Regrets

Earlier this week I read a post that someone shared about their parent's regrets about not having been active during the civil rights demonstrations of the 60s. I'm wondering if this is our moment to either be active now or regret it later when it comes to demonstrating or actively speaking out against the government injustices that are taking place.

It also got me thinking about my own regrets.
I have come to terms with my past religious teachings, knowing that I was teaching what I had been taught and truly believed I was doing the right thing. But now I am wondering if maybe I have stepped away from religion long enough and it's time to begin to share how my beliefs have evolved into being less of a worshiper of Jesus and more of a follower of Jesus.

Although my past observation of -- The farther I got from religion, the closer I got to God -- still holds true, I'm now wondering how evangelism works when it comes to helping people recognize the Spirit of God that resides within themselves and also in the people around us.
How does one follow what Jesus taught, and teach what Jesus taught, and manage to leave religion out of it?
Is the St. Francis model of preaching by practice and only using words when necessary an effective way of following Jesus? Is it an effective way to teach others what Jesus taught?  
Is it even necessary to teach others what I know or believe about following Jesus?
...or just about living a peaceful life?

I think I need a warm day and a good cigar to figure it out.
It might be a long time before that happens.

John