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Guest
I had to share a difficult conversation with my mother recently; it had to do with me following Church guidelines (not participating in a wedding ceremony for my Catholic sister and her non-Catholic husband, outside of the Church and without the Church’s blessing/approval. This is not a debate over that, in this forum.)
I prayed before approaching her, and shared it in love, and why. She disagreed with me, and harshly. She is also Catholic. I knew I couldn’t do any more than I did and said. Given our history (she’s a great mom, just we all have our sticky spots), I was concerned that this might be a game changer in our relationship.
I gave it over to God. I knew I couldn’t change her, and nor would I change my position (I discussed this with my priest and Catholic therapist at length). I completely gave it to Him to handle for me. I didn’t dwell on it at all.
HE DID! My mom appears to have reconciled herself to our decision to attend without being a part of the wedding party. She seems to have not held a grudge or hard feelings (despite her first, very harsh reaction).
It’s hard to explain, but truly, this is God’s Work, God’s Hand, God’s Grace. I feel like He has given me such a beautiful, wonderful Gift! I’m not usually very good at handing over my problems and troubles to Him, but this has encouraged me.
We are attending and walking a thin line to remain true to the Faith, to God, yet loving my sister, her husband and our family. But I want God to be First in my life. I was prepared that if I was cut out of the family over this, I would be saddened beyond belief, but knowing I was doing the right thing for God and for the Faith, superseded that.
GOD IS GOOD! I love you, God; Papa, Lord and Savior, and Holy Spirit. Continue to grow in each of us, and lead our way to You.
I prayed before approaching her, and shared it in love, and why. She disagreed with me, and harshly. She is also Catholic. I knew I couldn’t do any more than I did and said. Given our history (she’s a great mom, just we all have our sticky spots), I was concerned that this might be a game changer in our relationship.
I gave it over to God. I knew I couldn’t change her, and nor would I change my position (I discussed this with my priest and Catholic therapist at length). I completely gave it to Him to handle for me. I didn’t dwell on it at all.
HE DID! My mom appears to have reconciled herself to our decision to attend without being a part of the wedding party. She seems to have not held a grudge or hard feelings (despite her first, very harsh reaction).
It’s hard to explain, but truly, this is God’s Work, God’s Hand, God’s Grace. I feel like He has given me such a beautiful, wonderful Gift! I’m not usually very good at handing over my problems and troubles to Him, but this has encouraged me.
We are attending and walking a thin line to remain true to the Faith, to God, yet loving my sister, her husband and our family. But I want God to be First in my life. I was prepared that if I was cut out of the family over this, I would be saddened beyond belief, but knowing I was doing the right thing for God and for the Faith, superseded that.
GOD IS GOOD! I love you, God; Papa, Lord and Savior, and Holy Spirit. Continue to grow in each of us, and lead our way to You.
