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Lindylou
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| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Linda | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Foursquare, Assembly of God, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Tue Apr 10th, 2007 11:04 pm |
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| I grew up in a very neglectful, alcoholic home. I started abusing drugs and smoking at 13 years old. By 14 I was placed in juvenile hall in Los Angeles, CA. At 15 I was kicked out of high school. At 16 I married a 21 year old man on parole for car theft. At 17 I had my firstborn son. At 18, after 3 suicide attempts, I was put in the State Mental Hospital. After several abusive relationships, I became severely mentally ill, suffering from agoraphobia and suicidal depression. When I was 24, my 25 year old brother, whom I dearly loved, committed suicide. I watched him die. It was then that I reached out to the Lord in a Protestant denomination. Three years later my father committed suicide. My depression became psychotic. But Jesus held me tight, and through the years brought complete healing to me on an emotional and spiritual level. I went to church for over 30 years, learning the Scriptures and loving Jesus with all my heart. I felt the Lord calling me to reach out to others with emotional illness, so I went back to school at 51 years old and graduated Maxima cum Laude with a B.A. in Psychology. A friend suggested I read "Rome Sweet Home," by Scott and Kimberly Hahn. I then began to read the early church fathers and was drawn to the Catholic Church. It was a "no brainer" for me. Three months after I graduated, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, but when the doctors said it was inoperable, the Lord had other plans. I am now in a graduate program for a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I entered the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil, last Saturday night (2007). This was the most exciting night of my life. Receiving the Eucharist, and knowing it was the Real Presence of Christ, brings a richness and fullness to my faith that was missing in the Protestant churches I attended. I have never been so happy.
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5458 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Tue Apr 10th, 2007 11:09 pm |
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Lindylou wrote: I have never been so happy.
Linda, your road has been a long and difficult one, but we are certainly happy to have you with us both at CHN and in the Catholic Church. Welcome to our family.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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David W. Emery
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2282 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Apr 10th, 2007 11:13 pm |
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Wow, Linda, the story you relate is mind boggling. God does indeed re-create the human soul who comes to him for healing.
We welcome you to the CHN Forum and look forward to your participation.
David
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Lindylou
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| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Linda | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Foursquare, Assembly of God, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Tue Apr 10th, 2007 11:20 pm |
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Thank you both. I have considered myself happier than most people I know for many years...now I can't even describe how happy I am!  . I am looking forward to getting to know everyone in this forum. God bless.
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Steven Barrett
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Massachusetts USA |
| Posts: | 1192 |
| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Episcopal communicant, Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 12:51 pm |
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LindyLou,
We don't have enough heroes in this era of the so-called anti-hero and cynicism dressed up as "irony."
But you, are certainly a hero to me and anybody else I know who lives with depression. I'm bipolar, and have a few other co-morbidities thrown in for good measure to sort of round things out. Can't help but to laugh at the term "co-morbidites" because it just seems as if dealing with one big condition, disorder, illness, etc., isn't enough; life adds more ways to kill us off bit by bit. Moreover, (and I rarely share let this out) I'm retired on a social security disability pension because of bipolar depression, ADHD ("in spades" as one doc put it), some Aspergers and auditory processing problems.
Nevertheless, none of these conditions prevented me from being married for the past 24 years, raising four children and getting a college degree (on time.) But they, and the meds I have to take to keep 'em in check, made for a job-killing combination that rendered me "unemployable" at 52. Ah, but I've still got a lot of desire to move on and help others through volunteer work, building nativity creches, etc., and writing. (Maybe someday I might put it all in book form, depending on how much bravery I have, not to mention fortune in landing a good publisher.)
You are the inspirational star here!
God has certainly Blessed you with a strong character and resilliancy most people, depressed or not, or dealing with cancer as you bravely have, are not fortunate to have.
Our Lord has also Blessed you through His calling you to His (only) Church. Congratulations several times over!
Welcome to the Catholic Church and the Forum!
Steven
____________________
"This Old House's" motto is "Measure twice, cut once." My new motto is THINK at least twice or thrice, then you only have to write once, and maybe apologize nonce.
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Lindylou
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| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Linda | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Foursquare, Assembly of God, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 01:02 pm |
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Hi Steven,
You have no idea how your words have touched me. I don't consider myself a hero at all because I know without the supernatural power of Jesus Christ I would have been dead and forgotten long ago. You, my friend, are my hero, because you have not allowed anything to stop you. The Lord wants you right where you are, and your life is an open letter to those around you. Everywhere you go...there's your occupation! You are not limited by a building or a company. I can really relate to the desire to write. I also think about putting a book out. I have sent out query letters to agents but after the "A Million Little Pieces" fiasco, there aren't many out there willing to chance it. I'm going to keep looking for open doors though. Now that I am Catholic (oh boy!!) I need to add more to the end of the story!
Take care my brother,
Linda
PS...the brain tumor was not malignant (thank God), but it was growing on the brain stem and emcopassed many important nerves. According to the neurosurgeon who removed it, I woud have been dead in one year! The story of how it was even found is another miracle in itself. I had a "routine" shoulder surgery. The anesthesiologist thought he saw a "mass" in my throat and had me get a follow-up CT scan. Well...absolutely nothing in my throat, but on the edge of the scan they saw part of the tumor. I had another MRI on the brain, and there it was...never to be noticed except that the anesthesiologist "thought" he saw "something." Hmmmm. 
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Truthseeker
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
| Location: | Costa Mesa, California USA |
| Posts: | 439 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | lapsed and returned CATHOLIC!!!!!! |
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Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 02:33 pm |
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It is hard to imagine one person struggling through so much. You will be of much help to the people you will serve in your practice, for you must certainly have empathy for the struggles of life!
God bless you.
Love, Laura
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Lord, please make my will your Will!
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Steven Barrett
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Massachusetts USA |
| Posts: | 1192 |
| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Episcopal communicant, Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 02:45 pm |
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Dear Linda,
Thank you very much for your very thoughtful and encouraging reply.
I am so glad to hear that your tumor wasn't malignant! And what great sense of timing on your part to get it cut out quickly after your anesthesiologist sharply saw the danger and had you check it out more thoroughly.
I think you're on to something by waiting to publish your story. After Oprah chopped the "Million Pieces" fraud into a billion pieces on live TV (ouch, that had to hurt that author a lot), perhaps sitting back is a practical thing to do. Tis' a shame because there's an army of what Henri Nouwen calls "wounded servants" awaiting the chance to share their stories. Moreover, that publishing house is even more culpable because its staff should've done its homework.
Being a former reporter and news editor, stories like this sure remind me that the old joke we used to say about never letting facts get in the way of a good story line became policy with that publishing house.
Now that you're Catholic in a very un-catholic society (despite our supposed 65 million members in the US), you'll certainly pick up more than a few good "memories" to pass along.
One thing I've learned as a "revert" (somebody's has to think of a new tagline -- too close to retread, which is what my kids probably think of me.)
-- anyway, sorry for the detour -- the key to our faith is our ability to retain a laser-like focus on the Eucharist. Our local parishes might have the most boring priests, awfull choirs, and most gawdawfully confusing "worship resource" books in the pews, not to mention creaky old kneelers -- and our Protestant neighbors might have a point or two when it comes to music, dynamic preaching, etc., but all that's nothing but window dressing.
The simple truth about Catholicism is that it is The Truth about life as God intended it. And, it all centers on the Eucharist, because in our Eucharist, with our full Real Presence of Christ in the Sacrament, with no gradations of any "substantiation" etc. -- you can't get any more personal with Jesus.
Our grass is probably browner than other churches. We're satisfied to just keep watering our lawns with Truth as opposed to tinkering around with this or that manure our non-Catholic Christian neighbors use to keep things nice and pretty.
Again, my thanks and Welcome in Sister!
Steven
____________________
"This Old House's" motto is "Measure twice, cut once." My new motto is THINK at least twice or thrice, then you only have to write once, and maybe apologize nonce.
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Lindylou
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Linda | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Foursquare, Assembly of God, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 04:18 pm |
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Wow Steven,
That was inspiring! And you are right on about the contrast between Protestant and Catholic services...to me, it all hinges on the Eucharist and nothing else matters. I can sing along and listen to worship CD's at home (better than most services I've been in anyway). And I love it that the focus is not on the pastor's personality or dynamic speaking ability...the Word says it all anyway. I even love it that the priest does not stand right in the middle...it's all about Jesus, right?!!
Thank you for your welcome Steven. Hope to talk to you more,
Linda
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Lindylou
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| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Linda | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Foursquare, Assembly of God, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 04:21 pm |
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Thanks Laura,
I live in Helena, Montana now (for the past 12 years), but I was raised in Los Angeles and spent 30 years there. When I came to know the Lord in 1975 I spent a lot of time in Costa Mesa...at Chuck Smith's Calvary Chapel and their Friday night concerts. Also went to Maranantha Village a lot to listen to the latest Christian music. God bless you for writing me. Hope to talk to you again sometime.
Love, Linda
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roxyorthodoxy
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| Joined: | Tue Jan 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | New Jersey USA |
| Posts: | 46 |
| First Name: | Rox | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Revert |
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Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 07:21 pm |
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Welcome! What a story! I am also 50 years old and thinking about getting another degree and doing something useful with the 2nd half of my life.
You are truly an inspiration. Don't forget this Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday and if you can - read the diaries of St. Faustina. What a poet and true mystic she was/is.
I understand all about mental illness. I have experienced this awful curse and so have many members of my family.
God bless you and we are indeed blessed to have you in our Forum.
Last edited on Wed Apr 11th, 2007 07:25 pm by roxyorthodoxy
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Lindylou
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Linda | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Foursquare, Assembly of God, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 07:45 pm |
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Hey Rox,
I love that quote, "It is never too late to become what I might have been." Geore Eliot wrote that, only "he" was really a "she," using a man's name in the 19th century in order to get published. Thank God we no longer have to resort to that sort of thing!
Thank you for reminding me about Divine Mercy Sunday and St. Faustina. There is so much to learn in the Catholic faith, and that is one of the most exciting things to me. I will read up on her...have lots of cool websites favorited.
Many blessings,
Linda
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roxyorthodoxy
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jan 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | New Jersey USA |
| Posts: | 46 |
| First Name: | Rox | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Revert |
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Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 07:58 pm |
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Hey, Linda!
One of the things I love about "our" faith is that we have such a beautiful communion of saints. People just like us who serve as an inspiration to us all! And devotions like the Chaplet of Divine Mercy where our Blessed Lord appeared to someone here on Earth - and our Blessed Mother as well and we can read what our Lord and our Lady are saying...i.e. Fatima, Lourdes, Knock, etc.
Unfortunately our separated brothers and sisters cannot delight in our Lord's words 2,000 years later given to a humble nun in Saint Faustina.
I was thinking about writing a book on my reconversion to the Church. I don't know if an agent would find it appealing? Any ideas?
I am so happy you are in our Forum...
rox
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Lindylou
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Linda | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Foursquare, Assembly of God, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Wed Apr 11th, 2007 09:44 pm |
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Hi Rox,
I printed out some pages on St. Faustina from EWTN website to read when I got to bed tonight...thanks!
As far as a reconversion story, I would first try the publishers of other reconversion story books, such as the publisher of "Surprised by Truth," or the publisher of Scott Hahn's "Rome Sweet Home." I was actually thinking of persuing this type of avenue sometime too. Good luck and let me know if anything positive comes along!
Linda
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