Farewell, UALR CCM!
“Hi! I’m Lydia. I’m not Catholic.” That
seemed to be the introduction I felt obligated to give everyone the day I first
entered room D of the DSC for the Thursday UALR CCM meeting. I was a bit
apprehensive about being there, but I knew something was tugging me to go (and
It wasn’t my stomach telling me to go for the free food, although
that was a very nice incentive). I had just come back to UALR from a former
life in another central Arkansas town. Little did I know how my life would
forever be changed by these little meetings. As a semi-proud Anglican, I never
had any interest in becoming Catholic. Ironically, what made me interested in
the group was the fact that I didn’t feel like I was pressured to be “one
of them.” God had other plans for me, though.
It’s been six years since I first walked
into that room, and it’s fascinating to see how God has
brought me through a journey of conversion, repentance, love, and peace. God is
still guiding me on that journey, but it was only by learning about Catholicism
through campus ministry and converting to this faith that I understood the path
to sainthood.
Now that I have completed graduate school, my journey through
Catholic Campus Ministry is over. For me to even say that I am apart of ministry
is a miracle unto itself, considering how I rarely went to church back then. By
God’s mercy, which flowed through others by their actions of
love, I was able to come out of my shell, make lifelong friends, and share the
joy of the Gospel with others. It’s been a fascinating journey, and I’m
excited for the next journey that God has in store. I won’t
be leaving, however. I’ll still be around to volunteer any
way I can. But as far a being an active student member in the ministry, that
part of my life is over.
Even after my conversion, I decided to stick with the UALR CCM
throughout the rest of my undergraduate and graduate years. I wanted others to
feel the love of God like I did when I first entered as a lowly, confused
undergrad. I wanted them to know how loved they were in the eyes of God. I
wanted them to know how the Catholic Church can help them fulfill their deepest
longings and desires. Though our group over the years became small, I hope I
accomplished some little part of that goal.
In the end, all I can really say is thanks be to God for his infinite mercy, love, and strength to convert
this stubborn soul. It was because of his steadfast love that I am here today
to write to you in this particular way. I want to also thank my wonderful friends,
who have transformed my perception of what a friendship truly looks like. You
all have seen me at my best and my worst, and yet you still love me for who I
am. That is God’s love pouring out, and I will always
cherish those blessings. It gave me the boost I needed to take my relationship
with God seriously.
Before I finish, here's a little photo to remember me by. Pax Christi, y’all!
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