How to belong??

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army_girl

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I have been Catholic now for 3 years and it has filled a void in my soul. The problem is I am so shy that the very topic of religion will shut me up. I am going through a difficult time right now and would love to speak to my priest about it but can’t. Has anyone else had such an experience?
 
army_girl said:
I have been Catholic now for 3 years and it has filled a void in my soul. The problem is I am so shy that the very topic of religion will shut me up. I am going through a difficult time right now and would love to speak to my priest about it but can’t. Has anyone else had such an experience?
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I think everyone worships in different ways. If you go to Church, recieve the Sacraments, and live a righteous life…well what’s wrong with that?
 
I cannot speak from a Catholic perspective, as yet – I am too newly back into The Church. However, I have been a practicing Christian for some time.

I’m not sure if your question is asking how to talk to your priest, or how to talk to others about what you believe. I can only speak to the latter.

I have found that some of the nervousness about speaking about my faith comes from not being sure if it will be received or if I will make sense. In the end, I think you just have to decide that you say what you want and let your sincerity smooth the gaps left in your theology.

I have found also, that God will often take care of you this way. He doesn’t leave you hanging and you may find that you speak words of comfort and encouragement to people unawares. You may also find someone nodding vehemently and then clarifying what you meant to say with a word or two of their own. Regardless, at the end of the day, Jesus loves you and wants you to grow in grace and knowledge of him. He is not slack in giving you what you need to make that happen.

All of that presumes, of course, that your lifestyle doesn’t damage your ability to discuss anything at all. If you are coarse and profane and rude and undisciplined, then perhaps the best thing to do is to remain silent or acknowledge your insufficiency until such time as your sincerity of actions meet the sincerity of your heart.
 
jeanne71350 said:
I think everyone worships in different ways. If you go to Church, recieve the Sacraments, and live a righteous life…well what’s wrong with that?
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Right. :yup: army girl, we all have our own gifts and calling, so just continue in the obedience of the saints, while you discern what God’s will is for you. In the meantime, CAF is a nice place to talk about your faith and learn more about it, so you can be a good soldier in the army of the Lord! 😃 God bless.
 
You’ve made a good start in having the courage to speak to us over the internet…you’re already on the way to greater courage!
Sometimes grace, like the seed under the soil as it prepares to break through into the light, operates quietly and hiddenly at first. God bless you, Love

Trishie:)
 
** I am going through a difficult time right now and would love to speak to my priest about it but can’t.**

What seems to be causing you difficulty right now, dear soul?
 
The difficulty right now is that my husband is serving in Afghanistan (having went there myself I know what he faces) So many friends have lost their lives or have been injured seriously. I am terrified to even sleep at night, I say a pray every night but I keep thinking there is more I can do.
 
army_girl said:
The difficulty right now is that my husband is serving in Afghanistan (having went there myself I know what he faces) So many friends have lost their lives or have been injured seriously. I am terrified to even sleep at night, I say a pray every night but I keep thinking there is more I can do.
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Dear Army Girl,

Thank you for the sacrifices you have made, and continue to make, for our country. Is your being terrified to sleep at night related to your time in Afghanistan, or due to your husband’s being there now, or something else?
 
army_girl said:
The difficulty right now is that my husband is serving in Afghanistan (having went there myself I know what he faces) So many friends have lost their lives or have been injured seriously. I am terrified to even sleep at night, I say a pray every night but I keep thinking there is more I can do.
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Are you living on or near an Army post? You may find it easier to talk to an Army chaplain who can direct you toward a support group for spouses. Sometimes we need each other’s support as much as we need clerical support. Is there a way for you to become involved in a community activity of interest?
When I was going through a difficult time, I found I was able to turn away from my own self-pity by refocusing my energy and prayers outward.
Yes, continue to lift up your husband in prayer every night. I had a Shroud of Turin medal which I gave to my sister when she learned through the grapevine that her son might be going to Iran. He didn’t tell her. I come from a military family who has been so far protected from serious wartime injury. No soldier who wore the Shroud of Turin medal during WWII died in a concentration camp.
During WWII, the commander of the 91st Regiment had his soldiers insert the 91st Psalm in their helmet (something that can no longer be done). His regiment was protected during some of the most fierce fighting.
Pray the 91st Psalm each night for yourself and your husband. If possible, send him a blessed Shroud of Turin medal. Find something you can do to refocus your energy and know that what you are feeling is normal.
If you have started the practice of praying the rosary daily, at the beginning of the rosary you say “I consecrate my husband (name) and each and every member of my family to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
May the Lord bless you and give you His peace which is beyond understanding.
 
Dear beckycmarie; to answer your question, I can’t sleep well at night because I am afraid that the phone will ring, and the padre will be on the other end. Recently my husbands and my friend lost both legs, I have been helping this friends wife through this terrible time. I have been strong for her but I can’t be strong for myself. I have tried to speak to the military priest (since I go to chuch at his chapel every Sunday) but every time I try to talk to him someone in more need than I needs to speak with him. I feel that I am not important enough for his time. It is insane I know, but that is how I feel
 
army_girl said:
I have tried to speak to the military priest (since I go to chuch at his chapel every Sunday) but every time I try to talk to him someone in more need than I needs to speak with him. I feel that I am not important enough for his time. It is insane I know, but that is how I feel
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Army Girl, allowing someone to help you is never a waste of that person’s time. You are giving them another opportunity to love, and we need all those chances we can get in this life.

God thinks you’re important enough to die for you. Asking for a little time from one of His priests is not asking too much. I think it’d be good for you to make an appointment to talk through what’s going on. As a military priest, he is probably the best counselor you’ll find.
 
army_girl said:
Dear beckycmarie; to answer your question, I can’t sleep well at night because I am afraid that the phone will ring, and the padre will be on the other end. Recently my husbands and my friend lost both legs, I have been helping this friends wife through this terrible time. I have been strong for her but I can’t be strong for myself. I have tried to speak to the military priest (since I go to chuch at his chapel every Sunday) but every time I try to talk to him someone in more need than I needs to speak with him. I feel that I am not important enough for his time. It is insane I know, but that is how I feel
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I understand your not wanting to interrupt as the chaplain works with a person who may or may not have greater problems than you. Have you tried making an appointment? This way he will be able to give you the full attention that you need.
If you do not find a way to take care of yourself, you will not have the necessary energy to continue helping others.
This may seem off the topic, but years ago I read Discipline of a Beautiful Woman. Esther allowed herself to be pampered before presenting herself to the king who would take her as his wife. Do not think that you are being selfish if you set aside time for yourself, whether it be getting proper food and exercise or indulging in a massage. Even the military provides 30 days leave per year for R&R because it is a necessity, not a luxury.
 
I thank you both for your advice, and I have spoke with the priest briefly. Although my shyness I believe is the major factor, to be honest posting messages on this forum is the first time I have been able to express how I truely feel. In my profession it is almost looked down upon to speak to a padre. We are meant to “suck it up” and move foreward.
This website is great and the advice given to me has put a smile on my face, that is something that hasn’t been there in a very long time.
 
I’ve found sometimes it helps to speak to a priest who isn’t your “regular” priest. He can offer a fresh perspective, and you don’t have to see him every Sunday.
 
Just a thought–are there any prayer groups near by? I can’t tell you how much I’ve been helped spiritually by meeting people who are also interested in spiritual things.

God bless, Annem
 
Does your local parish have a donut or pancake Sunday? If so, go for the socializing. You might find a potential friend – someone who can listen, care, and receiving caring from you.
 
Dear Armygirl,

I am glad that you open up and share with us. Everyone is worthy to our Daddy God, He cares about every single detail of us (try to read the Love Letter from God). I can understand your worry, but as said in the bible, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?” (Matt 6:27). Just pray and believe that God’s protection and favour is with him. May God bless you and the family.
 
Audris said:
Everyone is worthy to our Daddy God, He cares about every single detail of us . . .
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Along those same lines, there is a beautiful meditation by the Missionaries of Charity Fathers. Mother Theresa began her heroic life of service after a locution from Christ in which He told her how much He thirsts for souls.

I Thirst For You
 
I thank you all agian for your advice, you have given me courage to try and open up to someone…although I’m not sure yet who it will be, but I promise that it will be someone.

Dear beckycmarie - I have to admit I have never read something that rings so true in my heart. I Thirst is something I believe I will re-read everytime I begin to worry again. For sharing this I thank you.
 
quiet52 said:
Does your local parish have a donut or pancake Sunday? If so, go for the socializing. You might find a potential friend – someone who can listen, care, and receiving caring from you.
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Our church does “Hospitality Sunday” the first Sunday of every month. Parish groups take turns hosting the event, we just love it. It’s usually doughnuts, coffee, juice, etc. The kids run around in the gym and the adults sit around and chat… good times.
 
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