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Esther
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas City, Kansas USA |
| Posts: | 147 |
| First Name: | Esther | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist to Roman Catholic 11/26/06 |
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Posted: Mon Oct 16th, 2006 01:30 am |
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Well folks, November 26th I will be accepted into the Church. It is officially 6 weeks away. I am very excited, nervous, and joyful. I can't believe it is almost here! To join you all and the banquet table... very exciting! God is good! Anyway, I am supposed to begin a "enlighten and purification" period soon. They described it as a mini lent. Does anyone have any suggestions for devotions or books or anything? How do you prepare for something like this?! Can you prepare? Any suggestions/thoughts would be very helpful right now.
Ok most of you know the struggles with my parents over my conversion. I am arguing with myself about if I should invite them to my confirmation/first communion. We hadn't spoken for a month until I called them a couple days ago. I don't want it to seem that I am throwing this up in their face when I know they do not support it (and probably won't go), but I don't want it to look like I am ashamed of it, because I am not. I thought about inviting them after I find out for sure if I am moving to Rochester or not. That way I would only have to deal with one night of drama, but it may also be a lot for them (but they are aware of both situations). Any thoughts?
Things are pretty crazy in my life, and the attacks are being intensified. I knew it was coming, and I know it will get worse. I trust in y'all for prayer. I need them right now. Thankfully some positive things have happened (I am FINALLY pulling out of my depression and the possible live-in volunteer position in Rochester). I am definitely not without hope.
Thank you all for all of your help in my journey. This forum has be a life line for me at times. The information has always been helpful and the support very much appreciated. God bless you all and the work you do.
Your sister in Christ,
Esther
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David W. Emery
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
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| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Oct 16th, 2006 01:51 am |
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Esther wrote:
Does anyone have any suggestions for devotions or books or anything? How do you prepare for something like this?! Can you prepare? Any suggestions/thoughts would be very helpful right now.
Since I don’t know what you’re comfortable with, I can’t make any definite recommendations. I know if I were doing the enlightenment and purification, I would pick a text like The Imitation of Christ and just spend an hour a day peacefully meditating. But your needs may be different.
I am arguing with myself about if I should invite [my parents] to my confirmation/first communion. We hadn't spoken for a month until I called them a couple days ago. I don't want it to seem that I am throwing this up in their face when I know they do not support it (and probably won't go), but I don't want it to look like I am ashamed of it, because I am not.
You should invite them. It’s a conciliatory gesture, even if they do not take it as such. Shooting for “one night of drama” doesn’t work the same way. It becomes more of an “arrangement” for your benefit than a cordial invitation.
I trust in y'all for prayer.
And you’ve got it. And I like the idea of your going to Rochester. It should be very meaningful.
Thank you all for all of your help in my journey. This forum has be a life line for me at times. The information has always been helpful and the support very much appreciated.
Then we’ve served our purpose, because this is precisely why we’re here.
Go with God.
David
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Talithacumi
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| Joined: | Sat Sep 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | Eastern Ohio, USA |
| Posts: | 267 |
| First Name: | Cheri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic - Latin Rite |
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Posted: Mon Oct 16th, 2006 10:27 pm |
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Esther wrote: Well folks, November 26th I will be accepted into the Church. It is officially 6 weeks away... Does anyone have any suggestions for devotions or books or anything? How do you prepare for something like this?! Can you prepare? Any suggestions/thoughts would be very helpful right now.
...Ok most of you know the struggles with my parents over my conversion. I am arguing with myself about if I should invite them to my confirmation/first communion...
Esther Esther,
Congratulations on your soon-to-be membership into the fullness of the Faith! I don't know your situation enough to address it too personally, but I might have a couple of suggestions regarding devotions. Since you are going to become a member of the Catholic Church, you might want something that will help you in your knowledge and understanding of the Faith. Perhaps a daily reading of a combination of Scripture passages and Catechism paragraphs might be a good regimen to develop. Also, the Rosary is a wonderful devotion, as it is basically a Mini-Scripture. If you're into Novenas, maybe a Novena to the Holy Spirit - I imagine it can be found somewhere online. I think that might be fitting, since you will be confirmed and you will receive a greater out-pouring of the Holy Spirit. I imagine you might be thinking of which saint you're going to take on as your patron? You could read up on him/her and make that a part of your daily devotion. Really, there is such a vast treasury of devotions out there! But I hope these ideas might give you something to think about, at least.
As for inviting your parents, well, I've never had that problem, as I am a cradle Catholic and my family is very close. I am no expert in this situation. This is merely my opinion, OK? I would think that not inviting them might push them further away. It might also make them think you are embarrassed by their presence or that you are ashamed of their being there. Maybe they are against you joining the Church, but if you invite them, they will at least (hopefully) feel that you haven't rejected them, and that you still love them and want them to take part in the most important aspects of your life. And you never know... maybe they really will come, if for no other reason than out of curiosity. I don't know your situation, myself, but if they have never stepped foot in a Catholic Church, they are likely dying of curiosity to know what really goes on inside those walls - even if they won't admit it to themselves. And if they come, maybe - who knows? The Presence of Jesus in the Tabernacle is quite a Force to be reckoned with! (OK, I'm not trying to reduce Jesus to a mere impersonal pantheistic Star Wars-type of "Force"... it was just a figure of speech... ) At any rate, they may feel the faint stirrings of some kind of an attraction... So invite them by all - and any! - means!
Just my 2 cents...
JMJ
- Cheri
Last edited on Mon Oct 16th, 2006 10:28 pm by Talithacumi
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“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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mg57
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tolland County, Connecticut USA |
| Posts: | 180 |
| First Name: | mg57 | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Infant Baptised Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Oct 16th, 2006 11:24 pm |
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Hi Esther -
Whatever else you do, you can't beat following the scripture readings for Mass every day, -
http://www.usccb.org/nab/index.shtml
- plus read about the Saint for the day in the Liturgical Calendar -
http://www.usccb.org/nab/saints/todaysaint.shtml
I'll also venture a book suggestion - this book contains a collection of hundreds of direct quotes and short sayings of St. Francis de Sales, carefully arranged by the major virtues of the Christian life. I have a copy, - it's small enough to fit in your pocket or pocketbook and reads like it was written yesterday !
Here's a link with a fuller description, and although it's published by Ignatius Press, you can get a copy online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
http://www.fromthehousetops.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=155
God Bless.
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Katy
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | DFW, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 78 |
| First Name: | Katy | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-denom/Bible churches, Catholic since Easter 2005 |
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Posted: Tue Oct 17th, 2006 11:09 pm |
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Esther wrote: Well folks, November 26th I will be accepted into the Church. It is officially 6 weeks away. I am very excited, nervous, and joyful. I can't believe it is almost here! To join you all and the banquet table... very exciting! God is good!
Ok most of you know the struggles with my parents over my conversion. I am arguing with myself about if I should invite them to my confirmation/first communion. We hadn't spoken for a month until I called them a couple days ago. I don't want it to seem that I am throwing this up in their face when I know they do not support it (and probably won't go), but I don't want it to look like I am ashamed of it, because I am not. I thought about inviting them after I find out for sure if I am moving to Rochester or not. That way I would only have to deal with one night of drama, but it may also be a lot for them (but they are aware of both situations). Any thoughts?
Your sister in Christ,
Esther
November 26th - That is so exciting, Esther!
Only you know your parents and how they will react if you invite them/don't invite them and if they come/don't come. But let me share with you my experience with my family. Other then my mom (who is on this journey with me!), my family (dad, sisters, & other family) is very anti-catholic. They are unfortunately misinformed about the teachings of the CC, and they are concerned/upset with my recent conversion (Easter 2005). I knew that if my family were to come to the Easter Vigil, they would not understand and would probably misinterpret everything that was going on. And since this was so important, I didn't want to have the night ruined by their negative reactions. So I chose to surround myself on that very special night with my mom, my sponsor and her family, and my other dear friends who were supportive and excited about my decision to join Christ's Church. If my family was upset, it is not because I didn't invite them, but because I am now Catholic!
It is difficult with my family, but I know that the Catholic Church is where God has led me and I always want to follow Him! I will be praying for you and your family, Esther.
Love in Christ,
Katy
Last edited on Tue Oct 17th, 2006 11:10 pm by Katy
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Lord, by Your cross and resurrection, You have set us free. You are the Savior of the World.
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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
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| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Tue Oct 17th, 2006 11:17 pm |
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<but I know that the Catholic Church is where God has led me and I always want to follow Him! >
You hit the nail right on the head. Through all the trouble, threats, anger, etc., etc., etc. I caught, I too really had no choice in what to do. From what I have read, a lot of people go through a like experience. To paraphrase a well known saying, "A person has to do what a person has to do." Once we know truth and right, we must act on it.
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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SBC2RCC
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | York, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 126 |
| First Name: | Monte | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | was Southern Baptist Minister, now Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Oct 18th, 2006 08:51 pm |
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Dear Esther,
Great news, thank you for keeping us up to date. As to inviting, as others siad, you know your parents best. I think the comment that there may be misunderstandings is valid. Also, for me, I was nervous about this, and felt more relaxed when none of my family wanted to attend, though I invited them to be polite.
In many ways this is not a public event -- like a wedding or even a baptism of a new baby. As it is a break from your previous, and their religious background, to join something that they are not comfortable with, it may be best for it to be "just for you."
My two cents worth, and you have my prayers.
Monte
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In Christ,
Monte W
(Formerly on CHN Forum as "Pilgrim Paul"
Minima Maxima Sunt
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Esther
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas City, Kansas USA |
| Posts: | 147 |
| First Name: | Esther | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist to Roman Catholic 11/26/06 |
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Posted: Wed Oct 18th, 2006 10:49 pm |
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Thank you all for your prayers and advice! As always they are invaluable! I did invite my parents. I really agreed with David on how 'one night of drama' would be solely for my convenience so I decided to sent them a separate invitation and will discuss my move to Rochester after I visit the Catholic Worker house in November.
Today marks the 40 days before I enter into full communion. I am so thankful to God for all of the people he has raised up around me. I am so blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I would honestly be more at ease if my parents don't go, but I will leave that up to the Lord and focus on living a more holy life. All I can do is prepare for one of the most meaningful times in my life. I will be marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit! It will show his authority and ownership of me! It is my hearts desire and it is thrilling. I will be eating the true body and blood of my dear Lord and Savior! I will be truly participating in calvary! God's grace never ceases to amaze me.
God bless you all! Thank you again for all of your support.
In Christ,
Esther
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BettyBoopToo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
| Posts: | 538 |
| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Oct 19th, 2006 12:32 am |
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Esther:
How exciting for you! "May the Lord bless you abundantly for your courage and desire to follow his will".
Daily Christian Spiritual Reading
Bible: 1 Chapter
Catechism: #3 Paragraphs
Faustina's Diary: 3-5 Paragraphs
Lives of Saints: 1 per Day
Rosary: 5 Decades
Chaplet: 1
Exam Conscience: Before Bed
Act of Contrition: Before Bed
Rosary: 5 Decades
I'm not sure what kind of spiritual reading's your looking for? This is the one I try to follow. It came from a Priest on EWTN, I don't remember which one though. I am disabled so I have hours & hours every day on my hands, I think if I worked full time or still had small children to care for, I may struggle to accomplish it. I'm sure it could be altered to fit one's own schedule.
When I converted, My mom & one of my sister's came into the church with me. Both of my brother's are Baptist and were not to wild about our conversion's. My mom & sister were a little afraid to invite them, So I did, With the attitude that all they can do is say NO! Both brother's and their wives said they'd not miss it for the world . My eldest brother loved the reverence & sacredness of the mass. My younger brother was surprised, He thought for some reason that their would be alot more about Mary (I think) and he really likes Father. After the last event we invited our family to, He and Father exchanged e-mail addresses and visited the whole time during the dinner afterwards. They are both hunters and just hit it off.
I don't know your family or your story because I've only been around a short time, but I would pray about it, If you feel the spirit is guiding you to invite them, then I would do so. The holy spirit is so amazing, You never can tell, Maybe if they attended it could put many of their concerns to rest when they see that the mass revolves around Jesus. If they are avid bible readers then they will recognize things in the mass right out of the bible.
Depending on your families faith tradition, They may be very fearful that you are throwing your salvation away. Many people have been taught such things and it is scary for them. If they were to attend, they may walk away with a completely different understanding. Like someone else said, Jesus presence in the Blessed Sacrament is a very powerful experiance for many. It could open doors to some conversation's in your family about the Catholic Church.
I would Pray about it, Spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament, Follow what you feel the Lord wants you to do, and then relax and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
God Bless, I'll be praying for you and your family
Betty
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Esther
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas City, Kansas USA |
| Posts: | 147 |
| First Name: | Esther | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist to Roman Catholic 11/26/06 |
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Posted: Sun Nov 26th, 2006 02:31 am |
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Well in about 9 hours I will be accepted into the Church. You all will be in my prayers, and I know I will be in yours. Thank you all!
Eagerly awaiting,
Esther
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Sun Nov 26th, 2006 06:18 pm |
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You are meeting God at church today, Esther — a momentous occasion. Be sure to tell us about it afterwards. And are you going to make that trip to Rochester?
David
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Esther
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
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| First Name: | Esther | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist to Roman Catholic 11/26/06 |
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Posted: Sun Nov 26th, 2006 09:01 pm |
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David,
It was truly amazing. I felt like I was home. They really made it special for us. It was bitter-sweet. I didn't really "feel" anything, but I still believe. I have forever grateful to so many people who have supported me. As I have temporally lost some members of my family (Thanksgiving didn't go so well), I have gain a family of over 1 billion members.
Before it all started I was blessed to spend some time in adoration. Which just started off my morning right.
The confirmation was really neat. They didn't tell us before what would be happening, so there was an eliminate of surprise. It helped me focus on the moment and not worry about what I needed to do next. I was pretty overwhelmed at this moment. It was really significant for me to make a profession of faith in front of about 500 people. I feel like when I stated I believe all the Church taught I truly became Catholic at that point.
The Eucharist was so beautiful. When we started saying the Holy, Holy, Holy I was so excited, I wasn't going to have to sit and watch this time. When actually received the Eucharist, I didn't feel anything like I have heard people describe. I did have a tremendous peace. I have to admit I was a little disappointed. I just wanted so bad to feel Jesus. I prayed fervently the last forty days. I haven't felt Jesus in so long, and this dry period I thought would surely end today. But as it is, I still believe. I still now have this beautiful sacrament that will lead me to holiness if I allow it. Even though there were no feelings, it was still just as much Jesus. Praise God.
They had a reception after Mass for me and the other two who came in. Then My sponsor and his wife had a reception for me at their house. It has truly been an overwhelming day.
I am so excited to be home. I am so glad my Lord has lead me to His Church, the Roman Catholic Church. I am so thankful to our Blessed Mother for leading me closer to her son. I am thankful for my sponsor. I am so thankful for my RCIA leaders. I am so thankful to my friends. I am so thankful for this forum. I am just so thankful.
As for Rochester, after much prayer and talking with my spiritual director, I will not be going to Rochester. I did go for the visit, but I could not willfully submit to the authority of someone who believe contrary to what the Church teaches. I am still seeking where God might want me. The one of the many things I did get out of the trip was it confirmed that services and evangelization is how I want to spend the rest of my life. I just want to serve God with all of my heart, mind, body, and soul.
For now I will continue working with the youth here in KC. The RCIA leader asked me to join their team. but I think I will wait until after Advent. I think I need a little time to rest. This has been truly hectic. After January (I'm a tax accountant, so I won't have much time until then) I will begin to start searching for full-time ministry positions (live-in volunteer type of thing).
To sum up, God had been so good to me. The last year I have learned so much. but more then that this journey has molded me into a completely different person. I have found such a deeper love for my Lord then I could ever have imagined. You know the great part? The journey is just beginning.
I am home.
Your sister in Christ,
Esther
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Darlene
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
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| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian, trusting His love and forgiveness |
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Posted: Sun Nov 26th, 2006 09:24 pm |
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Esther,
May God richly bless you the rest of your days.
Darlene
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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RonRule
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Posted: Sun Nov 26th, 2006 10:57 pm |
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| Oh man! I just saw this post tonight! I'm in Kansas City and came into the Church just this Summer. I would've loved to have witnessed your reception!
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Sun Nov 26th, 2006 11:32 pm |
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I felt like I was home.
Of course you did. You are. Welcome. I wasn’t able to be there to witness you, but yesterday I did witness eight baptisms.
I didn’t really “feel” anything, but I still believe.… When I actually received the Eucharist, I didn’t feel anything like I have heard people describe. I did have a tremendous peace. I have to admit I was a little disappointed. I just wanted so bad to feel Jesus.
“Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
The peace you received is subtle, but it is your Lord dwelling in you. That, as you will come to realize, is a treasure the emotions cannot touch.
Thanksgiving didn’t go so well.
Give them time and example and lots of prayer.
I will not be going to Rochester. I did go for the visit, but I could not willfully submit to the authority of someone who believe contrary to what the Church teaches.
This is the sort of discernment that God is delighted to see. He has plans for you, do not doubt, so keep looking, and don’t turn up your nose at something just because it wasn’t what you had in mind. God often takes us where we don’t want to go, and only later do we find out how well he has chosen.
My sister recently discovered this when she was job hunting and was offered something that she had never considered. She is now working there and is very happy.
David
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Ruthie
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Posted: Mon Nov 27th, 2006 08:42 am |
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Esther,
Congratulations! I am so happy for you, that you are finally home. I just saw this topic this morning. My first thought was that I wish all of us on this forum could have been with you yesterday, sitting in the pews with you, watching this wonderful event. God bless you on your journey which is "just beginning," a beautiful, promising, spiritual adventure. I pray that He leads you into a way that you can serve Him with joy.
Ruthie
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Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. (NRSV, Luke 18:17)
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BettyBoopToo
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| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
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| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Nov 27th, 2006 07:38 pm |
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Esther:
My heart is so excited for you, WELCOME HOME . Even with all the different struggles I've faced with my conversion. I cannot say that everyone was and is so worth it. I've been thinking and praying for you for weeks. May God Bless you Abundantly
There was a pray in my "Reading's for today" that I'd like to share with you.
"She has given everything"
"Father, into your hands I commed my spirit." (Lk 23:46) That was our Master's, our Beloved's last prayer. May it be ours. And may it not only be the prayer of our last moment, but that of all our moments: "Father, I place myself into your hands; Father, I entrust myself to you; Father, I abandon myself to you. Father, do with me as pleases you; whatever you do with me, I thank you. Thank you for everything. I am ready for everything, I accept everything, I thank you for everything so long as your will is done in me, my God, so long as your will is done in all your creatures, in all your children, in all whom your heart loves. I want nothing else, my God. Into your hands I commend my soul, I give it to you, my God, with all the love of my heart, because I love you, and because in my love I need to give myself, to place myself into your hands beyond all measure. I place myself into your hands with infinite trust, because you are my Father."
I am sorry about your family, I know that pressure can be difficult. Be sure and pray daily for them to understand. One thing I have learned though is that even those in opposition, Are constantly watching every move you make. Be patient with their questions and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and give you the words to your answers.
Each one of us on this forum who have converted under persicution from other's may wonder why me. I believe God has his reason's and I trust that he know's exactly why.
God Bless You Dear
Betty
____________________
Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Darlene
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
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| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian, trusting His love and forgiveness |
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Posted: Mon Nov 27th, 2006 11:44 pm |
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Dear Betty,
What a beautiful prayer. Oh that I can be at that place in my heart. I have been there already and know the unsurpassing peace that accompanies a heart that has surrendered "all" to Jesus.
Let us pray that we might all attain to such surrender to our Lord Jesus that all else in this life pales in comparison to the surpassing wealth of knowing our dear Saviour.
In Christ,
Darlene
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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Darlene
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
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Posted: Mon Nov 27th, 2006 11:45 pm |
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Dear Betty,
What a beautiful prayer. Oh that I can be at that place in my heart. I have been there already and know the unsurpassing peace that accompanies a heart that has surrendered "all" to Jesus.
Let us pray that we might all attain to such surrender to our Lord Jesus that all else in this life pales in comparison to the surpassing wealth of knowing our dear Saviour.
In Christ,
Darlene
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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Esther
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
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| First Name: | Esther | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist to Roman Catholic 11/26/06 |
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Posted: Mon Nov 27th, 2006 11:51 pm |
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David W. Emery wrote: don’t turn up your nose at something just because it wasn’t what you had in mind. God often takes us where we don’t want to go, and only later do we find out how well he has chosen.
Thank you for the advice. I will have to be cautious of it. Right now I am being presented some opportunities that I haven't really considered. Not because I am turning my nose at them but "I am under qualified", "I wouldn't enjoy that", or "I wouldn't be good at that". Last night prayer (after reading your post) I really did feel a strong conviction about it. I will take a more humble and willing attitude towards this discernment process. Thanks for pointing that out.
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Esther
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas City, Kansas USA |
| Posts: | 147 |
| First Name: | Esther | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist to Roman Catholic 11/26/06 |
| Status: |
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Posted: Tue Nov 28th, 2006 12:10 am |
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Thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement and congratulations! I am very happy to be home, and I am very happy to be apart of this forum.
Betty, thank you for sharing that prayer. It is beautiful, and what I am striving for.
I am sorry about your family, I know that pressure can be difficult. Be sure and pray daily for them to understand. One thing I have learned though is that even those in opposition, Are constantly watching every move you make. Be patient with their questions and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and give you the words to your answers.
Each one of us on this forum who have converted under persicution from other's may wonder why me.
It's ok about my family. I am actually doing better about it. It has been going on for a while so I am not quite as sensitive to it anymore. Don't get me wrong it still hurt, but not as much. It also helped this time around not to argue back. I kind of just sat there. I told them I loved them, and I smiled. I didn't break out into tears, I didn't get upset, and I didn't walk away. Let me tell you that was strictly by the grace of God!! Nothing of my doing. The morning before I went out a verse came to mind.
2 Timothy 2
14Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
You don't know how much pressure this took off of me. I don't need to win arguments, or prove a point. After all I am not serving them (see the early part of the chapter about pleasing the commanding officer). I have nothing to be sorry for (in regards to my conversion). I just need to live for Christ. He will provide me the love I need. My job with my family now is to first pray for them and then to love them the way Christ loved us. This all by HIS grace, because I have proved I cannot do it without it.
I don't really ask why me anymore when it comes to my family. After all of the stories I hear I have faced such little opposition in comparison. The "why me" I ask is why did I hear the call into the Church? I am not a theologian nor am I marrying a Catholic. I know so many stronger Christians that were in my shoes, yet do not move. I don't understand why God gave me this grace, but I VERY gratefully accept it!!
Thank you again for your prayers. I cannot tell you how humbled I am by the prayer warriors on this forum. You give me something to strive for!
In Christ,
Esther
Last edited on Tue Nov 28th, 2006 12:33 am by Esther
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