Category: Jesus

Four confidence builders for sharing your faith story

When we are with our friends and family, neighbors and business associates, are they so impressed with what we’ve said and done that they want what we have? They want to know the secret of our peacefulness in a chaotic situation, our commitment to God and family when it’s inconvenient, and why we build our schedules around Mass and ministries. They may not recognize at first that they are seeking the same close relationship with Jesus that transforms all our relationships.

Testimony: I Cannot Tell

The view from the top of the mountain in New Mexico was enchanting. I could almost see the Texas border as the sun set on the wooden cross. I was 15 and finally old enough to go to the annual youth retreat sponsored by my Protestant church in El Paso, TX. The crackle of the campfire, the smell of the marshmallows toasting and the cool breeze of early March kept us near the fire.

Testimony: Saved by Don Quixote

Three years later, I became a Catholic. I was really enthusiastic—I was going to be the best Catholic that I could be.
After a few years, I became a Catholic in name only. I had a lot of misconceptions about God. I could not conceive that the God of the whole universe loved me, nor did I know that he wanted a personal relationship with me. I was told that he loved me, but I never experienced that love. After ten years, our marriage became a rocky road. By now we had five children and I was working two jobs to make ends meet. I complained a lot, was irritated and frustrated.

Prayer Companion: Leave the Doing to God

God lets me wait for the surprise ending as my sisters did. My older sister would make me wait, just like I did my little sister, for a surprise kiss or cookie until the big task was finished — cleaning the bathroom, cooking dinner or decorating for a party.
When I work hard at my goals and wait on Jesus, I enjoy the ending more than the start because of the joy of looking in his eyes and anticipating a glorious ending.

Three Ways We Encourage Others with Our Faith Story

When we share our story, we nourish and encourage those who hear it. God uses our story to nourish others with his loving presence. People around us are attracted to the slightest hint of the Lord in our testimony amid our myriad of weaknesses. Why? Because they can relate to our imperfections as well as our humility. God’s infinite power and glory contrasts with their great need and lavishly fills it.
And what an audience we have! Good people everywhere are striving for peace and longing for hope—both online and offline.