4Real Forums: loss of belief

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

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Topic: loss of belief

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MaryM
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Joined: Feb 11 2005
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Posted: March 21 2011 at 1:56pm \| IP Logged

Offering prayers here, too.

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Mary M. in Denver

Our Domestic Church

Tina P.
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Joined: June 28 2005
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Posted: March 22 2011 at 4:30pm \| IP Logged

Laura, do you have a spiritual director with whom you can talk in a peaceful, accepting manner? Even priests have their doubts, at times. Not only might he commiserate, but he might be able to move your head and heart in the same direction.

Beyond that, all I can add is pray, pray, pray!!!

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Tina, wife to one and mom to 9 + 3 in heaven
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SusanMc
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Posted: March 22 2011 at 9:09pm \| IP Logged

Laura,

I want to share part of my experience in the hopes that it might help you. I really relate to your feelings of "knowing" the "right" answers but simply not believing them. That was exactly where I was in my late 20s. So much of what I called my faith life or spirituality was actually thinking about faith or spirituality but not actually living it. I'm somewhat of an intellectual person by nature and a devourer of information in general.

So I prayed, I mean really prayed. It felt false and silly given my feelings at the time but I just made a habit to pray regularly. I prayed that God would give me faith, real faith, not just belief that something was true or true enough. I can't tell you when it happened I just remember the day I was among friends and all of a suddent it hit me: I have that faith that I prayed for. It was as if I was a different person.

Since that time I've definitely slipped back into my old intellectual/dancing about faith ways. Repetitive prayer is a must for me as is very, very slow prayer. Like taking 10 minutes to say a Hail Mary.

I don't know if any of this applies to your situation. If not please forgive my assumptions and perhaps this can help someone else.

Meanwhile, I'll pray for you!

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Mom to two dear sons, '07 and '08.

lapazfarm
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Joined: July 21 2005
Location: Alaska
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Posted: March 23 2011 at 11:50am \| IP Logged

Laura, I'm praying for you.
The only thing I can say that might help is that in our relationship with the church, like in a marriage or any other intimate relationship, sometimes we just have to "agree to disagree." And then we have to be OK with that and not let our honest disagreements destroy the relationship.
I know there are aspects of the church that I just don't get, and right now at this point in my life I disagree with them. In time, and with much prayer, I have faith that eventually I WILL understand (even if it isn't until I get to heaven and can ask God Himself!LOL!). Though I disagree, I also have to be humble and accept that I could very well be wrong, and keep that door open for the day when the Truth is fully revealed.

But until then, just as in disagreements with my dh or cherished friends, I have to accept the differences and not let them destroy the relationship. Because when it comes right down to it, the relationship is so much more important than any of the particulars.

Sending much love and prayers your way.

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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
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Elena
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Posted: March 23 2011 at 1:34pm \| IP Logged

Laura, remember when Jesus asked Peter if he was leaving Him, and Peter replied, "Lord, where else would I go?"

I think it's a good starting point for reflection. Perhaps pray on that over this lent and for from there.

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Elena
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kristinannie
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Joined: Jan 27 2011
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Posted: March 23 2011 at 5:28pm \| IP Logged

I think we have all been where you are now at some point or another. Please know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers. God bless you.

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