RA and my Religion

If you would have asked just three short years ago if my RA got in the way of me practicing my religion I would have said no. But in the past three months or so I have begun to see a drastic impact on an activity that I never imagined could be touched by my RA. I am Catholic and for those who don't know there is a lot of physical movement during the service. Lots of sitting and then standing, then more sitting and standing, and then even some kneeling. Sure the kneeling was always a little uncomfortable, but now just being able to participate in all of the rest of all this physical movement has become difficult. Sure I could just sit the entire time and that would be fine but then the sideways glances and whispers about "the 21 year old that is too lazy to participate" always get to me. Sometimes it is just too difficult to even consider going to church, especially if I have had a hard week because I do not want to have to deal with with all of the judgement that seems to come along with having RA at such a young age. I try to use as many of those types of moments to help educate people, but some days you just have to hold your head up high, bite your tongue, and remind yourself that you are doing what is right for your health.