Fears and Tears

This past weekend, I attended a conference called “Christ Our Life” in Des Moines, Iowa. I had seen the advertisement in my Facebook feed and I had a prompting to attend. I was intrigued by an “in-person” event and I purchased my ticket right away.

I prayed for someone to attend with me, and the Lord answered my prayer, and provided two amazing women to join me on this road trip to the heart of the midwest. The trip there and back was beautiful with vast amounts of blue sky, endless fields and the changing fall colors.

Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile. Mark 6:31

We arrived at our destination, to a hotel within walking distance to the arena, which had a lovely view of the river, gorgeous sunrises in the morning, and a really cool walking bridge which brought us to a beautiful oriental garden that we visited that evening.

The conference started with the praying of the Rosary and the Holy Mass and ended with the Holy Mass. There was also time for Eucharist Adoration in the evening of the first day with music and silent time. It was just what my heart needed, to go away and be with the Lord.

Right away, the tears began to flow, because I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The line up of speakers and musicians was incredible, and I found as they spoke from their hearts, my heart began opening to the deeper places where there is pain, hurt and wounds. To places I didn’t want to go, but I trusted the Lord and slowly began telling Him my fears, my hurts and my pain; I poured out my petitions to Him. He listened, He walked with Me, and He looked at me; I felt so much love and kindness at that moment. After many tears, in that arena of 2,000 people, I felt a healing had taken place.

I am thankful to the Lord for His gift of this special conference, where I laughed and cried, and for all the graces that He poured out, Christ Our Life, Christ My Life, I open my heart to you.

A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit. Psalm 51:12