Wow, not that I don't believe you, but I just want to add that when I was younger and still a little on the fence about the whole religion aspect. I was watched daily by a woman named Susan. Susan went to our church and was a very open hearted and loving woman. The kind of woman that would do absolutely anything to make your life better, she always was energetic and always loved life. I can't remember a time where she was really upset. Anyways one day I asked her Why she was so religious. She went on to say pretty much everything, and nearly exactly how you had just described above(besides the whole personal surgery part).
Great post. This really made me think today.