What To Do When I Am Afraid?

We all meet people who as they begin to know us want to know what we believe and what we think about things. They like to tag along and see our outlook on life. It takes courage to really be authentic and share from the heart. It is a temptation to get lofty in theological discourse but that is only for a select few who need to understand intellectually. Most people want a heart understanding. What do I mean by that? How has God worked in your life? Have you had a miracle recently in regard to your health or to your spirit? Share it. Did you understand something more deeply from your Scripture Time in Leccio Divina?

Maybe they are questioning what their next step is to draw closer to Jesus. Do not sin by omission if they are living in sin. For example: what if they are living together outside of wedlock? If you have a good report with them, if a good opportunity for conversation comes, and you feel prompted tell them the lie they are living to themselves and those around them that they are living like a married couple and offer a way for them to be successful in being brother and sister and seeking marriage. Teach them about virginity and encourage them to wait sexually until they are sacramentally joined together. This will be a hard jump but assure them you are here to help and want to accompany them to greater holiness.

Perhaps they are with you during the day and your alarm on your phone goes off for the Angelus or the Hour of Mercy or Daily Rosary or Liturgy of the Hours. Explain to them what these things are and what they mean. Give them resources like little holy cards or pamphlets that give short descriptions of what the devotion is and how to pray it. These things usually only cost a few cents and are great for beginners. You can usually find them on-line or at a gift shop of a shrine, convent, or monastery.

If they are fallen away, maybe they will only need an invitation to come back with you to Confession first and then Mass. You have to find out what is holding them back. Were they sexually abused by a priest or nun? Then you explain to them how that was just a person not how the whole Church is. What if it is a belief that is contrary to the teachings of the Church like the Pill and contraception? Then you teach them about Natural Family Planning and God’s design for male and female. What if it is a stubborn sin they are clinging too? Maybe they cheated on their wife a long time ago or on a Math Test or maybe they bullied someone and think that God can’t forgive them. Then you teach them about God’s Loving Mercy and how He never turns anyone away who is seeking repentance. Don’t just tell them but show them by example. Have them come with you to the priest. Make the introduction for them and you be faithful in showing them the discipline of going.

Maybe doctrinely they don’t know what they left and were never catechized. Share with them things like Catholic Answers, Relevent Radio (EWTN), and Formed by Augustine Institute. There is also a whole library of books designed for beginners and reverts like Matthew Kelly, Christopher West, and Chris Stephanik. Lighthouse CDs are another option. They have so many resources on a variety of topics and you only need to select what you need (for example the theme is relativism then choose the CD about that or the interview or podcast about that on a trusted platform and Wallah.) Live and speak the truth and you will be surprised how many people are hungry for truth and are encouraged by your witness and authenticity.

Or maybe suddenly they are challenged by what you believe and will cut off the relationship until they come to terms. That’s okay. You need only to plant seeds and allow the Holy Spirit to convict and bring change when they are ready. They just need to know where you stand and you must speak the truth and be vulnerable. Let God do the rest. Perfect Love casts out fear. God does not want us to give in to a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and self control. (2 Timothy 1:6-14) Sometimes people only need a listening ear and a good example and they will eventually come home.

The support of community is the last essential piece. Bring them to events like potlucks and socials or talks with socials that follow. Maybe they will strike it off with somebody else who may have a different perspective from the same tree. God can use anything to bring about great conversion and a transformational life change for the better. Be you. Be Courageous. Be Faithful. Let God do the rest!