Evangelism vs. Charity

I found out that I somehow evangelized to an acquaintance of mine. Let me be clear: I DO NOT evangelize.  I grew up as an Episcopal.  We are silent and intellectual about our faith.  I converted to the Roman Catholic faith after a long journey with my husband, and some amazing mentors.

So today, this lovely woman told me that she had come back to the Catholic Church after she talked to me about my conversion.  She had wondered what I was converting to?  As she began to teach her own children a faith, she realized that she needed to go back home to her Catholic faith. Very interesting, as I didn't try to convince her of anything...I just told my story.

I am glad this family has found a religious home. This is a good thing...my religion gives me strength and comfort.  If only every one in this world could have the same sense of strength.  My strength also comes from the intense feeling of love from God and a love for God's creation (people, animals, plants, environment!)  I must thank my dad for this, I think.

BUT...my life is actually about the idea of what we are told at the very END of our church service: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord AND ONE ANOTHER.  This isn't empty religion.  This is about making a difference in the world.  Take care of your family, take care of your environment, and do some act of kindness to someone every day.  And, when you can, volunteer to help other people in need. 

I will be seeing this woman tomorrow.  She has asked me to talk to her about what I know about homeschooling.  I am not the expert, but I have my own experience that I am willing to share. 

"Charity may be a very short word, but with its tremendous meaning of pure love, it sums up man's entire relation to God and to his neighbor." -- St Aelred of Rievaulx

Inwardly I am rolling my eyes

There are an amazing number of opinions in this world. I enjoy delving into the conglomeration of ideas I think strange, perceptions I would never have thought of and yes...notions that strike me as dead-on correct. 

But, I do not find it charming when strangers who just happen to be stuck sitting across from me in the dance waiting room for an hour, think I must want to hear their opinionated ideas. I start to feel crazy about their lack of reason -- even when I DO agree with them! I do not argue, just merely change the subject in the most polite manner I can.  But inside, I am shaking my head and wondering if there will ever be a society that can understand when to debate and when to just talk about the weather. I was quite a debater in high school...but really, spewers don't care about reasonable discourse.  

I guess I have finally started to accept this fact.  

Dear Lord, Thank you for finally giving me the ability in public to hold my tongue. (except on this blog)...um, would it be possible to give me this ability with my close friends and family too?