God Blessed the Broken Road

I discovered a song that perfectly describes my conversion from being a halfhearted Catholic to an overflowing one. It's called, "God Blessed the Broken Road." I tweaked the song a little to make it fit, but for the most part it's the same as the original version.

"I set out on a narrow way many years ago, hoping I would find true joy along the broken road. But I got lost a time or two, wiped my brow and kept pushing through. I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to You.

And every long lost dream led me to where You are. Others things that stired my heart, they were just northern stars pointing me on my way into Your loving arms. This much I know is true, that God blessed the broken road that led me straight to You.

I think about all the years I spent just passing through. I'd like to take the time I lost and give it back to You, but You just smile and take my hand. You've heard this before. You understand. It's all part of a grander plan that is coming through.

And every long lost dream led me to where You are. Other things that stired my heart, they were just northern stars pointing me on my way into Your loving arms. This much I know is true, that God blessed the broken road that me straight to You.

Now I'm just rolling home in my Beloved's arms. This much I know is true that God blessed the broken road and led me straight to You. ... that God blessed the broken road and led me straight to You."

My conversion story truly was a love story, just not the kind that I expected. There are many different types of love and one of them is between God and humanity. I fell in- love with Jesus. I never dreamed that such love existed. In the words of St. Augustine, "Our hearts were made for You Oh Lord, and they are restless until they rest in You." I found true peace and happiness.

"God Blessed the Broken Road" was originally performed by Rascal Flats but I prefer this version by Selah. http://youtube.com/watch?v=PZ7n6NXXYmo

If you'd like the lyrics to the real song, then go to www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/rascalflats/blessedthebrokenroad.html.

Witness to Hope

I'm going to tell you the story of a man who refered to himself as, "a witness to hope." For thematic purposes I won't reveal his name until much later. He is an inspiration to all of those who are struggling to hope in troubling times.

Many years ago in the land of poland, a baby boy was born. His nickname was Lolek. Lolek had a loving and devoutly Catholic family. At the young age of eight, Lolek lost his dear mother and then his older brother three years later. His father was all that he had left. These sorrows however, did not bring Lolek down. He was a confident and happy young man who excercised his many talents. Lolek was an athlete, a scholar, and a great actor. He began his first year of college with the intention of acting professionally. Then all of a sudden, his plans were changed.

Poland, his dear homeland, was captured by the Nazis and World War II began. Lolek and his father were driven from their home and they worked in a quarry just to survive. He had to say goodbye to his Jewish friends who were fleeing in order to save their lives. Poland's culture was suppressed. Plays, poetry, and music were forbidden.

Lolek couldn't bear to let the arts come to an end. He and several others secretly met at people's houses to perform for them. They risked their lives so that their Polish culture would not be forgotten. On one occasion, Adolf Hitler gave another fanatic speech. It was heard over the radio where Lolek was performing. Despite the power of Hitler's words, Lolek did not stop reading his speech. He refused to give way. He desired to proclaim his message no matter what.

Suddenly, Loleck's father died. At the age of twenty his entire family was gone. Years later he said that by this time in his life that he had lost all of those that he loved, even one that he would have loved. You see his older sister died in infancy before he was even born. During this period he was filled with tremendous sorrow. He got through this with his Catholic faith.

He became drawn to prayer like never before. He started to realize that he might have a call to the priesthood. Lolek knew that if he did pursue this vocation he would be in grave danger. Priests were definitely not favored by the Nazis. Seminarians had to meet in secret for formation. If he was discovered he would be killed. At the age of twenty-one, Lolek took the plunge and entered a seminary. He studied with his fellow seminarians by night and worked at his job by day. One terrifying day, Lolek and the other seminarians were nearly discovered. God protected them from their foes. Finally, after years of study, Lolek was ordained a priest.

After several years of oppression, Poland was set free from the Nazis. The land rejoiced, but their celebration was short-lived. They were taken over by the Soviet Union. The country was now communist. This wasn't much better than being ruled by the Nazis. Communism not only poisoned their form of government, but also their people. Even during these troubling times, Lolek did not give up. His Catholic faith remained a rock solid formation for him.

Many years passed and Poland was still under the control of the communists. Twenty-nine year ago to this day, something amazing happened. In Rome, a great multitude of people gathered outside. A man proclaimed words that everyone wanted to hear, "Habemus Papum!" This is Latin for, "We have a pope!" The crowd shouted for joy and they eagerly awaited for the man to be introduced. His original name was Karol Wojtyla (Voy-tee-wa), but he became known as Pope John Paul II. To say the least, this was a great surprise. Not only did he come from a communist country, but there had never been a polish pope before. The trend for the past few centuries was having an Italian pope.

Before, Karol (his real name) was ruled by men who hated the Catholic Church, but now he was the head of the Catholic Church. He came from the bottom and rose to the top. John was a peace maker, author, and missionary to the whole world. He wasn't popular for his conservative views, but that did not stop him from proclaiming the Church's stance on tough issues. John Paul knew that if one was Catholic that one had to remain strong. Throughout his reign, he dealt with difficult problems; materialism, the affects of the sexual revolution, terrorism, the scandals of sexually abusive priests... just to name a few. John Paul even suffered through an assassination attempt. He had the courage and strength to forgive the man who tried to kill him. The Holy Father never gave up on his children. He expected great things from them. Pope John Paul II was truly a witness to hope.

If you liked this than check out the documentary, "Witness to Hope." If you have the time read the book. It's very long but worth it.

One of the Patron Saints of This Blog

Today is the feastday of St. Therese of Lisieux, one of the patron saints of this blog. In honor of my favorite saint I'm writing a few recommendations.

First, her autobiography, "The Story of a Soul." If you want to get inside of her head and heart than this is definitely the book for you. It's one of my favorite books of all time!

Second, "The Mother of the Little Flower." This short book reveals who Therese's mother truly was; a strong woman of conviction. There's also a book entitled, "The Father of The Little Flower" but I haven't read it. Both of them are being considered for canonization! Eventually I'll write about what an amazing couple they truly were.

Third, "Celine The Sister of St. Therese." This beautiful work shows how this dear saint influenced her older sister.

Fourth, if you desire to start your day with a quote by the Little Flower or a quick story about her then check out, "Mornings with St. Therese." It's a positive way to begin your morning!

Fifth, if you've want to know the Little Flowers views on topics such as loving God, loving neighbor, hope, Our Lady, the Blessed Sacrament, etc. you'll be inspired by "Quotes of Saint Therese."

Sixth, if you want to learn how to follow the Little Way read the short booklet, "With Child-like Trust: The Spiritual Childhood of the Little Flower." www.littleflower.org

Seventh, you've got to see Luke Film's "Therese." It's not perfect but it's a wonderful film anyway. (I'm just picky because I'm a Theresian "scholar.") This movie is a great introduction to this compelling saint and it promotes vocations!