Amanda Terry
“Behold, I make all things new.” — Revelation 21:5 It’s hard to believe that just October 2023, I looked at my husband Nolan and said, “Don’t bring that Jesus stuff in here. Don’t push it on my kids either.”
That was the posture of my heart — guarded, skeptical, convinced I didn’t need saving. I thought faith was a crutch for the weak. I didn’t know I was the one limping.
But God — oh, how He pursues the weary and the wandering.
In December, after some urging (and a little stubborn resistance), I agreed to attend Mass with my son. I told myself, “Just once. One time, for the sake of peace.” But Heaven had other plans. Because once I stepped into that sacred space… something began to stir.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8
That one visit became two, then ten, then weekly. Soon, it wasn’t just attendance — it was hunger. A thirst I didn’t know I had.
Today, I found myself in the Adoration Chapel for the first time, Rosary in hand, tears streaming down. No distractions. No noise. Just me and Jesus — The Shepherd who left the ninety-nine for one. “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 And rest, He did give. Peace, too. And joy. And healing. A heart of stone began to beat again. Since then, miracles have unfolded in our home:
- We got married;
- Our children are baptized;
- Our daughter received the Sacrament of confirmation;
- I received the Sacrament of confirmation;
- Our children attend faith formation joyfully;
- I’m beginning my third round of OCIA;
- We attend Mass as a family;
- We pray together;
- We have surrendered our lives to Christ — fully, completely, joyfully.
- And now I am fully Catholic as I have received the sacraments.
- I have stood before the altar not as a guest… but as a daughter of the King.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” — Psalm 34:8
I know — what works for us may not resonate with everyone. But how could I keep silent? How could I not proclaim the goodness that found me in my resistance? Maybe — just maybe — someone out there feels the same way I once did. And maybe this story reaches them the way grace reached me. We don’t curse those who wound us anymore. We pray for them. We bless them. Because we are no longer the same. We are new.
All glory to God.