“We can’t start changing the world by changing the world. We begin by changing ourselves.”
“We realize how hard it is to change another person once we begin to make a change with ourselves. It isn’t easy. It’s a battle that is often fought hard and over much time. But it’s worth it, because once we are able to change what’s within us, we also begin to see a change with what’s outside of us, and this includes the people dearest and closest to us. We must be firm however, and protect what we have worked so hard for. Let us be the spark of change that the world needs by being strong and by remaining true to who we are.”
“If you return to me, I will restore you
so you can continue to serve me.
If you speak good words rather than worthless ones,
you will be my spokesman.
You must influence them;
do not let them influence you!
They will fight against you like an attacking army,
but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze.
They will not conquer you,
for I am with you to protect and rescue you.
I, the LORD, have spoken!
Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men.
I will rescue you from their cruel hands.”
-Jeremiah 15:19-21
LETTER TO JOYCE
Hello Joyce …I was married for six years to someone I loved dearly ..He had just gotten out of rehab for drugs and was getting his life back together. We loved each other ..but he was just trying to get his spiritual life in order ..I on the other hand had my spiritual life for many years prior ..We are divorced now ..neither one of us has remarried ..He comes around ..we go out to dinner from time to time ..he wants to get intimate with me ..joyce I want to do what Gods word says about being pure ..he thinks its ok to still be intimate I dont ..I still have some feelings for him but my heart wants to do what my conviction says ..he says he love me still but he does not want to respect my conviction ..Please tell me your thoughts on this.
From Nora
RESPONSE FROM JOYCE:
Dear Nora,
Thank you for writing. I have prayed for you after reading your letter.
I would like you to know that I admire you for your convictions and for doing your best in order to live up to them. It is our convictions that shape us and help us to become better persons, persons who are more capable of loving other people. Without them, we would be lost, like travellers who don’t have a map or compass to show them which way to go.
For this reason, I urge you to continue living up to your convictions. While it is true that we may disappoint certain people by not giving in to their expectations, let us continue to believe that if we let go of our values and spirituality, we would only fail and hurt more people along the way, beginning with our own selves. By your beliefs and spirituality, you can influence others into having a more meaningful life, a better life. Be blessed!
Yours in Prayer,
JOYCE
“When you live in holiness, when you really try to stop sinning, you become braver. You become more courageous, you become a man of your word. You become a man of conviction that you’re not willing to sell out and you’re really a true knight in shining armour.” – Jim Caviziel
Check Jocelyn's books:
"Of Waves and Butterflies: Poems on Grief", "Mend My Broken Heart", "Questions to God", "To Love an Invisible God", "Defending My Catholic Faith", and more - click here.
(You may freely quote excerpts from this website as long as due credit is given to author Jocelyn Soriano and the website itakeoffthemask.com)