Every man has a unique call. When men wake up to who they are and who the Lord calls them to become, the Devil runs in fear. Young men are called to more than what the world presents to them. For that reason, it’s important not to waste moments. This is the starting point from which Brian challenged the young men attending the conference this weekend.

Reflecting on the story of Genesis 3, Brian pointed out that it is an indictment on men. In that story, Eve is the one who engages the serpent. Adam is standing right there with her, but Eve is the one who fights the battle – the battle that Adam was called to stand up and fight. Men are called to battle for more.

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What does it mean to be an ideal woman? How do we courageously live out that ideal while also building holy, lasting friendships with other women?

According to the world’s changing standards, during the last 60 years, the definition of woman has encompassed a wide range. From the “domestic goddess” of the ’50s, to the “anything goes/hippy” stereotype of the ’60s/’70s, and including the more recent, “be like a man,” message of the ’80s /’90s, it is difficult to discern a woman’s purpose. During this morning’s women’s session, Lisa Cotter explains how trying to keep up with these shifting ideals is exhausting at best and impossible at worst.

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“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you… plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.”
– Jeremiah 29:11

God created us for fearless relationship with Him. From that beginning, we enter a life that sometimes throws us situations that seem bigger than we can handle – situations that leave us feeling alone. In that space, we can start to doubt and ask hard questions.

Does God see me?
Does God love me enough to change this situation for me?
Is there something wrong with me?

Somewhere along the way, we might start to believe that God is not the answer to the problems in our lives. The voices that whisper distorted lies of fear and shame impede our ability to fearlessly pursue the love of God.

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What is the purpose of this weekend conference? It’s simple: individual hearts and their journey with Christ. Imperfectly, with mistakes along the way, this weekend is about joining the journey of hearts being pursued by Christ.

The Closing Prayer at Mass says, “… to lead us from former ways to newness of life.” This weekend, a time of restoration, is a beginning point of Jesus leading us to be better than we were before we came. Somewhere along the way, God touched your heart this weekend. Maybe it was during Mass, Adoration, Reconciliation, or in the words of a talk. What He has in store for you next a mystery. The graces from this weekend will bear fruit in the days and years to come. There is a whole journey of life and grace ahead. The key to this weekend is what you do next.

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“Scars tell a story. Your scars tell a story. My scars tell a story.”

There are different kinds of scars. Some are physical, visible scars. Others are scars that no one sees.

What are the scars on your heart?

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