a few years ago.
One great thing about social media is that you are able to connect with people that share similar interests.
I was seeing other people living as nerds, Christians, and black.
I saw:
- Christians playing board games
- Black guys talking about anime
- Girls talking about 90’s cartoons
- Comic book geeks creating their own comics
- Ministries dedicated to sharing the love of Christ through video games
- Youtube channels dedicated to video game streaming
- Older people gaming enjoying Nintendo and Sega Genesis games
- And more…
To you, this may sound weird.
But for me, this was liberating.
I didn’t no longer have to hide who I was.
The video below shares some of my thoughts about this exciting revelation.
I could be a nerd and love Jesus.
I was able to enjoy comic books, cartoons, and all the nerdy things I love with others.
I don’t have to be slave to what others think and feel about me.
I AM secure in the fact that Jesus loves me.
Not only the me that reads the Bible or prays.
But He loves the part of me that plays Super Mario Brothers 2, reads comic books about Captain America, and that loves watching My Hero Academia.
I don’t know if you share a story similar to mine.
Maybe you are a person of color, a Christian, or a nerd.
It is important to know that we can be our true authentic selves without compromise.
Conclusion
My journey now is still evolving.
I still struggle but I’m opening up myself to possibilities as a Christian, a black man, and a nerd.
I’m coming to be at peace with all of the parts of myself.
I hope you do as well.
I hope this encourages you and inspires you.
Be all that God has called you to be, even a nerd.
Thank you for reading this and God bless.
Know that God loves and cares for you.
Be blessed.
Nerding Out Loud! 