“Mom, I have decided I am going to become Catholic.”
When I heard those words, my daughter and I were at work in our small garden. Preparing the spring soil for autumn’s harvest, under the warmth of the sun, her words awaited my reply. My options (and opinions) were vast, but I could only choose one response.
“God? What do I say?”
And though the voice in my head sounded exactly like John Lynch[1], I believe the words came from the heart of the Father: “It’s more important she knows that you love her than she knows you’re right.”[2] Without hesitation, I told my daughter her choice would not cause us to love her any less. Her response confirmed God’s truth and the trustworthiness of His wisdom. My daughter had feared her decision could revoke our acceptance, but love grows stronger in a garden of grace.
Until that day in the garden, most of what I knew about Catholicism came from my limited childhood exposure:
- Fancy churches
- Fish on Fridays
- First Communion
- Godparents=Extra presents
- Catechism on Wednesday nights
- Pew Rails
- Rote prayers
- Gigantic Bibles
Other than a couple of Catholic weddings and funerals, my personal involvement with Catholicism came in the form of an annulment (will get to that later). That ordeal ended with me having an extremely negative view of Catholicism. After years passed, though, I regained a neutral position. I had deep respect for Catholics’ strong Pro-life stance and many good works done around the world, but was indifferent to their theology. Until now.
I am the kind of person who enjoys research and learning, so, naturally, I wanted to understand what drew my daughter to beliefs so different from my own. What about it appealed to her? Why did it make sense to her and not to me? How did she find Jesus in the things that to me appeared so legalistic and man-made? I had questions. So, I started reading, studying, listening, and asking more questions.
Reading wasn’t helpful—especially if it involved personal opinion. Interpretations from a Protestant perspective, were often more argumentative than explanatory. Explanations from a Catholic perspective, often involved confusing words and concepts. I also found myself feeling judged and misrepresented in the Catholic literature. I kept thinking, “Who are they referring to? I don’t know anyone who believes this.” The most helpful resource turned out to be the Patrick Madrid Show[3] on Relevant Radio. Listening to real people talk about real life using real simple words helped me see Catholicism through a new lens.
That is why I decided to create this blog. I hope it will be a place we can ask questions and find answers based on fact and not opinion. A place where we can plant seeds of acceptance and understanding to reap a harvest of unity as the Body of Christ. Anchor your soul to grace and let’s dig in.
[1] John Lynch is an author and speaker whose message has helped me gain a new understanding of God’s grace. You can find out more about him at: https://www.johnlynchspeaks.com/ . I first heard of John in 2015 when I saw him give his message called “Two Roads.” This link will take you to an abbreviated version of that message. https://youtu.be/mOJ1wUcP804 . John also co-authored a book called The Cure which is the heart of the “Two Roads” message.
[2] I am not saying I am right in the sense of I have the answers or my view is the correct view. What I meant is I had the ability to overpower my daughter’s humble statement with an argument or shame her for choosing to believe something different from me.
[3] https://relevantradio.com/listen/our-shows/the-patrick-madrid-show/