Truly alive at 50

Romans3:22-24 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.”

As my thoughts meander along the path of my spiritual journey, I look back and I have to laugh. The little girl, who was raised with religion and legalism, no longer exists. Twelve years of nuns in the 50’s-60’s, placed a lot of unnecessary stress and guilt upon my life.

Praise God, my Mom taught me the following: “Our Jesus has no denomination. It’s all about a relationship with Christ. In the End Times my Sweet, it will all be one fold and One Shepherd.” After Vatican II, the Catholic Church came to a new reality. I love my Catholic faith. However, I worship with my Non-Catholic friends, as well. Christ is the Head of all Christian Denominations. This is why there has been such an outreach for Nondenominational Worship Centers.

Recently, my husband had bought me the book ‘The Noel Diary’, as a Christmas gift. He’d heard about it on Fox News. His comment; ”This book is somewhat about us. It has many similarities. The reporter said that it somewhat reflects the life of Paul Evans, the author.”

Let me tell ya friends…. I couldn’t put it down. It was a really fast read that touched my heart immensely.

The similarities were as follows: a mentally ill parent, legalism in religion, feeling like your adopted because your self-absorbed mother gives no love, neediness, guilt, becoming a loner, and finally, fabulous realization of grace and true love.

Last night, as I was finishing the book, the feelings of love, peace, and grace, overwhelmed me. A warm sensitivity permeated my soul, as the Spirit whispered to me, “You both are blessed, healed, and loved. Your marriage has evolved into a true love story. My Grace is overwhelming. Remember, He who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Tears filled my eyes. As snow fell outside and Christmas lights twinkled within, I realized that, I AM HOME. Forty-six years of marriage to a Christian farmer, has made my faith grow stronger.

God has so blessed me with the realization of GRACE! Before my friend Linda moved, I would attend Columbus Vineyard with her every Saturday evening. On Sunday, I attended mass with my family.

Throughout my attendance at The Vineyard, Linda and I experienced an amazing spiritual awakening. God gave her the name Extravagant Grace. I was given the name Fearless Faith. One Saurday, as the Spirit overwhelmed me, I said to her, ”My mother was right. It’s all about Grace. He paid the price in full.” That night, 50 years of Catholic Guilt was washed away, as tears fell abundantly.

I now carry a sense of peace, warmth, and strength that I’ve never known before. In our family room I have a framed work of art that states the following: “In this house we do second chances. We do GRACE. We do REAL. We do MISTAKES. We do ‘I’M SORRY’. We do HUGS. We do FAMILY’ We do LOVE.”This says it all.

God’s Grace healed me. Grace wrapped It’s arms around me tightly. It assured me, “You are

Mine, Little Fearless Faith. I will neither leave you nor forsake you. My Grace is sufficient.”

Sue Cutler,

Fearless Faith