We cannot control the Almighty by forcing Him to act according to our rules. I will never forget the words I heard at the EASTER VIGIL on 30 March 2013 during the homily of Pope Francis at the Vatican Basilica.
“Newness often makes us fearful, including the newness which God brings us, the newness which God asks of us. We are afraid of God’s surprises. Dear brothers and sisters, we are afraid of God’s surprises! He always surprises us! The Lord is like that.”
My walk with God has been a continual story of having the rug ripped from under my feet, forcing me to relinquish my treasured old ways of thinking. My old wineskin becomes too tight because I have outgrown it but I still resist change. When God finally forces me to grow, He creates a brand new wineskin which is infinitely better than the old one.
I am forever grateful that God made a home in my heart for Mary while I had a Protestant mind. Initially, I was completely appalled at the thought of “worshipping Mary”. God must have a sense of humour because my plight was terribly confusing but awfully comical at the same time.
I was reluctant to turn to Mary; I couldn’t help but feel like a heretic somehow turning from Jesus as my only Savior. Yet over and over, God only offered healing and peace when I turned to His Mother. Finally a wonderful priest from Madonna House, the Director General of Priests. Fr. Bob Pelton, smiled at me compassionately and said something like this:
“Melanie, why don’t you relax for a few months and stop tormenting yourself with guilt? Simply relax into the bosom of the Church and Her teachings and allow your relationship to Mary grow naturally, without fighting everything with your intellect? Trust in your own heart as well.”
Even now, some 30 years later, tears are welling up and I could weep with relief and gratitude all over again as I write these words. Somehow I was given the grace to lay down my logic, reasoning and Protestant theology and simply throw myself into the arms of Mary, my Spiritual Mother.
God is all powerful and is free to do anything in us once we give Him permission.
The most dangerous prayer for me has been , “Lord, I give You permission to do what You want in my life”.
I am praying for all people struggling with Mary’s presence.
Whe
n I was lead into the Catholic Church, my mind was dead set against Catholics. Everything in me recoiled as if this religion was tainted, corrupt, sacrilegious.
If His mercy can soften my heart and help me see truth, He can heal anyone.
connecting with Theology is a Verb
joy of nine9 
thanks for your testimony.
My husband was a non praticind anglican who started going to th catholic mass a few years after our marriage (to keep me company!!!)
20 years ago he was received into the catholic church ,but has still kept or rediscovered his anglican way of thinking, and has been resisting anything to do about Mary!!!
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I adore how you share your heart so tenderly with us. Your pure & honest witness is certain to convict those hearts in need of affirmation of where God is leading them. Especially to those Jesus is leading to His mother. Hugs & Blessings to you!!
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my pleasure. and THANK YOU for your loving support
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What a very wise priest. My devotion to Mother Mary has been questioned when I write about my deep love for her. To “Simply relax into the bosom of the Church and Her teachings and allow your relationship to Mary grow naturally, without fighting everything with your intellect” is amazing wisdom. Thanks for sharing!
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