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"You can best attract hearts by your modest behavior and by

a spirit of gentle and gracious friendliness."

- St. Jane de Chantal

Attracting Hearts Like Mine

 

By Lisa Ellis Williams '83

 

Many years ago I was drawn away from my faith and the values of the Catholic Church. Mass, confession, and a healthy reverence for the Pope's authority were instilled in me as a child. Core values and attributes like service, kindness, gentleness, patience, and humility became a part of my being. But even the strongest person can be led astray by the wrong influences.

Each Sunday I would dress for Mass, travel across town, and arrive just in time for the benediction. Rather than return home, I began to attend worship service at a neighborhood church. I had a problem with tardiness back then, so I spent a lot Sundays in this new church. Each visit was uncomfortable because the practices felt foreign and I felt out of place.

Like many wrong influences, the more I indulged, the more "normal" it became. Before I knew it, I stopped attending Mass altogether. Instead, I was becoming what that Pastor called a "good member" at this new church. I even established friendships with other good members in leadership. I was doing all of the right things, but I still felt isolated and out of place. My husband and children felt the subtle changes in my personality. It wasn't until I attended a women's conference with these new friends that I identified the problem.

The speaker said, "One look at your friends will tell me all about you." What did she just say? My heart was conflicted as I listened to the still small voice inside. I was in the wrong place and as a result had attracted the wrong hearts. Although nice, these new friends were gossipy, critical, and self-righteous, but I had become just like them.

St. Jane de Chantal says, "You can best attract hearts by your modest behavior and by a spirit of gentle and gracious friendliness." With tears streaming down my cheeks, I prayed, "God help me and let Jesus live in me once again." He brought me back to the woman I used to be and I began to attract hearts that were like mine.

Today, I am on time for Mass, and use words from the wise Saints to help guide me when I go astray. I also pray every day that my life will attract hearts through a spirit of gentle and gracious friendliness.

Live Jesus

Live, Jesus, Live…so live in me

That all I do be done by thee.

And grant that all I think and say

May be thy thoughts and words today.

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Special thanks to Cecilia Kane '16 for the banner photo.