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This world is full of confusion and chaos. That is just how Satan likes it. It reminds of St. Paul when he writes, “What I do, I do not understand. For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate.” (Romans 7:15) We can all relate to his struggle. After all, it is a lot easier to do what is wrong and go along with what everyone else may do, rather than do what is right.
Groups of people want to fight rather than talk. Individuals want to judge before listening. It’s easier to gossip about someone’s circumstances than step out and lend a hand. We pretend to look at our radio or out of the car window while whispering “addict, get a job” to ourselves when we pass a homeless man at the street corner with a cardboard sign.
I was in a company vehicle today and, since it didn’t have CarPlay and I didn’t know where I was going, I put the address in my phone and attached my phone to the holder mounted on the window. Only, it fell face down. I tried adjusting the holder and placing the phone back on it. Once again, down it went, No matter how many positions and adjustments I tried, the holder was just not working. It was broken.
We feel broken sometimes and I am sure Paul did when he penned those words. The failures and stumbles make us embarrassed and perhaps we want to quit. We have an overwhelming desire to throw our hands up, turn around, and say, “I give up”. We can make adjustments and try something new, but soon find ourselves face down again. Good news! You’re not alone. God is right there with you and He’s not ashamed of you. He’s not embarrassed by your mistakes,
“God is not ashamed to be called their God.” (Hebrews 11:16)
We may find ourselves like that phone holder, broken and unhelpful, at times. That’s not the entire picture. Even though I had to hold the phone in my hand and try to follow the map while being a diligent and safe driver, I arrived at my destination safely. You might have to adjust your plans, your methods, and your preferences in order to get to your destination. God will get you to where you are supposed to be despite your failures, the chaos of the world around you, and the temptations of our soul’s enemy.
Amelia Monroe Carlson graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. Being raised as a Methodist during her early years, it was not until she entered college where she began to take her faith seriously. She was baptized as a Southern Baptist in Muscle Shoals, AL and began immediately serving in international missions and in the church.
During college, she became the Co-founder of an International Ministry, where she spent time traveling and speaking to church groups and in large conferences. She authored a Bible study and traveled abroad on mission work. She sat on the Mid-South Interfaith Conferences in Mississippi, where she defended the faith and discussed beliefs with leaders of various religions.
After a business trip to Washington D.C., where she was introduced to a former Baptist who converted to the Catholic Church, she was placed on a journey to enter into the Catholic Church.
Amelia is a military wife and currently residents with her husband and daughter in Tennessee. She is a nine time award winning journalist, receiving press awards for various categories including investigative journalism, best news coverage, and best single feature. It is her desire to help Catholics, particularly Cradle Catholics, see the beauty in their faith which converts see and appreciate the fullness of truth which the Church has held and guarded throughout history. It is her desire all Catholics fall as much in love with Jesus as she is, and love the Church to a greater capacity than they could imagine.
Amelia taught PRE for 4-6 grade at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bolivar, Tennessee from 2014-2016. She served as Youth Director at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville, Tennessee in 2017-2018. She now teaches 7th grade (1st year Confirmation) PRE class at St. Philip. She's also a writer and frequent podcast guest on Our Warpath.
She has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis de Sales, St. Padre Pio and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
To contact Amelia for speaking inquiries at conferences, retreats, or parishes contact her via social media on Facebook (Amelia Monroe Carlson), Twitter (@2_catholic ) or send a text to: (731)518-6923.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliamcarlson
Twitter: @2_catholic (Catholic ministry account)
Twitter personal account: @ameliamcarlson
