It’s been seven years since I first published the first story on my Blog. This idea came to me during Advent. I never gave up on this dream until it came to fruition. This was given to me by the Holy Spirit; it came about through much prayer. I felt a strong calling to describe my life experiences by sharing them in a Blog.
The Blog
I wanted to start a Blog but had no idea how to begin this venture, I prayed about it for a very long time. In December of 2015, I received a dream from the Lord who instructed me to name the Blog “My Catholic Roots Are Showing.” I was also given a vision of what the logo should look like. This was a vivid dream so after journaling, I kept telling God, “But I don’t really want to use the word Catholic because I minister to Protestants as well.” I reminded the Lord that many of my relatives were non-Catholic, including my son and his family. God knows everything, so after I stopped questioning and complaining about His directions, everything fell into place.
Lauren
Lauren, a family friend, was in between jobs when she decided to join our weekly Bible study group. I mentioned my dream and she graciously volunteered to help me. She was an answer to my prayers. Thanks to Lauren’s hard work and perseverance, within three days my new Blog was up and running.
The vision the Lord gave me for the logo was my face with the extensions of my hair being roots . When Lauren designed the logo, she added my face as the “O” in Catholic.
The Vision
The only thing that’s certain is that if God gives you a vision He will see you through it. This Blog is to bring light to non-Catholics the root of our beliefs and to gently guide wayward Catholics back home. I will not pound anyone over the head with Catholic doctrine to help him better understand the Catholic point of view; rather I will witness through my faith what God is doing in my life. I do not waver in my beliefs; my Catholic faith has brought serving God to its fullest. It took a big trial for me to reach this pinnacle.
The Exit
My history with her majesty, the Catholic Church, started when my eldest brother died of cancer in 1983. There was conflict with a priest at our local parish. He questioned me about my brother’s funeral arrangements and wanted to know if we attended Mass regularly. All of my siblings were in a state of spiritual limbo and none of us were remotely attending Mass. Aside from Christmas and Easter, I never went to any Catholic services.
I pleaded with the priest that my brother was too sick to attend services, but I knew that it had been many years. In frustration and anger over the manner in which one priest handled my brother’s death, I left the Catholic Church. Disappointment quickly turned into a hardened heart toward my former church. Emotionally charged and spiritually void, led me to a 15-year hiatus of bouncing from one Protestant church to another.
The Valley Vineyard
I was led to the Valley Vineyard. There our young family settled in and I found a new love for the Word of God. This ministry was my favorite; we became good friends with the pastor and his wife, but sadly, due to Mike’s job, we had to move to Orange County. So for 15 years I went from Anaheim Vineyard, to Calvary Church, to Calvary Chapel, and many other churches in between. All of these were wonderful growing experiences, but one church in particular continued to feed into my anger against Catholics. When I heard these negative words from the pulpit about my former church, it intensified my contempt for Catholics even greater.
The Journey
My husband and children were all cradle Catholics; however, my new religion became theirs. This new-found faith brought me to a group that was led by a lady named Michelle. I was so impressed by Michelle’s knowledge and wisdom of the Word of God. Her preaching was powerful and incited my spirit to desire more of God. I wanted so badly to introduce her to my Catholic friends with the intention of converting them. I talked to other Anaheim Vineyard members, and was taken aback when I was informed that Michelle was Catholic! My thoughts were, “How can this be? How can a Catholic have the fire of God like this?” Michelle’s ecumenical giftings allowed her to work alongside popular pastors and many other renowned movers and shakers in the Protestant faith.
From Michelle’s teaching came my introduction to her mother Joanne, also Catholic. I became a member of Christ In You in 1994, attending two weekly services. I fully committed myself to serve in this ministry. In addition I started attending daily Mass. These were the stepping stones that led me back to Catholicism.
Coming Home
I remember the Sunday when I returned to Catholic Mass because it was an unusual experience. I walked in with my husband to the sound of solemn music. The praise and worship was structured. “What was I doing here? Is this really from You Lord?” I was accustomed to lifting my hands in worship and swaying back and forth to the sounds of loud praise music. It took time for me to readjust to the quiet beauty of the Mass, but it all came back to me gradually. The reverence of the people and genuflecting before the Eucharist, the kneeling, the standing – these physical movements honored and respected the holiness of God.
The Manna
These rituals are unchanging and enriching, but it was not until I received the Eucharist that the spirit of completeness came over me. It took several services before I realized that truly I was where God had called me. The Eucharist is spiritual food that I cannot live without. Attending daily Mass is what sustains my walk; nothing can replace the real manna, the true Body of Christ.
Susanna and Helen
During this entire journey my dear friend Susanna was praying for me to return to the Catholic Church. Her gentle, stern approach, was steadfast because she was well catechized and knew how to defend her faith. My best friend Helen, also Catholic, listened to all my preachings but never wavered from her beliefs either. Flanked by these two strong Catholic women, my ambiguous mind was now at rest.
My Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that You would continue to give me insight as to the direction for my Blog. May Your Holy Spirit continue to grace me with wisdom on subject matter to touch the hearts of those who are searching, hurting or lost in the journey to You. May this first week of Advent lead them onto the right path.
I pray that my Blog will enlighten, make you laugh and most of all to seek His Face. Amen.
