MY STORY - Part 3
Steps Toward Faith
At middle school or junior high age I read the classic book "What Would Jesus Do?" by Charles Sheldon. That influenced me to think about the standards of Christian living.
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Later, I received more teaching about the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives - helping us to live the Christian life. I especially responded to the idea that God had a plan for my life. I wrote a song in high school and sang it at a Youth for Christ ralley. My piano teacher helped me write the music. I was thrilled as I got a standing ovation after singing it. The words tell something of what was on my heart at about age 16.
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"One day as I was out walking - a thought occurred to me;
Perhaps the Lord up in Heaven is making plans for me.
Maybe he's planning my every step - what I will do and say;
Maybe he's planning some glorious things - if only I follow His way.
Dear Lord, I call - I give You my all;
please mold my life lest I fall.
My vision is clear, and now I can see;
I know that the Lord up in Heaven - is making plans for me."
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Can you think of anything in your early years that led you step by step toward a closer relationship with the Lord
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Comments
Yes, when I chose my Confirmation name, Francis, the Italian Salesian Priests gathered and called me to explain "Why do you want a man St.'s name? St. Francis was a man, why?" I replied that I felt that he had asked me to keep building the church because I had a gift of caring for those who could not speak for themselves. They stared at me for awhile and then spoke to each other in Italian and granted their approval. From then on they just watched which Holy card I chose from all the ones offered to the children, asked me to start the prayers and a few other things normally left to the altar boys.
I realize now that they were seeing what would take me more time to recognize...the call to the diaconate.
Thank you for asking this question. It gave voice to an untold step in my process.
You are right! The book was called "In His Steps." I guess I was thinking of the modern phrase WWJD. :)
Well, that was a long time ago! I love the quote you gave. I think as I grew in the Lord I realized that it was more than just following His example. It was about letting Him live His life through me.
I cannot begin to thank all of the people who were responsible for influencing me toward the Lord. My parents, sunday school teachers, youth pastor, counselors at Christian camp, speakers at Christian camps, evangelists, writers of hymns and gospel songs, writers of good Christian fiction, pastors, all using their gifts to influence me in ways they didn't even know.
How can we help but serve our Lord faithfully in whatever way He directs us.