Powerful conversion stories – testimonies – is one of the most beautiful graces from God. It lets us know that in our imperfections, our moments of deep sin, and when we have lost all hope – God is there to open our eyes to his divine mercy, forgiveness and love.
SHIA LABEOUF – HIS CONVERSION TO CATHOLICISM PLAYING PADRE PIO
I was touched by Shia LaBeouf’s conversion for many reasons, the first is when my kids were young we were a fan of his Transformer films. The second reason is his life mirrors much of the decadences – self affliction and pain of not only those in the entertainment business, but those who are creative, young, and broken. So many of us were lost in secular culture and Shia LaBeouf’s conversion story reminds us that Jesus is every present knocking at our door, waiting for us to open it for him.
It is a good idea to look at the other videos and commentary by other interviewers. They provide a more deeper perspective on Shia LaBeouf’s faith journey. It also opens up for many the traditional vs the modernist (Vatican II and post) movement in the Catholic Church.
Milo Yiannopoulos an “investigative reporter, reformed sodomite, free-speech martyr, hair icon & to the annoyance of many, a happy person.”
I first came across Milo Yiannopoulos’ work a few years ago and thought his writings were both provocative and insightful, especially in his critical response to leftist ideology.
Although his straight talk can be offensive at times, he is always true to his views which are surprisingly always an accurate study of society and our cancel culture. His poignant testimony about his gay lifestyle and conversion is touching. He also talks about God’s love for him, and his conversion from a homosexual lifestyle back to God.
He gives an insight into the importance of parenting, and how their failure as parents can lead their own children into a homosexual lifestyle.
I would like to share with you Milos’ talk about his return to the roots of his Catholic Faith, and his views on homosexuality and parenting – Repost From Lifesitenews:
Through no fault of his own, Milo’s first-ever appearance at the convention did not proceed according to plan. A weather-induced flight delay in New York put him behind schedule, and upon landing in Cleveland he rode in the back of a squad car to make it to the hotel ballroom as quickly as he could.
Speaking with no notes after leaving his luggage behind, Milo gave an impromptu account of his turning away from homosexuality and the challenges he’s now facing.
The conservative provocateur specifically raised his struggles with anhedonia, defined as the inability to feel pleasure, and implied that it is much more difficult to deal with than celibacy.
“When I was unknowingly choosing to live that [homosexual] life, I was condemned to loneliness, addictions, and a variety of other things,” Milo said in reference to the “endless pursuit of dopamine and pleasure” which colored that life.
“I have permanently fried the reward circuits in my brain … Once you fry those circuits, they don’t come back without decades of recalibration,” he added.
Milo also articulated his new twofold mission after returning to the Catholic faith: to establish a Florida-based clinic to help gay men leave the homosexual lifestyle, and to protect the lives of the unborn.
“I’ve never changed on the gay thing, but I guess I’ve stopped being a hypocrite,” he said. “Without Christ, I am fairly sure that I would be dead.”
I was moved by an interview on EWTN with Mark Wahlberg discussing his new film about Father Stu. Mark Wahlberg talks about drawing from his own personal journey with God. He also talks about prayer and the rosary as powerful tools. His film on Father Stu is his – passion – for Jesus. He is a Catholic using his talent to plant seeds for Jesus.”
It is not only spiritually inspirational, but the honesty and candidness is relatable:
I will definitely see this film when it comes out, because it’s a project from the heart with God at the center. How often do we ask ourselves, “how can I serve you Jesus?”
“Planting seeds for Jesus.”
Using the gifts given to each of us to plant seeds with humility and the knowledge that we are not perfect, but with Jesus in our heart, we can strive to walk towards a little more holiness and saintliness.
I first came across Jordan Peterson’s writing and work when I read “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos“. At the time I remember sharing this book with my teenage son and his friend – wanting them to put into practice 12 wise and profound rules for life (my personal favorite rule was “Make Your Bed!”
At the time, I recall he was an atheist.
His recent video moved me to tears and joy, as he discusses intimately and sincerely his journey to God. I was moved! It hits at the heart of our own journey to God, especially those of us who have sought God through the world of intelligentsia, and academia.
I recall a time in my journey when I looked deeply within all “isms” seeking a knowledge that I later realized I will never know because ultimately knowing GOD is beyond the scope of my human understanding. It exists out there – eternal and beyond our reach. We can only understand him within our human grasp of understanding through faith, hope and charity/love, and, ultimately through Jesus.
Jordan Peterson’s journey echo’s many of the moral load we experience, carry, and think of, but have not articulated. Instead this psychological burden is held silently in our heart. Peterson’s self realization is a testament to the Holy Spirit moving in him.
The journey to God, is something that many disenfranchised has sought after finding the emptiness in all the “isms”. We are in an age where the temporal satisfaction is short lived, leaving a gapping empty hole. Hope, is something that is slowly being crushed by the chaos around us. To watch the rise of Jordan Peterson on social media platforms and through his writing, it is gripping to see God’s hand in his life as he shares his story.
With Bishop Barron:
Bishop Barron on the Jordan Peterson Phenomenon:
As children of God, we are called to help our Heavenly Father and participate with Him in lending a hand in shedding light into the world in courage, trust, truth and love…even unto our enemies:
God Bless and may our journey to God be a testament for all 💖.
Looking within without being self indulgent and being honest with myself is a humbling experience.
SIN – not my favourite topic, but necessary as I lay bare my soul to God – it is because I don’t like it that I must look at my sin and the impact it has to those around me – because sin has consequences.
SIN – the realization that my sinful acts have consequences not only in my relationship with God, but it also impacts those around me – “Sins of the Father” – is a huge responsibility that I never thought deeply about.
My sins sets a bad example for my own children to follow – a bad role model. It may inadvertently lead others astray. Hence my very action – negative thoughts or anger acted upon influences those around me – creating a snowball effect of negativity.
God doesn’t want to punish me – He is all about love. Instead, God want me to be aware of my sinfulness through the grace of inward reflection and examen of my conscience. My loving God gives me freedom to chose – to sin or not to sin!
Here is where I deeply need the help of the Holy Spirit to help me battle my inner demons – sin. Here is when I need decide is it worth it to commit the sin and be eternally damned, or I seek God’s help to walk sin free.
I sin, you sin, we all sin – it is the reality of our human condition – our fallen nature. God’s gift of His son, Jesus Christ – whose death freed us from our sins:
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.
O Greatly Merciful God, Infinite Goodness, today all mankind calls out from the abyss of its misery to Your mercy — to Your compassion, O God; and it is with its mighty voice of misery that it cries out. Gracious God, do not reject the prayer of this earth’s exiles! O Lord, Goodness beyond our understanding, Who are acquainted with our misery through and through, and know that by our own power we cannot ascend to You, we implore You: anticipate us with Your grace and keep on increasing Your mercy in us, that we may faithfully do Your holy will all through our life and at death’s hour. Let the omnipotence of Your mercy shield us from the darts of our salvation’s enemies, that we may with confidence, as Your children, await Your [Son’s] final coming — that day known to You alone. And we expect to obtain everything promised us by Jesus in spite of all our wretchedness. For Jesus is our Hope: through His merciful Heart, as through an open gate, we pass through to heaven (St Faustina Diary, 1570).
As part of my St. Ignatius Spiritual Exercises (The Ignatian Adventure, Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius in Daily Life, by Kevin O’Brien, SJ.), I have been praying and mediating on a “grateful awareness of the many ways in which God calls me”, and the past week, I have been reading, rereading, reflecting, and praying on Luke 5:1-11. The depth of it’s meaning came to light a few days ago – “God, how can I be a fisher of men? Moreover, I ask myself how can I serve You in our world today? Next week begins a new challenge – I won’t be able to attend Mass and the Holy Eucharist due to new government restrictions. I was feeling so down about it. How do I live in the new normal – a world of Covid-19 fears and now Omicron restrictions? How can I continue to be a disciple of Jesus?
Luke 5:10 reminds us:
Jesus always said to us, “And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.”
I was greatly comforted by Luke’s reminder.
I have low immune system, and I am very careful, especially mindful of those around me, and isolate myself at the first signs of illness. Today, was one of those days, when I felt a migraine and under the weather. Being the last day I could attend Mass before new restrictions set in, I felt guilty and terrible that I did not go.
In the face of challenges, it is a miracle the way God’s hand is constant in my life. Not only did I feel uplifted and full of joy watching online mass this morning, but I felt renewed. Today’s lectionary reading Luke 1:39-45 touched me, and I was reflecting upon it since last night when I flipped open my Bible and read it while procrastinating rereading Luke 5: 1-11. God is ahead of me! God knows my worries.
Carl Heinrich Bloch’s painting – The Meeting of Mary and Elizabeth
Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
Three key words come to mind – “Mary set out and went with haste…”, the second is the power of the Holy Spirit in the bonding these two woman with inner and outer joy – “For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy...”
I am reminded that in Jesus, there is joy. His birth into this world and walking among us is a testament of God’s eternal love and plan for us. Hence, no matter how many obstacles the world may throw my way that prevents me from going to Mass to worship, I can still praise and sing glory to my God, because I take the time today to keep the Sabbath Holy in my home – my place of refuge.
How to keep the sabbath holy
Making my home a sancturay for God
Making my home a refuge, and adorning it with objects that reminds me of the Blessed Family, God, Jesus, our Blessed Mother, and Father Joseph. Sanctified with Holy Water is also a good idea.
The point here is having a quiet place to spend time with God.
Spend time in prayer and read the day’s Mass reading
Daily reading from the Catholic Calendar is a special contemplation I do on top of my own personal Bible journey. Daily readings are centered around liturgical themes, and they help guide the believer into a better understanding of the Old and New Testament, as well as insights from all Saints, religious, and all who have gone before us. The following two sites are a great resource for daily Catholic readings:
I can’t make it to Mass for the Eucharist, and instead of getting stressed out about it, I watch the Mass online and make an act of spiritual communion and thanksgiving. God doesn’t want us ridden with anxiety and stressed out. Jesus loves us, and wants us to be near to Him and filled with inner joy.
watch the mass online or on tv
Here is a list of some of my favorite Catholic organizations:
Remember God rested on the 7th day. Enjoy a day of stillness, rest and reflection on God’s day.
In all things, remember to give thanks
Make the day beautiful, peaceful, and joyful. I like to spend part of God’s day smiling and thinking of how wonderful my God is, and am thankful for His hands in my life and the lives of those around me. I love to listen to music of praise and worship on God’s day of rest. Just as I am sitting here sharing with each one of you my love for our Immortal God. Jesus, I trust in you❤️
I love to listen to the Virgil Project:
May the hand of God hold each of you in His warm and protective embrace, and know that as long as we focus our attention on Him, we do not need to feel fear! God is faithful, and knows our hearts more than we do. Let each of us take the time to pray on a greater awareness of the many ways in which God calls each and every one of us.
I want to share his story. It’s the story of Fr. Henry, and his transformation from a hard rocker to a priest whose vocation moved the souls of all who crossed his path.
I was personally moved and felt God was talking to me through this film (just released a today). There were many moments when Fr. Henry spoke to me, especially his love for Jesus and our Blessed Mother, as well as his love of the Eucharist and the real presence of Jesus.
Fr. Henry is also an exemplification of Jesus – giving his ministry and pain all to Christ. His life is a testament to each of us to strive to be holy and saintly.
I Am Fire – The Story of Father Frank Kowalczyk, SHM 1965-2020
God has a plan for each of us:
11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 RSVCE
Fr. Henry embraced God with his all. Let us trust in God’s plan for each of us.
Coming from a traditional Chinese cultural back ground that placed emphasis on education, family and hard work, I have been non stop most of my life doing exactly that. With a zealous work habit, I studied and work full time while I was in university. Upon graduation I continued this non stop work ethic raising a family while working long hours during the day. There was no personal time, nor was there time for spiritual growth.
Being a supermom (parent), the focus was on my two children. Perhaps the guilt of being a two parent working household, my husband and I loaded our kids with the same busy busy (the paranoia of wasting time). This meant extra curricular activities during the weeknight and weekends. In hindsight, I think we (my husband and I) stressed them out as much as we stressed ourselves out.
I look back now, and I have no idea where my energy and adrenaline came from. I can see now why I literally burnt out. Where was God in my life? No where. God was pushed into the background. As a family, we were not regular church goers – except during Christmas and Easter. God was a distant din.
As I look back, my husband and I kept ourselves so busy working long hours during the week, capping it off with extracurricular activities for our children that we literally had no time left for God. The buzz of our busy lives overshadowed God. I regret not providing a consistent Jesus centered focus in our family. However, God is patient. God waits. In the flow of our daily lives, God creates and provides many opportunities for us to reunite with Him.
God is near
God is a loving God. He has a way of guiding us back on track. In my case, God used my isolation during the onset of Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 to bring me back into His embrace. As churched closed their doors during the Covid 19 pandemic and were forced to adapt online, this was a grace for me, as it allowed me to schedule – time for God. Out of a negative situation arose hope. It was through viewing online Catholic platforms that guided me back to God. This journey for me is special as it lead me back to Jesus through the Catholic faith, especial through Mother Mary. What was a negative experience (forced quarantine) was was turned into a blessing. When I think about it, He was always there, waiting to hear from me. Just as God is waiting to hear from you.
I remember calling out to God and asking Him for guidance. A broken me, I made the conscious choice to “return home”. The broken me couldn’t do that alone without the help of the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 43:1-7
43 But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
God personally cares for me and you. He knows each of us by name. He knows each one of us and loves us dearly. His protection extends to not only to me, you, but to our families, and to our circle of friends. In my minds eye, I have this inner vision of God’s energy flowing around me. God’s hand is there.
Be Inspired! 