Honour Posted August 7, 2005 Posted August 7, 2005 I get to go home on leave week after next! I am taking books and all kinda of Catholic information for my Dad and Mom to look at. THis will be the first time back since really considering Catholicism. We will have a lot to talk about. And hopefully I can convince my folks to go to mass with me..... : and openly listen to what I have to say, and maybe read some information I give them. Please pray that this goes well, and that I don't gett things too muddled when trying to defend the faith. Thanks everyone for you support.
philothea Posted August 8, 2005 Posted August 8, 2005 Prayers! I'm sure you'll do a great job explaining things. I hope they are able to hear you. You're very brave.
Honour Posted September 6, 2005 Author Posted September 6, 2005 OK...Here is the update. I went home....the second day I was there we lost a "family" member who had been battling cancer for some time now. Thankfully God had given a blessing in desquise, in the last weeks the cancer had literally eaten through her spine and caused her to become paralyzed from the chest down, which relieved her of almost all pain. My father was asked to do the funeral, so between the grieving and preparations, discussing the validity of the Catholic Church and whether or not I want to join it seemed a little out of the question. I did however speak with him on my last day, the day after the funeral...and gave him some books, my Catechism, Catholicism for Dummies, Surprised by the Truth, and Not by Scripture alone and maybe some others. He was not happy, he seems to think that I am being misled by reading all the "best" Catholic arguments. I asked hime for references from the "other side" of the fence, but still haven't heard anything back. Its hard for me right now, because my Dad has always been my Spiritual leader, and now since my husband doesn't seem to be interested in Church at all, I feel a little lost in the whole mess... I want to be Catholic....I feel like I almost NEED to convert to try and regain my relationship with Christ that seems so distant now. Yet all my big plans about joining RCIA have kinda flopped, with no follow up on my part. I haven't been to mass since I snuck off that sunday when I was home before dutifully going to Sunday School. I'm bummed my Dad couldn't see what I was saying, know how I am feeling. That with other considerations....well lets just say...I am feeling a more than a little bummed about all this right now. Sorry for the long silence then all this at once, but I've been ignoring anything remotely Catholic since I got back. But I missed all the love and support you guys offer.
homeschoolmom Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 I hear you. There was a time when listening to Christian radio was too frustrating for me...
theculturewarrior Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 God doesn't always come when you call him, but he's always right on time. He will answer your prayers for your loved ones, just don't give up. It might take a year, or ten years, or twenty, and God might wait until the very last moment and you won't know the answer until you get to Heaven and see your loved one there. God answers prayer. The best thing to do, is go to RCIA, receive the Sacraments, and let them shine through you onto your family. It is better if they are drawn to the warmth of your light than any intellectual argument, though both are important. Intellectual convictions can be lost, but the impression you will make when you are transformed by the Eucharist will last forever, if you are willing to be transformed. And remember, for those who love God, all things work together unto good. Apologies for the unsolicited advice. It's a disease.
Mickey's_Girl Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 Hi Honour. I'm sorry you've hit a bump, and a particularly depressing one at that. I would certainly *hope* that the "best" arguments for Catholicism would be enough to get one to consider it! I mean, if the Church couldn't even put up a decent fight... When you're out there with no support, or anti-support (such as from your dad) it can be so hard. But persevere, my friend! The effort is SO worth it. And everyone goes through ups and downs in their faith life. That doesn't mean we should give up, though. I will be praying for you. MG
Honour Posted September 6, 2005 Author Posted September 6, 2005 Thanks for all the advice. I Love you guys! You are right, I should persue this, even with the uncertains...I'll never know if I don't follow. Did I mention I love you guys... I feel bad I'm so needy and whiny when I come here, I really need to get my spiritual life together. I DO want people to see God in me, like I see him in so many of yall!
Sojourner Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 Honour ... On the bright side, at least you were able to talk to your parents and get the conversation started. That's often the most difficult step. And, if you were able to do that in a way that encouraged further conversation on the topic, that's even better. Things might not develop quite as fast as you'd like, but be patient -- it takes time for seeds to grow. We'll all be praying for you and for your familiy.
Gal. 5:22,23 Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 I'm so impressed that you've been so bold with your father, Honour! I believe you've been obedient in planting the seed. Now, the Holy Spirit will do what He will do. This process of converting is not easy. But we're not promised an easy life as Christians. My husband is not converting, nor my children, nor any family members, nor any friends, nor.... But Christ...I choose to keep my eyes fixed on Him. There is a song I can't stop singing: "I love you Lord and I lift my voice To worship You, oh my soul, rejoice Take joy my King in what you hear May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear!
zabbazooey Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 Sojourner is right, getting the courage to be that brave with your dad, who has always been your spiritual director, and now that you are somewhat directing him, that's HUGE!
Lil Red Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 honour, i can offer nothing but my prayers for you and your family. God has blessed you with many graces and will continue blessing you and your family.
franciscanheart Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 What advice can one give after such posts? I too offer my prayers and support. It won't always be easy and it definitely won't always come in our time but God's time is the best time and His rewards are the best of all.
theculturewarrior Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 [quote name='Honour' date='Sep 6 2005, 01:04 AM']I feel bad I'm so needy and whiny when I come here, I really need to get my spiritual life together.[right][snapback]712821[/snapback][/right] [/quote] I don't think anybody here thinks of you as needy or whiney. When one member of the Body of Christ hurts, we all hurt.
homeschoolmom Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 yeah... read my first hundred or so posts... I was sort of a cry baby... that's what we're here for...
Honour Posted September 6, 2005 Author Posted September 6, 2005 Thanks all. While I am crying.....this RCIA lady won't call me back!
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now