Many people asked me why I participated in the St. Ann Novena last year and what I hoped to gain from going.
Honestly, I had no preconceived expectations the first time I participated in the St. Ann Novena. I came because I wanted to always give my best to my church, St. Nicholas Catholic Church. I wanted to support the event happening at St. Nicholas.
As I looked back and internalized the “support the event” part, I thought how shallow am I? How ungrateful am I? How vain I must be? How self-centered am I? The St. Ann Novena does not need me to come and “support the event” similarly to how I support events such as concerts, BBQs, graduations, and baby showers. Sheesh …
The truth is the St. Ann Novena gave me the life support I needed to make it through this past year. This year has been an amazing journey. I had my share of gut-wrenching pains and witnessed multiple wonderful miracles. Through His grace I turned my pain into pillars of power and prosperity. Through His grace I turned my struggles into strength. And through His grace I will continue to let the light of Christ burn in my soul.
Praying and taking part of the nine days of praying was amazing experience. St. Ann Novena allowed my spirit to rest in the bosom of Jesus’s grandmother. The rest was like a peacefulness I had never felt. It’s hard to explain, but it was a divine, pure, soft, and angelic rest.
Also, the Novena nourished my heart with what I call a superpower of love. My superpower of love allowed me to fall in love with love. I love to love.
Lastly, the Novena evangelized my soul. The evangelization of my soul was epic and important to my journey. I needed to proclaim the good news of the Lord in a deeper more meaningful way. I needed to reclaim my hope, my voice, my power, and my love for Jesus. I needed to be evangelized with a renewed spirit.
This past year, my divine journey has been truly amazing. The Novena gave me the confidence to drink from my own spiritual well when I was thirsty. I left the Novena last year with a remarkable compass rose that provided me the guidance and direction I needed and used throughout the year. Finally, it gave me the life support I needed to continue to do His work and accept His will.
Do I have expectations this year unlike last year? No, I don’t. Although, I do not have any preconceived expectations, I know I will leave better than how I came in.
Believers Temple cuts ribbon on senior center
Believers Temple Word Fellowship, located at 2115 Chambers Rd. in North St. Louis County, was awarded a $9.8 million grant to build a St. Louis County senior housing project and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 26. Bishop Calvin Scott is pastor. For more information, visit http://www.btwf.net or call 314-388-0801.
