Women's Words Ep4/Theo

This is part of an extended series, Women's Words which tells personal stories of Catholic women from all walks of life. We invite you to hear their stories and to allow Him to speak to you through the tapestry of their lives.

Episode 4: Loving and Trusting Him

I have gone through many changes in life, having experienced child abuse in my home country and having faced difficulties living with African immigrant parents. In the hills and valleys, I have managed to steady myself, drawing strength from my faith in Him. Contrary to most of your experiences with baptism, I was baptised at the age of 10 and was fully aware of the significance of the event. I’m sure that you may find it difficult to recall your own infant baptism! For me, I recall the day very clearly. I openly spoke to the Lord about my past hurts, which I had accepted and wanted to leave behind. I placed my trust in Him, though it proved to muster all the strength I had. By acknowledging the painful experiences, I was determined to live without fear and shame, trusting that He had a perfect and good plan for me.

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Galatians 3:26-27

Having been called upon to support a dear friend’s work, reflecting on this period of my life seems to me like another baptism. Funny isn’t it? Most of us are baptised when we are a young baby and forget the event after. We receive the sacred oils at Confirmation and still the fire in us burns weakly. I can still recall the firm hope and trust I had in the Lord at age 10, the wide-eyed me not holding anything back from the Lord, if He willed it. Now, many years later, I’ve reached a point where I am trying to realign my professional career with my faith. Upon leaving university and entering the workforce, I had a vocation in mind, but the harsh realities of adulthood have thrown me into confusion. My steadfastness has been replaced by anxiety and I sometimes feel I may lose my spiritual focus.

Yet more and more, I appreciate the beauty of surrendering and placing my trust in the Lord’s steady hands. It hasn’t been easy to trust Him, especially when we are fearful of being let down and disappointed. Yet, the gift of my faith has allowed me to experience first-hand, His saving power, for He has led me out of darkness,into the light of His glory!

Your plans are still to prosper You have not forgotten us You're with us in the fire and the flood You're faithful forever Perfect in love You are sovereign over us

Theo is a young professional working in the Built Environment in the UK. She aspires to help shape the world we live, work and play in. Her faith continues to push her to strive for creating a better and fairer world and she understands the importance of work-life balance. She hopes to rebuild a deeper faith and to improve connections with family, friends and above all, her Heavenly Father.