Michelle's Story pg 2
	Immediately, doors began to open. A friend who I had not seen in a while from the Lutheran Church...one who used to express animosity towards Catholicism began working at my place of employment. I happened to mention to her that I was considering returning to the Church. I swear she went white. She then told me that she herself had recently returned to the Church (her saga puts mine to shame) with tears shamelessley rolling down her cheeks. This was RIGHT AFTER I had begun to pray. There were so many questions that were still unanswered, though, mainly I did not understand the Mary doctrines. And I was firm that I did not want to return to the Church until I understood everything and was %100 sure that it was the right thing for me to do, and that it was what God wanted me to do. I kept praying. I kept studying. I kept reading the things that Catholic internet apologists were writing. I cannot tell you how many Catholic people literally came out of the woodwork, I firmly believe as a result of my prayers, and as a result of those who were praying for me. For some reason, I still could not reconcile the Mary doctrines. By this time it had been about 9 months since I first began to pray and study. Finally I just decided, forget it. Catholics believe that Matt 16 18 is the basis for their faith and IF that is true, then I shouldn't have to worry about whether or not I understand everything. If it is true that Jesus gave the keys of His kingdom to Peter and promised that the gates of hell would never prevail against His Church with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the ALL I HAD TO DO WAS BELIEVE THAT MUCH. I took the matter back to prayer, and when I prayed I prayed over that particular chapter and asked the Lord to reveal the truth to me, every night for a season. I think it was two months. I would end my prayer with 'Lord help me believe my unbelief...' Then, one cold day in November (or maybe it was October, I really do not recall)--of 2002 I went to Mass one Sunday for the first time in 17 years (save for the occasional wedding or funeral). The Gospel reading that particular Sunday was from Matthew's 16th chapter. And so I came home. This is a very crude and far from comprehensive look at my life, spiritually or otherwise, and I am not yet at a point where I can share any more personal information about what has transpired in my life over the last several months. One thing is for certain. My life now, though far from easier, by God's Grace and Love is most certainly better. I thank God for the second chance He has given me and I pray every day for enough Grace not to let it slip away. Michelle
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