Running to Christ

There have been moments in all of our lives that we feel broken, downtrodden, and lonely. It sometimes seems that the whole world is against us and all is lost. It is in those times that we most need to open our hearts to God! It is also in those times that God sends us little momentos of His immense love for us, often in the form of other people. Here are some quotes that we found that lifted us up in times of darkness.

-"When the Lord puts struggles in your life rejoice! They are the footholds and handholds with which you can climb to heaven."

Father Phil Tighe

-"He knew her of course, He'd known and loved her for all of eternity."

Monsignor Jeffrey Ingham

-"Don't just freak out, freak out with Jesus."

Mr. Joel Decker

-"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Exodus 14:14

- "For perhaps this is the moment for which you were created."

Esther 4:4

- "True love never hurt a heart, only helped it to truly heal."

Father Tim Meares

It's so important to remember that we go through these peaks and valleys. Everyone does. And something we can all fall into is the do-it-myself stage where we think we can't approach God until we "figure it all out." You never have to "figure it all out" before you approach our Lord. Sometimes you're just so discouraged, and this is when He actually wants more than ever for you to turn to him. This is why he never left us. He gives us his Church, sacraments, and most important a personal relationship with him to help us through these times so we can continue to strive towards Heaven. So, if you're just going through one of those times, own your season. Know it's okay to be a mess, to freak out, to feel sad, or lonely, but God doesn't wish for you to remain there. He wants you to realize that he's always been standing there, like a patient, loving parent, just waiting for you to seek Him, seek his help, his mercy, his peace. There's gonna be things this world is going to try and tell you that will go against everything God has told you. And among this loneliness or isolation you may feel, continue to just run straight towards him.

During a conference I went to, one of the speakers spoke on the resurrection of Lazarus. When Jesus showed up to that tomb DAYS after Lazarus' had been dead. They asked him not to open it. "This guy has been dead for four days in the hot Jerusalem sunshine."- Joel Stepanek. We all have those areas, those tombs we don't want to invite Jesus in, because it's simply just messy, "it's gonna stink." And this may be those moments when you are down, when you feel like you're a mess. But remember what Jesus did when he came to Lazarus' tomb?

"Jesus Wept"

John 11:35

"God is close to the broken hearted... He hurts with those who hurt" -Joel Stepanek

God understands more than anyone what you're going through. Turn to him. He loves you so incredibly much. Invite him into that tomb, invite him into that messy moment. He rose Lazarus from the dead and called him OUT of that tomb, and even then it wasn't over. He asked those around him to unbind the cloths that wrapped Lazarus. Jesus will call you out of these moments, he'll help you through them, but also he's gonna place people in your life to help you unbind those cloths.

Next time, you're just having one of those moments. Just say a prayer. You can simply just say the words "Jesus, I trust in you."

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We really hope these quotes, thoughts, and revelations help you this week as you continue to strive in your faith as they have helped us. Please comment and share quotes or reflections that you find personally helpful during these times.

If you want to watch the full talk by Joel Stepanek on the resurrection of Lazarus, check out the link below, because honestly this was one of the greatest talks I've ever heard, and brought me to actual tears by the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-vKeFibkkw&app=desktop

We hope y'all have an amazing week!

-Sarah Catherine and Catherine Siena