By Lucy Johnson
And he said to them,
“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”
~ Mark 16:15
Conversion is the process of changing from one form to another, such as changing one’s religion or beliefs. As we celebrate the Conversion of St Paul today, I think back on my own “conversion.”
Finding my way
I was raised Catholic and never really fell away from the faith; however, I didn’t have a clue. “God is love; let’s make a collage” was the mantra of the 70s. It wasn’t until my late 40s that I experienced a conversion of sorts. I had been questioning what it meant to be Catholic when a space opened unexpectedly on a trip to the Holy Land, and I filled in. This experience was life-changing! I began my quest to learn more and to understand the mission that Jesus gave to St. Paul and everyone.
How to tell I’m Catholic
Recently a friend gave me a button that said I am a Catholic Woman.
At first, I was a little offended.
Can’t she tell that I’m a Catholic woman by how I act? I’m not wearing this. As I reflected more about my response, I wondered if there wasn’t some fear about wearing such a button. Would people ridicule me or expect me to be holy? Will they challenge my beliefs? Would I be able to defend that challenge? Am I afraid to offend someone who may disagree with the Catholic Church? Has my faith become watered-down, politically correct?
How am I living out my conversion, my mission in the world today?
As you can tell, I have more questions than answers. As I reflect on my spiritual journey, I continue to trust God to show me the way. I need to share the peace and joy I have received by sowing seeds, not necessarily wearing buttons. I hope that others will know I am a Catholic woman through my love.
Prayer
God, help me to live my faith and bring the Good News to all those in my world, starting with my family, friends, and co-workers.
Call to Action
Take a moment today to reflect on your faith journey. Think about those who helped you along the way and say a prayer of gratitude for them.
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Hi, Lucy. Thanks for this. My faith story/conversion is so similar…raised Catholic, “conversion” in my late 40s, struggle with publicly announcing my faith, etc. Will you be attending the WINE retreat in February at St. Barts? If so, I’d love to connect there. Bobbi
Thanks Bobbi, I hope to be at St. Bart’s. It sounds like a fabulous event. All WINE events renew and refresh my soul. If so, let’s connect. I would like that.