This one is more geared toward women (especially in the CIY community) and you'll see why.
With Father Mike Schmitz' explosion in popularity, this might be something that some women out there could genuinely be struggling with.
So.. Story Time:
A few weeks ago--Just before the brand new "Catechism in a Year" officially began--I was in a book store, sipping on a coffee and browsing the Christian section, standing in front of some of C.S. Lewis' collection. I was having an internal conversation with God and wondering if lately my focus had shifted from Christ to consuming a little too much of Father Mike's material. Maybe I was watching his videos and seminars more than I was actually praying and sharing my heart with God. I was ready to stop and avoid his material. But I looked down and a particular book stood out to me.
Haha. "Okay, then!"
This is how God sometimes communicates with me. It's adorable. He totally has a sense of humor and "gets" mine.
I'm a woman with eyeballs, and obviously Fr. Mike is a good-looking man. Now, being pretty but dumb will get one nowhere with me, so therein lies a possible problem. He's very intelligent and speaks on matters of spiritual depth and the heart. I'm not stupid and I know what he is and respect that. I also am not in the mood anymore for putting myself in a position where I could hurt myself.
Since women are mostly stimulated intellectually and are highly intuitive, emotionally deep creatures, it would make sense that after a while of watching an attractive man talking about spiritual and emotional depth, that some may find emotional attachments forming.
It's important to recognize this and not indulge certain thoughts. But it's also important to not shame yourself for feeling something. Be honest with God, definitely. Give thanks for being able to feel whatever it is you are feeling... If it's attraction, eros, intellectual stimulation or whatever it is. It's a gift! Just try to not let that get twisted by the enemy. He will try to take something that is good and of the light and try to attack you by twisting your heart and make you feel shame or that you are not good. This is not true, and God loves you and understands your human feelings and needs.
Instead of trying to deny or push down any feelings that might crop up (suppression can lead to perversions or explosions later), let it fill you and wash over you. Offer it up to God in prayer and thank him for such a creature existing! Let that fire inside turn into creativity and proudly show that fiery passion to God! Look at you--feeling things and being inspired and still deepening your relationship with the Lord. You are doing well and don't let the enemy tell you otherwise.
I am glad that I stuck with the Catechism in a Year and didn't "Drop the Mike". I don't think God would have wanted me to abandon it when I've been learning so much and deepening my relationship with God. So much is being revealed to me and I am so very grateful.
I will say special prayers for women out there struggling with feelings of lust or shame. Women need the support of other women. So often women are catty and cruel to one another and instead of lifting another woman up, they would sooner cut her down or just stay quiet rather than give a compliment. If I notice something lovely, generous or beautiful about another woman, I will try to make sure to tell her.
God bless all of you, and God bless Fr. Mike. I pray that he stays safe and protected so that he can continue to be a light to so many others. May he stay passionate and focused, and Lord give him the strength to deal with any oncoming struggles. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
I look forward to this amazing journey through the Catechism in a Year and to our Heavenly Home.
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