Thank you very much, Seagrace, I think this is where God is calling me to be, too. Stop dropping hints, or trying to teach or lead, just let it go, keep everything in the heart, keep it private, don't shove anything, and stay hopeful. Let God handle it. The word humility kind of says it all.
Gracia, I am not trying to meddle in your affairs, but it disturbs when you say that he doesn't allow you to go to Mass. What's up with that? Wow. I know the husband is the head of the family, but the wife is the heart. I didn't think that a husband was entitled to keep his wife from going to a Mass. You have mentioned that several times and I think it is the key here.
I won't pursue this but I think it goes beyond conservative. You won't hear more about this from me, but it is way out of line, IMHO.
There is a difference between being a conservative and a dictator. I think you are in a very difficult situation for one thing and I will say a few prayers for you today but even with many prayers unless ones heart is open, those graces will not penetrate a heart of stone. Would you have access to a Catholic counselor?
I admire you all so much for your courage, you are an inspiration to me. I find this time and again on the forum. It is like the old saying, 'I though I was poor because I had no shoes till I met a man who had no feet' . Such big crosses but you all plough on in Faith and Love and Hope and Patience. What a lesson this is for me. Truly the Sacrament of Marriage is truly a Golden Road to Heaven if embraced in the fullness of Love and Sacrifice. I had no idea.
Padraig, I hope you don't mind me... I'm sure this is a typo. It should read: ' I thought I was poor because I had no shoes, till I met a man who had no feet.'
Beautifully said about marriage. Yes, it's a beautiful but very narrow, steep road up to Heaven. God bless you, Padraig.
That is kind of where I Am at. The days of polemics are over. This has to be fought on the spiritual level.
Gracia, I cannot speak for the others, but your situation mirrors mine as well. I stood my ground on this one point. My faith is the only stop point where he is not allowed to interfere with. My prayers are with you as this is indeed a hard and lonely road.
Prayers going out for you. My wife brought me back to Catholicism. When I became serious about my faith i felt my family backing away. The best i can do is pray for their return
I've seached Gracia's posts [on this thread] for where she states that her husband doesn't allow her to go to Mass and I can't find it. I'm probably missing something here. If that is the case it is very sad to say the least. Gracia does your husband go to his own protestant church? If so that means he is aware that a church building is a house for prayer and therefore he must believe in prayer! you could say to him that you wish to pray also in your church building and go when Mass is offered if possible. If your husband has a problem with you praying at home, while he is there, I have found that going for a walk each day and praying the rosary alleviates that problem. Also spiritual communions and placing yourself spiritually at the tabernacle throughout the day is a wonderful thing to do without alerting anyone else that this is what you are doing. My next rosary for your intentions and thank you for your prayers. Edited to add.. I should say my husband does not stop me from saying the rosary inside [at times he even says it with me] but he can get irritated if he thinks I am praying too much.
It has been mentioned several times and yes it is sad There are some very powerful and supportive suggestions here And many prayers going up Stay calm and keep the Faith, Gracia
Thank you, guys. Praying and staying calm feels like the best advice. God can do anything. Praying the Rosary while I walk by myself sounds like a brilliant idea.
Sometimes the most brilliant, Catholic things come out of his mouth, at other times it's sadly hateful, stupid clichés. The little moments of sympathy, openness, understanding, and insight give me hope. I think there's an incredibly slow battle going on. I think he's probably much smarter than I give him credit for, but compelling him to view or hear media meant to pull him in the other direction will only make things worse. Praying and being hopeful and just letting the Holy Spirit work on both of us together seems like the most likely to succeed attack plan.
