You had me at hello

[portarica]

Just wondering what the experience of people here is regarding when they realized they believed in Jesus ?

Was it based on what He taught or what He did? How far along in your knowledge of Him was it? Was it an epiphany type of thing or a result of comparisons with other beliefs or Gods?

What made the word of Jesus better or more appealing than the alternatives?

My own background was as a cradle catholic and some time after first communion and before confirmation I had an ah ha moment when I saw the charity of some of the nuns at the catholic school I was attending coincide with what they were teaching us about Jesus.

It was a wow that is the right thing for us to be doing type of thing and since then I was hooked on Jesus and since it came through the catholic church its why I am catholic.

How about your experiences.

Thanks,

Peace

 

[yellowdaisy]

I actually have never had an “aha!” moment about Jesus (I dont think-- unless I’ve forgotten it!).

I grew up Catholic in a non-practicing family. Even tho we werent practicing, God’s and Jesus’ existance and deity was always just a “given”.

It’s one of the reasons that I dont bleive in the Protestant idea of a “saving moment”. All that business about “neednig to accept Jesus into your heart” and stuff-- I dont buy it. I’ve never had one of those “moments” (altho I’ve had moments of truly seeing God in my life-- we all have these, lots of them!). Jesus and God have always been a part of my life, and will always be.

I dont doubt that some people have these moments of conversion-- but I personally havent ever had one. I dont think I’ve “needed” one becuase I’ve always believed.

I think that’s the key to raising a life-long Christian/Catholic-- you dont have to “believe” in God for Him to be real! His existance is something that should just be a given-- and Jesus’ sacrifice too. A person needn’t “believe” in Jesus’s sacrifice for it to be The Truth, you know? It doesnt matter if you believe-- it’s still The Truth!

I’m curious about other people-- people who did NOT grow up in the Faith. I’m curious to hear their stories as well!

 

[EnchantedEve]

I actually have never had an “aha!” moment about Jesus (I dont think-- unless I’ve forgotten it!).

I grew up Catholic in a non-practicing family. Even tho we werent practicing, God’s and Jesus’ existance and deity was always just a “given”.

It’s one of the reasons that I dont bleive in the Protestant idea of a “saving moment”. All that business about “neednig to accept Jesus into your heart” and stuff-- I dont buy it. I’ve never had one of those “moments” (altho I’ve had moments of truly seeing God in my life-- we all have these, lots of them!). Jesus and God have always been a part of my life, and will always be.

I dont doubt that some people have these moments of conversion-- but I personally havent ever had one. I dont think I’ve “needed” one becuase I’ve always believed.

I think that’s the key to raising a life-long Christian/Catholic-- you dont have to “believe” in God for Him to be real! His existance is something that should just be a given-- and Jesus’ sacrifice too. A person needn’t “believe” in Jesus’s sacrifice for it to be The Truth, you know? It doesnt matter if you believe-- it’s still The Truth!

I’m curious about other people-- people who did NOT grow up in the Faith. I’m curious to hear their stories as well!

:clapping::extrahappy::dancing::bowdown2:

Bravo!

 

[Matt_707]

Hi my friend,

That is an awesome question… I will try to describe my “Ah ha” moment as well as possible.

 First of all, I am a cradle Catholic and my parents are very devout.  I used to go through all the motions and sacraments, but never really had a personal relationship with our Savior until this moment. 

 I was 17 years old and I had a huuuge crush on this girl that lived about an hour away from me. She asked me to come to a Matt Maher concert with her.  I had never heard of Mr. Maher in my life, but of course I was in just because it was very rare I was able to hang out with her(I was not driving yet).  I got to the concert and it was great.  We hung out and the music was very lively.  It never crossed my mind that maybe I would grow closer to God that night.  

 About half way through the concert, the music slowed down and Matt started talking.  His speeches were beautiful and it really helped my mind open up to the Holy Spirit.  After I decided to lay down my pride and actually give this “praying” a try, it happened.  The Holy Spirit came and basically swept me off my feet.  I had never felt so peaceful.  My mind was full of all these beautiful images of Jesus, but the one I remember the best was an image of Him hugging me.  It was like He was welcoming me home.  By far, the most amazing experience of my life.  My whole perception of the Catholic Church was changed and I realized how “ancient and new” this love was.  The sacraments became beautiful and I learned to cherish every moment of prayer with our Savior.  I was forever changed.  

 It didn’t stop there though.  That was about a year and a half ago.  Things have just been getting better.  After growing in my faith and really learning about the Church I realized God is calling me to enter seminary.  I will be there next year.

The most rewarding thing for me is when I see the Holy Spirit using me to bring people closer to Him. It absolutely blows my mind and I have seen it happen multiple times. How wonderful it is to be an instrument of Christ.

Pax Christi, my friends.

-Matt

 

[TexCatholic4JMJ]

Hi my friend,

That is an awesome question… I will try to describe my “Ah ha” moment as well as possible.

 First of all, I am a cradle Catholic and my parents are very devout.  I used to go through all the motions and sacraments, but never really had a personal relationship with our Savior until this moment. 

 I was 17 years old and I had a huuuge crush on this girl that lived about an hour away from me. She asked me to come to a Matt Maher concert with her.  I had never heard of Mr. Maher in my life, but of course I was in just because it was very rare I was able to hang out with her(I was not driving yet).  I got to the concert and it was great.  We hung out and the music was very lively.  It never crossed my mind that maybe I would grow closer to God that night.  

 About half way through the concert, the music slowed down and Matt started talking.  His speeches were beautiful and it really helped my mind open up to the Holy Spirit.  After I decided to lay down my pride and actually give this “praying” a try, it happened.  The Holy Spirit came and basically swept me off my feet.  I had never felt so peaceful.  My mind was full of all these beautiful images of Jesus, but the one I remember the best was an image of Him hugging me.  It was like He was welcoming me home.  By far, the most amazing experience of my life.  My whole perception of the Catholic Church was changed and I realized how “ancient and new” this love was.  The sacraments became beautiful and I learned to cherish every moment of prayer with our Savior.  I was forever changed.  

 It didn’t stop there though.  That was about a year and a half ago.  Things have just been getting better.  After growing in my faith and really learning about the Church I realized God is calling me to enter seminary.  I will be there next year.

The most rewarding thing for me is when I see the Holy Spirit using me to bring people closer to Him. It absolutely blows my mind and I have seen it happen multiple times. How wonderful it is to be an instrument of Christ.

Pax Christi, my friends.

-Matt

Wow! I was going to mention my moment, but I think I’ll digest this one first.
Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[portarica]

Hi my friend,

That is an awesome question… I will try to describe my “Ah ha” moment as well as possible.

 First of all, I am a cradle Catholic and my parents are very devout.  I used to go through all the motions and sacraments, but never really had a personal relationship with our Savior until this moment. 

 I was 17 years old and I had a huuuge crush on this girl that lived about an hour away from me. She asked me to come to a Matt Maher concert with her.  I had never heard of Mr. Maher in my life, but of course I was in just because it was very rare I was able to hang out with her(I was not driving yet).  I got to the concert and it was great.  We hung out and the music was very lively.  It never crossed my mind that maybe I would grow closer to God that night.  

 About half way through the concert, the music slowed down and Matt started talking.  His speeches were beautiful and it really helped my mind open up to the Holy Spirit.  After I decided to lay down my pride and actually give this “praying” a try, it happened.  The Holy Spirit came and basically swept me off my feet.  I had never felt so peaceful.  My mind was full of all these beautiful images of Jesus, but the one I remember the best was an image of Him hugging me.  It was like He was welcoming me home.  By far, the most amazing experience of my life.  My whole perception of the Catholic Church was changed and I realized how “ancient and new” this love was.  The sacraments became beautiful and I learned to cherish every moment of prayer with our Savior.  I was forever changed.  

 It didn’t stop there though.  That was about a year and a half ago.  Things have just been getting better.  After growing in my faith and really learning about the Church I realized God is calling me to enter seminary.  I will be there next year.

The most rewarding thing for me is when I see the Holy Spirit using me to bring people closer to Him. It absolutely blows my mind and I have seen it happen multiple times. How wonderful it is to be an instrument of Christ.

Pax Christi, my friends.

-Matt

Matt, Thanks for sharing, the part about “ancient and new” resonates so strongly. It is amazing how His teachings are so wise and so applicable to this" now" we are in.

May you have ample blessings and courage on your vocational journey.

Peace