Feeling Alone in Faith

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Hi everyone. I need some advice and encouragement. Recently I have been wanting to leave my current church and possibly start attending RCIA at some point. So first off, pray for me on that one because I fear losing many protestant friends along the way.

Also, last night I was talking to my mother about the things the Lord has been doing in my heart. We got into this whole discussion about religion. She mentioned the fact that she told me he considers herself a christian but doesnt feel like she needs to read her bible or go to church. Then she had many questions about the bible and different things regarding religion because she had recenetly watched the documentary “Religulous” and was basing some of her opinions off of that which is just in itself ridiculous. I feel like its a lost cause to even discuss Jesus with my family. I love them, but I feel no one really cares.

The Lord has done many things in my life, he rescued me from the occult and put some sense into my head when I was confused about my sexuality 4 years ago. He has done many things I cant deny, even healings and miracles. I have even had the Blessed Virgin come to me in my dreams along with the Holy Spirit. But all this is so hard to hold onto when Im surrounded by the thoughts and philosophies of this world because I end up feeling like the fool and sometimes the bad guy. No body seems to ever belive me and come up with psycological and scientific explanations. I feel so defeated, what can I do?

Thanks,
Brandon
 
Hi Brendan

The best thing about becoming a Catholic is that you will never be lonely. Look up ‘Communion of Saints’ & ‘Mystical Body of Christ’ 🙂

Bless you in your journey 👍
 
Welcome to CAF! 👋 Our spiritual journey can certainly get rocky at times. Never forget that God is right there with you every step of the way.

First things first, keep praying. If we’re not connected to the vine, we can’t expect to produce much fruit. so be committed and intentional about giving that time to God every day in prayer.

I would encourage you to talk to a priest about what you are going through. You might even sit in on RCIA. RCIA is not just some class you go to when you have already decided to become Catholic. It’s primarily a process of conversion. You go to learn more about the Catholic faith and then decide if now is the time to take the plunge. (Although now is an admittedly difficult time of the year because Lent and the Easter Vigil are approaching, so most people in RCIA are starting to make more firm commitments…but it’s never a bad time to contact a priest.)

Faith often involves a leap, but more often it involves little steps you take every day. Yes, a lot of people out there are oblvious to Jesus and their need for Him in their lives. It can get disheartening if we let it. But we must continually turn all these things over to God. He will get us through.

You are in my prayers.
 
First, rejoice that you are seeking the Lord’s will in your life.

Many times, He allows us a sense of isolation because he wants us to cling solely to him. It was only after wandering in the desert for 40 years that Israel arrived in the Promised Land. This Cross is your Crown awaiting you in eternity. Imagine the joy you will feel having made it through this time and continuing to trust in God’s providence! After a million years of eternal bliss, your suffering here will have all been worth it!

Second, realize that you may not have all the answers to your parents or secular friends right now. That’s okay. If you want to delve into it, the Church has had some of the greatest philosophers and theologians wrestle with the exact same questions and find the most profound answers to these questions. The writings are still available for us to study, and many good contemporary books exist that explain challenges to the Catholic faith, and faith in general.

Third, try to start finding Catholic friends. You may or may not know any right now, but you could get involved at a local Catholic parish and start networking. People are friendly, and are always welcoming volunteers;) Use that as an avenue to find peers. You may also find like-minded people in RCIA. Many of the converts nowadays are individuals that are not converting simply for the sake of marriage to another Catholic - they are converting on their own, and facing the same family struggles that you are. A support group like that is invaluable.

Keep posting here at CAF, for this is the place where many converts come for support. Though it will not replace local friends, it is a guaranteed place to receive welcome.

Keep us up to date! We’re always here.
 
SeekerOfFaith20 said:
Hi everyone. I need some advice and encouragement. Recently I have been wanting to leave my current church and possibly start attending RCIA at some point. So first off, pray for me on that one because I fear losing many protestant friends along the way.

Also, last night I was talking to my mother about the things the Lord has been doing in my heart. We got into this whole discussion about religion. She mentioned the fact that she told me he considers herself a christian but doesnt feel like she needs to read her bible or go to church. Then she had many questions about the bible and different things regarding religion because she had recenetly watched the documentary “Religulous” and was basing some of her opinions off of that which is just in itself ridiculous. I feel like its a lost cause to even discuss Jesus with my family. I love them, but I feel no one really cares.

The Lord has done many things in my life, he rescued me from the occult and put some sense into my head when I was confused about my sexuality 4 years ago. He has done many things I cant deny, even healings and miracles. I have even had the Blessed Virgin come to me in my dreams along with the Holy Spirit. But all this is so hard to hold onto when Im surrounded by the thoughts and philosophies of this world because I end up feeling like the fool and sometimes the bad guy. No body seems to ever belive me and come up with psycological and scientific explanations. I feel so defeated, what can I do?

Thanks,
Brandon
Click to expand...
I am in RCIA now as well and just started it yesterday at that. My entire community is evangelical. No one is in support of this and a few are in ardent fervor against it. It is not easy, we are coming to the true Church but it is unfortunately a minority. I’ll certainly pray for you!

We can take comfort in Job knowing that God is God and is in control no matter what. He is greater than that which we are encountering right now. But if you feel that the Blessed Mother is speaking to you that closely and intimately then you KNOW that you are on the right course. How envious I am of you! 🙂 Pray for her intercession! Pray the Rosary daily. Doing the right thing is often difficult. I have going to Mass along for about 2 months now. It can be lonely, but we must take comfort in Christ and His plan for us; not despair in our present state of trouble.

Draw near to Him

Hail Mary, full of Grace
The Lord is with Thee, Blessed art thou among women
And Blessed be the fruit of thy womb Jesus.
Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners
Now and in the hour of our death.
 
Standing out about what is right will always cause ways. But you are not alone. It’s is a pity that you have it closest to home with your family. But I wouldn’t despair. Sometimes good things can come out of it. Take the plunge, because really God is Love, he is everything so logically the only way to be truly happy is to try and follow in his footsteps.

I hear you loud and clear I know of youth here at CAF who look for others so they know that what they are doing isn’t lonely. We all loose things, we loose people, but I think the only way to really change their minds is to be ready and accepting for that, your close ones would be surprised with what you are willing to loose in the social circle arena for Christ Crucified.
 
Welcome, my friend!:tiphat: All of us run into tough times throughout our spiritual journey. But the Lord is always there to help us. He will always be there to pick us up so that we keep going. All we have to do is ask.
 
Hey Brandon,

Hopefully, after reading all these terrific posts from your brothers and sisters here at CAF you no longer feel alone. You never were… God never left your side.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Eternal Father, we thank You for the crosses that we bear knowing that each one is an opportunity to grow closer to You. We believe that all things are possible through You and that for those who love You, all things work together for good. We come together now humbly asking that You send Your Holy Spirit to our brother Brandon to fill him with sufficient grace to bear this cross in a manner which glorifies Your name and encourages others to do the same.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen
 
And is it not said that he has plans for your welfare and not your demise.
 
Hi Brandon,
I converted to the Catholic Church from an Evangelical background. I had many friends - some of whom I lost when I became Catholic… but the good ones, the true friends stuck with me even though they didn’t understand or necessarily agree.

My family thinks I’m sort of nuts too… our mothers must be twins because mine feels the same way… loves Jesus but no need for Church or the Bible. She said she feels closest to him outdoors in the fresh air. Whatever. She doesn’t try to change me, so I don’t try to change her.

Become Catholic is a scary at first… expect all sorts of doubts and stumbling blocks. The Holy Spirit will guide you though… just keep walking. Being Catholic is wonderful… and SO SO SO worth it. Sometimes I literally cry at mass… I cannot believe God brought me home.

I will pray for you! 🙂
 
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