This article was written by Deborah Schagen,

Hands on Housing Program Coordinator

As the Program Coordinator for Hands on Housing I visit many homes in any given week, sometimes as many as seven in a single day. I used to say I would write a book about those visits whenever life slowed down because, truly, those visits are where the magic of our work takes place.

Recently, I had a home visit with the Johnsons in East Austin that really made me think. I was warmly welcomed into the home by everyone except their dog, Buddy. Buddy is a seventy-five pound cocker spaniel, and if any of you reading this are dog people, your jaw just dropped. Mr. Johnson and I attempted to have a conversation about their requested home repairs. I say attempted because Buddy was barking at his highest possible volume with perfect consistency, the entire duration of my stay in his house.

This went on for a good 45 minutes or so before Buddy’s barking defeated our patience and we moved our conversation to the outdoors. Mr. Johnson explained how their house had flooded a few years ago and nearly every room in the home had been affected by the water damage. Drywall, flooring, and foundation issues were all evident and I was seeing dollar signs and budget spreadsheets floating in my head, but trying to hide that from him.

The Johnsons were referred to our agency by their neighbors across the street. We had done some mechanical repair, exterior painting, and some accessibility modifications for them last year. They were apparently very pleased with our services because, since then at least four of their neighbors have called to request an application.

When it was time for me to leave, I re-entered Buddy’s lair to say goodbye to Ms. Johnson, and to make sure she knew which income verification documents were needed to finish processing their application. She gave me a giant hug and spoke some words that really stayed with me. She said, “I knew you were a Christian. I just knew it. You are doing good Christian work, and we thank you Ms. Deborah”.

That compliment and expression of gratitude brought up many emotions for me. Her words were meant as flattery, but they left me feeling invalidated and ashamed. I couldn’t even bring myself to respond with the truth, that I am not a Christian. I was rendered speechless. Why? Even sitting here thinking about it now I realize how ridiculous that is.

I am not a Christian. Yet, for some reason, even saying those words out loud makes me feel like I am lesser of a person. WHY? How did I become this closeted non-Christian?

The Golden Rule states that one should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.  I see representation of that Rule with every single faith group I come across in our interfaith services and celebrations here at Interfaith Action of Central Texas. I am turning 30 in six months. I plan to spend my 30s being a loud and proud non-Christian do-gooder. Amen to that.