I seen a quote on another thread that referenced a ship, it reminded me about the conversation I had we Padraig the other day, so I feel I should share it with you. Some of you may already know that my family and I went through a difficult dark time several years ago, it was a very very hard time and we had to uproot and move home, when I was going through this hard time I met an African doctor, I have never forgotten him because he struck a chord with me, I had gone to see him about a minor ailment but he seen something in me and I truly believe he was sent from God a little messenger, he asked me my story and when I had finished he said “ we have a saying in Africa , your ship has been in stormy waters, you have found a harbour in your new home, time to tie up your ship and rest a while “ I remember leaving him and his eyes sparkled. Well I have been in my ship for 7 years now and there have been a few storms but I have always managed to feel calm maybe it’s the comfort of the harbour, all was good until last Saturday things changed and in a way it changed me, my safe haven was hit by a hurricane, one of my children left home in anger what is the most painful for me it just happened to be the one that I had protected the one that I had to uproot for, I am ok now because I feel God has granted me a type of calmness to deal with it and I also realise that sometimes people need to grow up and move, the most poignant thing in all of this was I got another little message, shortly after the hurricane hit I happened to look at the calendar, my wife has a wee calendar that has daily sayings, you know the type, you rip the date of each day. Well the saying on the calendar hit me “” Ships are safe in the harbour!! but ships were not built for harbours””” well I realise now God is preparing me for stormy seas, I am honoured and blessed that he picked me to be at the helm, after all as Padraig said I am the father of my house and you are the gatekeeper John… Please pray for me and my family as we weather the storm… This song is my wife and I’s marriage battle cry… The Voyage…
John, praying for you and your family. Ironically, all morning I have been thinking about how difficult it has become, navigating thru the murky waters of a progressive, left leaning Pope, a somewhat unhinged President, the unending false prophets, anarchy in our streets, the almost constant onslaught against our children through abortion or attacking their hearts and minds by the promotion of violence, the occult, pornography and that marriage between same sex couples is the new norm. Radical Islamic brutality, 80 degree temps in the winter , anger and divisiveness, everything seems to be crumbling. Then, the watching of the Akita prophecy unfolding before our very eyes. Compromise in the Church, Cardinal against Cardinal, Bishop against Bishop. Will there soon be fire falling from the sky? Oh God, I am so weary of it all. Yet..Like Peter, as the waves keep pounding, I can only cling to Our Lord's outstretched hand, even just whispering, Jesus, I trust in You. Clinging to the Truth, that nothing can separate us from God's love. That the gates of Hell will never prevail against our Church. Hoping that in the end, Our Lady's Immaculate Heart will Triumph. St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle....
May Our Holy Mother never leave the side of your precious child. I went through many stormy years with my children when they were teenagers but Holy Mother was always there and eventually after many tears and heartache they found their own safe harbours. I will pray for you and your family. God bless.....Mary
John, I'm not sure I have ever shared this on the forum before, but around seven years ago one of my sons made a very cutting remark. I believe he was trying to be honest, but it was a wound that went very deep. At the Offertory, I place the crosses that come to mind in the chalice as the priest offers it to God. Most frequently I would offer this painful memory. Once, in a pastoral care class, I was able to share this wound with others, and a crack for the Holy Spirit to enter in and heal was created. Now when the memory comes to mind during the Offertory, I place this memory on the Paten with the Host along with my other blessings. As a father, I am always there for my children. Sometimes, however, the members of my crew are there to help purify and strengthen my heart, even when they don't know it. Alleluia!! Prayers for you and your family! Safe on the Father's Lap!
Will be praying at Mass this morning for you and your first mate and crew and all the MoG forums crews. Thank you for posting that beautiful song.
Praying, John. Putting you and your family right in the Heart of Mary when I pray my evening Rosary. It is so hard when children get angry and turn away. I have lived it. It isn't easy. It is way more than hard. I think the ship image could extend to the hurricane engulfing the ship but Jesus is still there, asleep maybe, but still there in your ship. And as He clearly told me when I was desperately praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament for my youngest son, seeing him as someone drifting out to sea, too far for me t go and get him, the Lord spoke suddenly and calmly and I have no doubt at all that it was Him. "But I am an Ocean of Mercy." Short and sweet. That wild ocean we are on is His mercy and He is tracking every one of us.
Yes but as your name suggests we always have HOPE ( Hearts Overrule Personal Experiences ) your comments remind me of a poem my wife wrote... Ray of Hope Descending clouds of black and grey Are closing in, oh God I pray They’re closing in around my mind Unable to breathe, so full of doubt It’s getting hard to raise my head The weight it pulls me down instead The more I hope and try to see The dark clouds seem to follow me Evil searches out the pure The hurt, the pain that they endure It’s too much for my heart to bear The dark clouds seem to follow me A burst of light is what I need A hint of hope, my soul may feed The victims of mans evil freed Dark clouds ascending off of me The rays of light start streaming through They reach the heart and warm it new They whisper love and faith renew Dark clouds ascending off of me The innocence will have their say Their voices heard, for this I pray The earth will look to be renewed Bright sky’s are hanging over me.
Wow, your wife wrote a truly lovely poem. Like most members here, my hope and strength has always been anchored to our Catholic faith.Seeing the Church in crisis, in confusion, is breaking my heart. Praying for you and all on the forum.
Thanks to all (especially qui ut Deus) for your testimonies today. Within the past hour I discovered that my youngest son lied about attending Mass today, instead just driving around. I know he doesn't like to attend but the fact that he went out of his way to avoid it was especially hurtful. He said he lied because he didn't want to hurt me but I wonder what the point is in forcing him to go when I know he won't go of his own volition. Two of hos older brothers don't go at all and one is reasonably faithful. Their father never attends. I am feeling particularly downhearted by this today, but am encouraged by everyone else's stories. I will now retreat into St. Monica mode and pray!
Cathy I used to lie to my own mother as well when i didnt go to mass for the exact same reason..I actually find what your son did very amicable,it's when your kids tell you straight to your face that they cant and will not go to mass or they don't believe,, that hurts the most.. Take courage and pray for your children and let God do the rest
Cathy, I will pray to the seven brothers of 2Macc 7 to intercede for your sons. They were faithful and can pray that your sons will become faithful, too. Lord have mercy! Safe under the Prayers of the Martyrs!
Our children have to find their own relationship with Jesus. This seems to be a big problem these days with so much unbelief outside the family and the home. Give your children to the mother of Jesus, and ask her to save them. Then remember to thank her for being there when you can't be there when your children choose to distance themselves from you. Blessed mother can not be escaped.
Oh Cathy, my heart goes out to you. It's every mother's cross these days. My husband left the Church and I think with boys in particular what their father doesn't do, they don't do. Just keep praying. Let's unite our prayers with every mother praying for these intentions. I do know that Our Lord cannot resist a mother's prayers--even if he pulls them in at the last minute.
