New To Catholicism, Really Going Through A Hard Time And Would Like Some Prayers

General
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Hello everyone, as stated in the title. I’m new to Catholicism and religion as a whole. I really want, and have always wanted a relationship with God. However, horrible life experiences has really held me back. Nevertheless, I’m now working on developing my faith. My teenage daughter is my only family, so I have no one to turn to other then God. I really would like to get to know others and ask that someone pray for me, I’m terrified that I’m going to lose my job, and have been going through some health issues. If any one can offer a prayer, listing ear, and/or the best ways to go about starting a relationship with God, I would really appreciate it.

-Colibri

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Hello, I would be happy to pray for you.
Although my experience is different from yours, one thing we have in common is that there aren’t many people we can truly rely on in this world—except God.

I used to struggle with this deeply. It caused me a lot of pain, and for a time, I even felt lost. My relationship with God became distant for a while. But now, things are much better.

Still, the human side of me shows up from time to time. Compared to the past, I no longer see it as an enemy. Instead, I try to befriend it—and through that, I allow God to see the real me. I believe it has made our relationship more honest and sincere.
As Jesus said in the Bible:

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
(Matthew 12:50)

This verse reveals a bond that goes beyond blood ties—a deep spiritual family that forms when we live in God and walk in His will. I truly believe that when we seek God together, we become brothers and sisters in Christ.

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Hello

Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. I’m scared, yet hopful for the path that I’m on. I know there’s going to be ups and downs, nevertheless, it’s to be expected.

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I’m from China, and there is a well-known Chinese writer who once said:
“The courage that is tested in the midst of fear is the truest form of courage,
because it is constantly under threat and attack, and it truly reveals the heart of a person.”

This is exactly where the power of faith lies—to keep moving forward with hope, even when the future is unknown.

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Colibri, I will pray for you too.

You are certainly welcome to discuss things with people on Catholic Talk.

Also, most parishes I have belonged to have had support groups and parish ministries. If you have time for something like that, it would involve you with others in your parish, and serving others can help take your mind off your problems and help you feel better about yourself too. Our parish, like many others, has a St. Vincent de Paul Society that helps the poor. Less intensive work is done by the group that provides casseroles to a hospice for the homeless. If your parish has a bulletin, you might be surprised at how many opportunities there are to do things with others, and the St. Vincent de Paul society might be able to help if you need to find a new job.

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Welcome Colibri!

Conversion is a process. It is not a one-time thing. It is a journey with God, who loves and cares for you greatly. I watch a reality dating-show that is based on a somewhat problematic premise, but there is a Pastor who warns couples against saying, “I’m falling in love with this person.” He corrects them and recommends they say, “I am growing in love, not falling.” The point is that we choose to love and we choose not to love. We choose to forgive and we choose not to forgive. Covenantal love is not a feeling, for feelings can lead us astray.

As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, there are fruits of the Holy Spirit, which flow from knowing and serving God: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

If we do not feel joy, it does not mean that God does not love us. IF there is no peace at a particular point in our lives, it does not mean that God loves us less.

I think about my own conversion, where I once was and where I am now in Christ Jesus. I think about all the people that God has put in my life to help me grow in my relationship with Him. I Pray for these holy men and women often. I also think about all the people who showed me what not to do, for their poor example is a warning of what can happen when one puts their ways above God’s ways or how one becomes enslaved to their addictions. And I Pray for these lost souls as well.

Prayer changes our hearts. If you are bitter towards someone, Pray for them. If you are angry at someone, Pray for them. If you are unable to forgive yourself. Pray for yourself ; )

We have all made decisions in our life that we wish we could take back. The world says, “Have no regrets,” but Jesus says, “I do not condemn you. Go, from now, and sin no more.” Jesus challenges us to live better than we did before we knew Him, before we knew Him well, or even know Him now. God is constantly revealing Himself to us.

And He continues to poor out His grace, inviting us to cooperate with the grace He gives. He does not expect us to do it on our own. Jesus says to the burdened, “Learn of/from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:29).

Though one can freely choose to walk away from God at any point on this journey, know that He will never leave us abandoned nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

"For we do not have a [God] who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet [Jesus was, and is] without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

God loves YOU, even when you or others in this world may not!

The Bible is God’s love letter to us. If you don’t know how to Pray, read The Psalms. If you do not know of God’s love for you, read The Gospel of John. When you want to understand the Early Church, read The Acts of the Apostles and The Didache.

And if all of this seems too overwhelming or maybe you are not a big reader, just attend Mass and listen to the Word from The Bible proclaimed, and every Prayer lifted up.

I also recommend spending time with Jesus in Adoration (if your Church offers it). It is a way to get away from the business of this life and to just sit with Jesus.

I am happy that you are here. Know that whatever happens, God’s got you! In moments of need, invite Him to draw near. Know that my Prayers are with yours as you Pray, “Come Holy Spirit.”