St. Susan Church at 221 Allensville St., Elkton, KY 42220 US - Zandra's Winding Journey of Faith
| Zandra's Winding Journey of Faith |
Zandra's Winding Journey of Faith by Zandra Cole I grew up in a traditional Catholic home. In my early twenties, I left the Catholic Church in search of a deeper meaning to life. I started going to church with friends who were Baptist. For the first time in my life, I opened a Bible and began to search the scriptures for myself. It's sad that over twenty years went by before I felt the need to understand the Bible. I was baptized into a Baptist church. I continued to worship at a Baptist church until I married in 1991. I married a person who was Church of Christ. I thought it would enhance the marriage if we were of the same religion. I was baptized again. I, however, did not realize the type of fanatical church I had joined. I lived in fear of not being a perfect Christian for nine years. When my marriage deteriorated and I decided to divorce my spouse, I was told I would go straight to hell no matter what the reason for the divorce. I again found myself searching for answers from God. I prayed and read the Bible everyday. I began attending the Catholic church where my parents went. I found I was not able to participate in the Mass the way I wanted to because I no longer had rote memory of the process. I was inspired by the priest at the parish. I would often cry during Mass. I knew God was talking to my heart. I made an appointment to see Fr. Frank. I needed to pray with him. I wanted to be forgiven of my sins and not carry the fear of going to hell because I got a divorce. I received the sacrament of reconcili- ation. I felt free and alive. Since that time, God has given me many blessings. I know God is alive and He forgives us of all our many shortcomings. I now have the confidence to be a religious education instructor on Sunday mornings. He inspired me to attend a conference concerning evangelism in the Catholic church. God blessed me with a wonderful partner and father for our children.I feel God working in my life everyday.