Andy C - Southlake, TX

Complete in Christ

I fell away from the Catholic Church by the end of college. I guess I never really accepted my religion growing up but I never understood what bothered me about it, I never had a good experience; it all seemed to be about guilt and punishment.

As I got older, I began to feel restlessness in my life. I sensed something was missing, but I had no idea what. I threw myself into my career and had a lot of success, but I never gained peace of mind. Life had treated me pretty well, but that uneasiness was always just below the surface, ready to bubble up.

It came down to this: despite family and friends, despite career success and a good level of financial security, I felt I was failing somehow. Also, I always felt that when I died, I would face the end all alone. Like that was payment for a failed life. It nagged at me: something was missing that would make my life complete. And I felt this way for years.

On a recommendation of someone Lucille met, we tried a church in 2003 and after hearing the pastor, something clicked for me. Not noisy or dramatic more soft but sure. The message was one of hope: I needed to trust Christ for my salvation, to accept Him into my life. I realized I had rebelled against God, but Christ died for my forgiveness, so I can avoid the penalty of eternal death. I am no longer confused about God. I rely on Christ in my life; I believe in my heart that He is the only way to my salvation; through faith by His grace.

I feel so much more at peace with my life, I appreciate the good God has put into it, especially my wife. I know He provided it all; I didn't do anything to earn the good things I have.

I have learned to trust Christ in my life, even when I don't understand what is going on. I have learned not to place reliance on myself in my pride. I still grumble from time to time, but I know the end of the story now. I feel a more complete person, more caring of others. I have a deep sense of inner peace that I never had before, that restlessness is gone. Whatever challenges I face in life, I know Christ is with me, so it will be OK in the end.

He has seen me through my "retirement" and put it on my heart to attend seminary; has me praying on what ministry efforts I should do post-seminary. I so love that move in the direction of my life. I do not know what God has in store for me in the remainder of my life but I am ready to listen. Whatever it is, He will be by my side.