I had a long conversation with my dad yesterday and today about the vaccines, the elite's plans, and the spiritual underpinnings of it all... He was raised Baptist, not really practicing as an adult, converted to Catholicism when I was a teen (perhaps as much for my mom as for himself), but basically had to be bribed with Sunday dinner to go to Mass each weekend. He divorced my mom when I was in my early 20's, pretty much throwing our family into chaos, but in his defense my mom was bipolar and extremely hard to live with. The whole thing tore both of them up. He still considers himself Catholic and listens with interest to anything me and my sister say about the faith as long as we don't try to get him back to Mass or the sacraments. He's an incredibly generous and kind person, just too lazy to bother with church and gets defensive quickly when he feels pressure in that area. However, as he keeps waffling on the vaccine (If he doesn't take it, he'll have to retire early and lose 10 months of his very high pay), and in this climate of spiritual warfare, I decided to be brave. He agrees the world is going in a terrible direction (he's conservative, loves Trump, believes the elites are up to no good, and finds the vaccine highly suspicious), and asked me this morning, "What can we even do as individuals?" So I began describing the whole spiritual dimension to it, how we got here as a society without God, how we need to pray and beg for His help and mercy, how paganism is on the rise and we must counter it, etc. He made a lot of affirmative statements. So I threw out the idea that if he does get the vaccine, maybe he should go to confession first, to help protect against any evil influence. I mentioned how my sister was finally freed from her addictions when she confessed her previous dabbling in the occult. (I know my dad has gone to a couple fortune tellers in the last few years, for fun at fairs, but I didn't mention that.) He responded, "I'll consider doing that." So please help me pray for him. I'd of course rather he not get the vaccine at all, but if it gets him to his first confession in at least a decade... That, at least, would be a good thing. I can tell he's really scared to get the vaccine. I wish he'd let go of the last 10 months of money. Unfortunately, my brother Joseph is trying to get hired into the same job and his deadline for the vaccine is Nov. 22. I think my dad is going along with my brother who is also afraid but still plans to get it. These are such awful times, but I've seen God at work so much lately. There's grace flowing and we are not alone!
Will most certainly pray for your father and brother. I find myself constantly repeating "not my will Lord but yours." Going to work everyday facing the continuous diatribe has literally been a spiritual fight. As nurses and Healthcare staff are leaving in droves, those who choose to stay are literally overwhelmed by vaccine pressures and overworking to exhaustion. This is a spiritual battle and though the armor of God is heavy we must fasten it on tightly so our enemy cannot find a weak spot. Many blessings, PurpleFlower may your family sift through this mess and find God.
This is a beautiful, heartfelt post, MC. I am so sorry that you are experiencing such painful pressures and exhaustion. Know that I pray for you.
How awful... The few remaining are now surrounded by opposition on all sides. I don't blame those who leave, but it's also very sobering that eventually the workforce will be a very, very different place with mainly one line of thought. At least no matter where we are, we have the communion of saints by our side, and we're all united spiritually. We're with you, MC.
Unfortunately both sides are so convinced of their positions of the jab, both sides are walking. So far 2 departments have had massive walkout. Its falling like domino's into other areas. Fear and exhaustion is rampant. I am holding steady and pray for those are in fear.
Correct and unvaccinated because of fear of reproach. It is truly sad to see people turn on others that they have worked with for years.
I completely understand you angst at family not going to confession. My loved ones are not either. I begged God at adoration today to please speed up their reversion…time is short! Let’s pray for all of our families to come back to God…beginning in the confessional!
This is so wrong…these mandates are from the evil one on every level. So much anxiety. God have mercy.
God bless you, Mary's Child. I pray that you will be blessed with the strength to persevere in such a hostile environment. You are walking through a terrible persecution, but know that you are loved and appreciated for the work that you do. You deserve a hug.
Such a difficult time for families. Prayers for your dad, and brother. So sad that people have to live in fear over this vaccine.