A special write up today. A topic I never cover on my blog because it was personal. Until I felt a calling to let the world know. Just at tid bit of confusion can lead someone in the wrong path where they can get hurt by the enemy. I hope you enjoy this write up…
Interesting Shift (How deep down the rabbit hole will you say enough is enough)?
It wasn’t long into my business life that I realize I hit a road block. My relationships with people were being destroyed no matter what advice I gave them. I realized that I had ignored my core foundation of being the way I was raised. I didn’t build my business on the Rock, like the great Jim Rohn reminded me through my personal development career.
The reason I even got intrigued into Network Marketing was because of personal development. A strange shift happened though in 2006 when I was introduced into The Secret. Somehow my wife Xochitl and I got thrown into this new age way of thinking by searching deeper into The Secret. It put the enemy into our lives stronger then ever and we didn’t see it coming. Basically the “new age” way of thinking put our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ second. Logically, it makes a ton of sense doesn’t it that through the teachings of The Secret, it puts YOU in control and It’s about YOU and what’s in it for YOU and how “YOU” can attract and control any situation. I gotta tell you that’s a lot of stress and work… I didn’t realize this until….
October 2014, Jim woke me up.
Jim asked me “What is your walk like with Jesus?”. He educated me that total surrender to Him will allow you to release the anxiety that he saw me carrying…
He is a Non-Denominational Christian that basically told me this new age way of thinking is the enemy’s way of getting you to not focus on Jesus. I was raised what is known as a “Cradle Catholic.” So I grew up attending weekly mass with my family. I didn’t really know what it was to be an “All in Catholic.” As Jim tried to convert me to his “Non-Denominational” church and invited me to his Bible study, I felt a piece of the puzzle missing at his church. It was like having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the bread. My soul told me to keep searching…
The Holy Spirit lead me back to search for more on why Jesus’s original church was being separated. Why are there so many denominations and every single one of them attack the original Church Jesus started? The Catholic church. Christ said, (Matthew 16:18 – “And I say unto you, that you are Peter, and upon this Rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
All the roads were opening up as I was “seeking the truth.” All I was seeking was the truth of where it all started. Not what men like Martin Luther created to separate us and make a diluted version of what Jesus started. Again, I was seeking truth and completeness with Jesus and his bride, The Church. I wanted to feel whole and complete.
My wife found this article from a Christian Fundamentalist by the name of David Currie, and Born Again Catholic. An awesome conversion story that put me back on the path of being a Catholic. I found the truth as I continued searching after this article.
My brother and his beautiful bride
My brother Marcos is a big part of my path. As Xochitl and I were seeking more, Marcos and his wife Haydee educated us on scripture based on the truth and belief of the Catholic Church. Many don’t know this but before Marcos got married he was pursuing the possibility of being a Catholic Priest. I remember the exact expression and anger that came out of my humble brother when I told him that I had a friend trying to convert me to a Non-Denominational Christian. Mind you, I have never seen my brother so mad before in my life. He lead me to the scripture of Matthew 16:18 that stuck with me throughout my journey. No other faith can claim that scripture. Catholics are the #OriginalChristians
That Tuesday Night
My boys are part of the Boys Scouts of America. I was sitting in a Boy Scouts meeting with my wife and my boys, when I got this feeling inside (The Holy Spirit) to go into the hall way. A tall black man was standing there in this black suit (Knights of Columbus) and I approached him. I asked him, “is there any bible study here to learn more about the Catholic Faith?” He pointed me to room 103 and said “You’ll find your answer there.”
RCIA
Seek and you shall find! I had received the blessing that has converted my wife and I to tune into personal development “on the rock.” The gal that was teaching what’s known as RCIA. RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. RCIA is a relatively new, dynamic, and intense process that is also as old as Christianity itself. Like many things that brought renewed life to the Church after Vatican II, its roots are found in the very early Church. I shared the story with the gal that was there and she stated that I deserve to come join them Tuesdays to seek the information I was seeking. She also pointed me to a radio station that is run by mainly Protestants who converted to The Catholic. [Tune in here]
Born again Catholics!
We have been tuning into Immaculate Heart Radio daily since then. My wife and I have strengthen our core beliefs after asking questions and seeking truth. We are grateful for the leaders that stepped up and have evangelized folks daily and answered their questions. I recommend Patrick Madrid (6am-9am PST), Chris Aubert, Patrick Hoffman (Catholic Answers 3pm-5pm PST)
The next step. I’m not here to twist your arm or convert you. I love everyone regardless of religion or beliefs. I’m just sharing our personal story. What has lead me to the next step is that I have helped folks in my business seek Him more. You see, the element that may be missing in your life is a strong relationship with Him. He loves you and He wants you to know that. Give Him a shot and surrender all your worries to Him.
What’s it mean to be a Catholic?
Some have this perception that what it means to be a Catholic is simply reading the Bible, going to church, and spreading the word of God to others. While these are viewed as the responsibilities of a Catholic, these only form parts of their overall mission in this world.
Being a Catholic is the observance of the key virtues and sacraments promoted by Christianity. It is walking the path that Jesus Christ has gone through. This does not necessarily mean that you should have yourself crucified though in order to walk the road He took. It is understanding all His teachings by reading the Bible and listening to them in the church, then putting into action all of that into your daily life.
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching that must be observed are the following:
1. Having Due Regard to the Life and Dignity of a Person
The Catholic Church recognizes that the life of a person is sacred. On the other hand, dignity is the pillar of a society’s moral vision. Therefore, these two must be protected at all times. Wars and conflicts must be avoided as much as possible to preserve lives and provide everyone a harmonious place to live in. A peaceful resolution of tensions must be explored first and considered as an ultimate solution to any issue.
2. Family and Community Participation
Catholicism is a community-based organization. It sees a human being as a social creature. Thus, it urges the participation of its members in the organization of the society to ensure the protection of human life and dignity in sectors such as economics, politics, law, and public policy. In addition, Catholicism pays special attention to the strengthening of the family, because it is the most basic institution of the society where the morality of each individual is forged.
3. Protection of Human Rights
The Catholic Church believes that human life and dignity could be defended through the protection of their rights and ensuring that these are met by the members of the society.
4. Heeding the Needs of the Poor
The community is being marred by the increasing inequality between the rich and the poor. The Catholic Church encourages those who have more in life to share their blessings with the poor to ensure that the latter will be provided with means to uphold their dignity. Based on the speech of Pope Francis, which is related to the matter, everyone must return to the centrality of the human being, to a more ethical vision of activities and of human relationships without the fear of losing something.
5. Practicing Solidarity
Regardless of religion or social inclination, Catholicism promotes unity and sees everyone in the world as belonging to a single human family. It is a means of following the Lord’s command to love our neighbors. It encourages unity as well in fulfilling the mission that Jesus Christ has given to everyone.
6. Maintaining the Dignity of Work
While work is an important aspect of one’s life, it should be done in a way that does not violate the dignity of a person. It should also incorporate decency, fair wage, and giving a person the right to have a productive work.
7. Respect for God’s Creation
Human beings have been given dominion over God’s creations. Hence, a person must respect and protect all the forms of life that are essential for the survival of the planet and to everyone who lives within it.
The Next Step
If something is missing in your life and you’re tired of carrying that weight on your shoulders. I have made an awesome connection with a man who has written books on Mens spirituality. I plan to do some webinars on helping you take your business to the next step by building it on the rock. You will rest better at night with that peace in your heart. I’ve tried it all now try the best – The Rock. Stay tuned…
