Prayer Answered

I have a confession to make... I have been encouraged to blog about our Blessed Mother and I have been reluctant.  I've been uncomfortable to put myself out there by discussing her.  I'm afraid of a challenge or confrontation from a non-catholic on why Catholics have a devotion to her when they should just go to Jesus.  I responded by "can you biblically back it up?"  If you've had these types of discussions about Mary and the saints, then you know what I mean.

So I prayed about it to Jesus and I asked for help in this matter.  And He responded in a big way.

After a trip to the library last week, I took my son to a church near the library for Eucharistic Adoration where we prayed the rosary.  Upon leaving, I noticed the Chicago Lighthouse CDs and front and center was this CD -    

Then I received an email from one of the deacons of my parish about Steve Ray (featured speaker on EWTN and Relevant Radio) coming to my area and one of his discussions is called:  Mary, Real Girl and Woman of Mystery.

I also happened to be noticing how often I am zeroing in on how many cars have rosaries hanging from their rear view mirror.

Lastly, I watched Fr. Corapi last night and as usual I learn what I'm needing to learn at that moment.  He talked about how the Catholic Church needs leadership and he's talking about the people who make up the church.  He's talking about us... he's talking about me. 

Two things he said really struck me... one- do not be timid about your faith and two - do not apologize for your faith.  I'd been stuck here for awhile and not happy about it, but not knowing what to do about it.  I've asked for help and He is showing me the way.  Here's a bit more about what Fr. Corapi had to say:

This is how he broke it down:

L -  lead by example

E - educate yourself and your family in scripture and the faith

A - attitude... do not be timid, do not apologize for your faith

D - discipline self to devote time to studying scripture and the Catheticism

E - empower your children and family to learn the Word of God

R - receive and accept input calmly

S - sacrifice your time and your ego by speaking the truth

H - humility... acknowledge the truth, even the parts that may be difficult

I -  initiative... do not wait for others to do it

P - pray, plan and prepare for this spiritual battle

Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Make every effort to add to your  faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, LOVE.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from  being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Peter 5-8