Blog Post

For fifteen years, I was broken and living my life in darkness. I went through my day-to-day life for the sake of my family, but on the inside, I was hopeless and alone. Then, a couple of years ago, something began to change.

Jesus came to me through my son. He brought me back to weekly Mass, and he shared with me everything that he was learning about our beautiful Catholic Faith. Following his lead, I started praying the Rosary, began attending weekday Masses, and got involved in some of the church’s ministries.

On the outside, it probably looked like everything was going well, but on the inside, I couldn’t shake that feeling that had paralyzed me for the past fifteen years. Then, last year, on April 3rd, my son invited me to Confession with him. I hadn’t been to Confession in over thirty years, and I was terrified. But on his birthday, he gave me the greatest gift I’ve ever received; a gift that would save me and change my life.

I went to Confession. And afterward, the hopelessness had lifted, and I could finally breathe again. I thanked God every day for his endless love and mercy.

Things were so much better. But occasionally, I would get this looming feeling over me, and I was so anxious about returning to that dark and lonely place. Then this past February, I felt called to take the Women of Grace study at our church. A week after the Women of Grace informational meeting, as I sat in Mass on Ash Wednesday, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, and I knew that I needed to fully surrender. I made a vow that day to God, one that I intend to keep forever.

Even though I knew I was now on the right path, God’s chosen path for me, I still couldn’t get past my past. That is when everything changed for me. The Women of Grace study finally brought me peace. There was a chapter on forgiveness and wounds of the heart. I realized I had always been able to easily forgive others, but I had never forgiven myself. I had carried my wounds, guilt, and pain for years. Through God’s grace, I was able to finally forgive myself, and in that moment, I was free.

I wake up every morning, and my heart is so full of love for God. When I look back on my life, I don’t feel dread anymore. Instead, I feel joy because I can see that Jesus was walking right beside me the entire time. I was never alone. Today, I am overwhelmed with God’s love and His mercy. As a Woman of Grace, I will spend the rest of my life sharing that light with others and making sure that everyone knows: There is no sin greater than God’s mercy.