Today, a woman on Twitter posted that she knows a lot of Evangelicals, and they all love the song Mary, Did You Know. Then, she said that most Catholics – herself included – loathe the song. A few years back, our entire family attended an Amy Grant Christmas concert. Some priests were seated beside us. When Amy sang Mary, Did You Know, one priest wept silently. My twenty-something daughter still talks about how much love she saw in that priest. Back then, nobody in... Read more
I’m thinking of a young lady who is going through a tough time right now. I’m thinking of a woman who isn’t so sure Jesus is the Christ. She wonders if all those Sunday school lessons were pointless. She’s a bit cynical now. I’m thinking of a woman who once loved Him – believed in a spiritual chrysalis. Knew she was a butterfly. I’m thinking of a young woman. And you probably are thinking of one, too. My young woman... Read more
There was a time when I did not believe in the Immaculate Conception. And then, I did. How does one go from complete disbelief to belief? Grace. It’s all grace. On July 16, 2004. I caught the tail-end of a Journey Home program (EWTN), and I was immediately drawn to that night’s guest. On a whim, I wrote Mary Beth Kremski and attempted to explain something that I didn’t completely understand myself – my growing desire to enter the Catholic... Read more
I have dipped my toes in the chaos of the Christmas-before-Advent scene. I’ve been to the mall once. I’ve landed on radio stations that play Christmas music around the clock – and quickly popped in my Rosary CD to escape the noise. I’ve seen enough of commercialized Christmas even though I have actively avoided it this year. Advent is the only antidote. But Advent only comes to those who know how to get quiet. It hides from those who have to hurry.... Read more
I was nearing my ninth birthday, and it was the time in childhood when seemingly insignificant experiences begin coalescing into memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives – like the sweltering summer day when my best friend and I sat on the sidewalk in front of the parsonage where my family lived. After trial and error, we found a limestone rock, and we practiced drawing stars on the concrete. We had learned a new method,... Read more
My due date was the 26th of December, but by Christmas Eve 1985, I was ready to be done with it. I stretched out on the bed and reluctantly prepared for another night of leg cramps and propped pillows. The Christmas presents were wrapped and ready. The Christmas cookies decorated. The overnight hospital bag was packed and waiting in the corner. My sister had arrived and was ready to look after my daughter. Still, nothing happened. The first pain hit... Read more
According to a personality test making its rounds on Facebook recently, I am an INFP (introversion, intuition, feeling, perception). I retreat to my hermit state sometimes. I focus on a worthy cause and have a few close connections. We INFP-ers are typically writers. (more…) Read more
Advent has begun. During morning prayers, I thought of something that has never dawned on me before. I was raised in a Christian home, so I suppose I have always known that my heart must be open to receive the Lord. I must say there is room in my life, my heart, my thoughts, my work, my play and my all for you, O Lord. And then I saw Mary and Joseph in my mind, rushing toward the stable, for there was... Read more
A woman on Twitter last night admitted that she wasn’t fine. I went to the post she had written and remembered my own season of grief. So acute. An out-of-nowhere ache. Always one thought away from tears. I remember. Today, though, I’m running errands. Spending too much on groceries. Looking forward to having all four of my children home for Thanksgiving. Healing is possible. I’ve known that for awhile. The ache isn’t always so acute. But healing is not the same thing as... Read more
I found a manuscript I wrote in 2000. I was a Protestant back then, and the manuscript is something my dad and I were working on. I abandoned the project after Dad died. The other day, I found the envelope with the manuscript inside it. I thumbed through the pages and found an excerpt that seemed almost prophetic. Keep in mind that I wasn’t Catholic in 2000. I had never even considered becoming Catholic. My journey didn’t begin until my... Read more
Denise Bossert
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