Thursday June 9th: A higher calling
June 9, 2022
Series: On my way to love Pt. 2
June 9, 2022

You are enough

By Oneika Bushell

‘A nice woman like you should be married by now!’

‘What you waiting on girl? Like you don’t have plans to start a family or what?’

We have heard it all before at least once in our lives. We do the customary smile, shrug of the shoulder, and laughingly say, ‘I’m waiting on the Lord!’

I used to make that joke often before, but I’m serious about it now. I AM waiting on the Lord.

Young & headstrong

In my younger years, I knew nothing about checking in with God and getting His clearance before I stepped into a situation. If I saw something I liked and the vibe was right, I went with it.

Of course, my Catholic upbringing usually kept me in check most of the time, but I still did not cultivate the right habits at the beginning to set a good foundation in many of my relationships. This was much to my detriment in some respects as I am still feeling the repercussions of this poor behaviour years later. I have burned and definitely learned.

Battleworn & weary

The pain and sadness of another failed relationship started to take its toll. I felt like a battle-worn solider seeing no end in sight to the daunting road ahead of me. Would I ever find someone to stay faithful to me, to be honest and respectful? I was losing hope.

I then started to feel like I was the problem. I sometimes asked myself, maybe it’s true what they say that ‘The only good red thing is a dollar.’ Maybe I was attracting the wrong people for the wrong reasons. I knew I had to pull myself away from that thinking and return to my Catholic roots.

In those years before I knew better, I used to start my prayers with, ‘God you know I don’t ask you for anything unless I really need it but…’ I realised now that I was trying to do it all on my own and failing miserably.

It was eating away at my self -esteem and confidence. I started to wonder if I was enough. But the Lord reminded me that I was. He already paid the price and showed me my worthiness.

Recalibration

I started to rely less on my own understanding and seek Him out to help and guide me. I got back into reading the Word, attending Mass more regularly and placing my life in His hands.

Now every decision I make, I ask for help of the Holy Spirit and Our Lady’s intervention. It’s as simple as asking which road to drive down to avoid traffic or for the right words to say during a business presentation.

Talking more with the Lord must become second nature. Reading the Word also helps with understanding certain principles such as being unequally yoked and the importance of a God-fearing partner. A tree that has no roots will not stand.

A friend told me once that just as God has a plan for you, the Devil has a plan, too. People sometimes come into your life to derail you. Not every ‘opportunity’ that presents itself is meant to be taken.

Approach every decision in your life by asking for the wisdom and courage to know the difference. Move forward with faith and not fear. You are enough!

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her” Luke 1:45