Praise Report on the Men in my Family

[marlap2]

I just wanted to share the beginnings of a wonderful answer to prayer.
I became a Catholic in 1998. Eight years ago I started to pray in a special way for all the men in my family, on my husband side, and mine. During the consecration of the wine into the Precious Blood of Jesus, I just lifted up every man in my family to Jesus, for each and every one of them to know and Love Jesus and be the men that they were called to be. Only 3 of the 21 are faithful Catholics (one brother of my husband and his two boys) The others, although wonderful men in their own right have all kinds of bondages, to alcohol, drugs, pornography, etc., some quite seriously so. There aren't any divorces in this family however. None. Pretty amazing considering there are 14 marriages at this point.

Anyway to the praise! This week... talking to one of my brothers-in-law, he shared with me he's quit drinking. From drinking every day to nothing. He's feeling pretty good! Wants to be a better example to his boys. Then yesterday, another brother-in-law shares that for two months he hasn't done any drinking or drugs, after doing both for over 30 years. When I felt compelled to share with him about my prayer, he broke down crying. I was so happy and touched. I'm so happy for them both.
Found out two of the nephews are considering priesthood. Although they are quite young, it's still wonderful to find this out.
My husband shared in an email that he's praying for a friend. (never goes to Mass... yet)
Another brother (the pious one) told me he just bought a beautiful Sacred Heart icon for me to put into my prayer space in my home. As it turns out that IS THE DEVOTION I have when I pray for the men in my family apart from Mass. He didn't know that. (but God does!)

Anyway all this good news I heard this week. Gives me hope and I had to share it with other people who pray.

Thank you, Jesus, for hearing and answering us when we call out to you.

[Schieffelin]

That's amazing. Stories like this really renew and refresh my faith.

[Nimzovik]

Refreshing it is.... to hear positive reports regarding men.

[Delaine75]

That is truly wonderful news! So glad that you shared that with us and I will pray for the men in your family as well. God can do amazing things for sure!

[horselvr]

This is a wonderful thread. Thanks so much for posting all this great news. Prayers are a very loving gift that you have given to your family.

[marlap2]

... And so it goes even more!

My 86 year old father has always been an agonistic, or more of an atheist most of his life.

My convert (4 years) sister, and I emboldened by the Holy Spirit, last week, during a dinner we made for him (just the three of us) suggested after dinner we pray. We prayed a prayer of peace, forgiveness, and an opening to God's mercy and grace. It was probably around 2 minutes of prayer. My dad kept his head bowed the whole time, and after actually thanked us for the prayer, with tears in his eyes. The next week, when he came over for dinner, (my husband was home, and my sister was not there) said that he was disappointed that I didn't pray! My husband (ex-cath) made a "remark". After dad left, I told my husband now last week praying with Dad really brought peace to him. SO, this week, we prayed a grace before meals and a little extra, and no "remarks".

One of my great friends, suggested that when the time is right, to take the next step and pray with my parents (both unbaptized) the "Sinners Prayer". Recognizing Christ as our Savior is the next step I believe. I'm praying for the strength to be an instrument of the Lord for the next step in their journey.

[lerapt78]

So happy to read this, OP. May God continue to bless all in your family.

[jantony]

Thanks for sharing. It gives me joy and Hope and urges me that I need to put my family men too in Prayers for their conversions.