Blessings and Crosses: Conversion Story, Part 4
Conversion of heart is not a one-time process; rather it is something every one of us has to do everyday - turn our hearts to God. My journey of faith over the last 10 years has been filled with the most exhilarating of highs to the lowest of the lows. I had an amazing opportunity to see Pope John Paul II (now Blessed JPII) as a pilgrim at World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada in 2002. I thank God for blessing me with that opportunity since it was the last WYD our beloved Holy Father would be able to attend. I then saw his successor, Pope Benedict XVI in Germany in 2005 and again in Sydney, Australia in 2008. I have been blessed with wonderful Catholic friends who support me with their love and prayers, and I them. I wish that I could say everything has been peachy, unfortunately it hasn't. " My sister was diagnosed in 2005 with brain cancer at age 39 and passed away in August of 2007. I had a back surgery later that same year. I endured the loss of a job, an abusive ex-boyfriend and a car accident that left me without transportation, all in 2009. There have been bad breakups and financial struggles. And yet through it all, I have clung to the cross. Without my faith I am not sure I could have carried those heavy crosses that were coming. And he said to all: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23. I am still doing my best to do just that - going to Mass as often as I can, making time for prayer every day (I am not as good as I should be but I am getting better) and staying involved with my parish. Yep, and still going to confession, lets not forget that! It is all a part of the life of a practicing Catholic and I am so glad it's mine. Will there be blessings down the road? Sure. And the cross? Of course. But I will be ready for whatever the Lord has in store for me...this concludes my conversion story of where I began to where I am now. In conclusion, I just want to say thank you, dear God For all you have given me, For all you have taken away from me, For all you have left me. May I always have a thankful heart.
