[WVKayaker]

I, too, was brought up in the liturgical church. I was an Episcopalian, which is Catholic Lite. We didn't go with the "pope" thing, but we had to pass throughthe rites, and be "confirmed" in the faith, by learning a catechism. Catechisms are a rote learning method of teaching and indoctrinating (yes, I said indoctrinate).

Around the same age (early 20's), I was brought face-to-face with the reality of Christ's sacrifice. It wasn't through some mystical transformation of grape juice, it was through the Spirit reaching into my heart with His convicting power. The Word became flesh, in me. Since then , it hasn't been without pain and suffering of my own. God has a profound way of "gently" prodding and pushing us to that "conforming" stage. Sometimes He whispers in the wind, and others, he brings down a sledge hammer. But through all, He promises "I will never leave you, nor forsake you... " Believe it or not...

He is risen!

[kindred]

[with His convicting power. The Word became flesh, in me. Since then , it hasn’t been without pain and suffering of my own. God has a profound way of “gently” prodding and pushing us to that “conforming” stage.]

Amen.