You know how sometimes, you start e-mailing with someone and you’re just so eager to meet in person because you know it’s going to be a mystical experience?
Well, that’s how I feel about Nan Balfour, coordinator for the 2014 Catholic Women’s Conference in San Antonio, presented by The Pilgrim Center of Hope. When Nan and I spoke by phone to nail down the particulars of my participation at the conference, it was hard to stay focused on business, we were finding so many similarities in our spiritual journeys. We’re about the same age. We both were away from active faith lives for years, though we never stopped believing in God. And, He blessed us both with radical conversion experiences that set our hearts and souls on fire.
Don’t you want to be there in San Antonio September 19-20 to meet some other beautiful sisters in Christ? I know I can’t wait!
Who reflects Christ to you?
My “stepmom,” Judy. I call her my stepmom as she’s been in my life since I was in junior high. She is a beacon of strength and grace. She has experienced the loss of the love of her life, my father, along with both her parents and her only brother. She has gone through breast cancer and other personal struggles yet still retains hope and still gets out there in the world, working and being social with her close friends and other social groups. She lights candles at her church, even on non-church days, when people are hurting. She is just lovely. And has a beautiful faith and quiet, inner strength that inspires.
At 58years old Nancy gave up a lucrative career to get a master’s in chaplaincy. She gave away almost all her belongings and moved in with a friend.
She,like I, is a convert to Catholicism. Her joy in the Lord’s love, seeing God in absolutely everything and her complete willingness to follow the radical call have inspired me in a multitude of ways. I am in awe of her commitment to living the Word in spite of letting go of everything she knew. My story is my own, but I do work daily to increase my trust no matter what.
My best friend, Sr. Bernadette McNamara. It was an unlikely meeting for us almost 40 years ago. I was raised a good Southern Baptist and Ber is from Achill Island, Co. Mayo in Ireland. I met her a Catholic prayer group that I was going to. It felt a little strange being the odd man out. I was going to college and she taught at one of the elementary schools. In the spring I was having a tough time and I needed someone to talk to. I worked my courage up and called her and asked her if I could come talk to her. Well, I don’t think I ever said a word, but she held me close while I cried.She has been my best friend through thick and thin. When I was away from the Church for 16 years, she never gave up and prayed for me every day. She is truly a woman of God. And I wish that I could be as spiritually close to God as she is. And yet she is humble and funny. I am glad she is my friend.
Great read!
My father, he teaches me and my children and he shows us everything in th he bible. So thankful for him! Saw your blog link on fb, great way to share Gods word and connect with others!
Thanks, Anthony–God bless!
Evelyn, what a beautiful story! Sister Bernadette sounds like a great friend and spiritual companion.
Thanks, Caroline! I think converts have a special bond, just as “reverts” like I have with each other. I love Nancy’s willingness to follow the Lord’s will at personal tangible cost. The reward I am sure far outweighs that. She is fortunate to have a friend like you as well!
Andrea, what a lovely testimony to Judy! She sounds like a strong woman, full of grace. I hope you show her what you wrote! Thank you!
Thank you, C! May our Lord continue to bless you abundantly!
Melanie, She is the best!! Many’s the time I have asked her what I did so right to deserve her as a best friend and what did she do so wrong to get stuck with me. 🙂 I am truly blessed. Oh and I am about to get your book now.