Trusting in God With St. Therese by Connie Rossini-Chapter 3

Trusting in God With St. Therese 

by Connie Rossini

  Among the tragic upheavals in her life, the worst was the death of young Saint Therese's mother. It took years of physical and psycholgical anguish, followed by tremendous holy fortitude and devotion to Jesus, for Saint Therese to achieve her well known spiritually mature response to suffering. In this chapter, Connie Rossini shares the story of her own childhood tragedy, the death if her sister in an automobile accident. The struggle to retain trust in God during times of loss and pain seems insurmountable. How can our souls be at peace when our lives are falling apart? I was recently in awe of the complete serenity of a holy woman I know who had received news of a "hopeless" circumstance in her life.

      Thank you Mrs. Rossini for sharing such deep spiritual truths in a way that can be easily understood.  Thank you for the following lessons I have learned from your writing and the life of St. Therese: 1) To ask "why" when faced with adversity distances us from a loving trust in God. 2) Suffering and pain do not disprove the power and omnipotence of God. 3) There is a clear relationship between free will and the love of God.

    I look forward to reading more of this lovely book as I continue to learn how life's suffering actually strengthens a holy trust in God.

      

Trusting in God With St. Therese by Connie Rossini-Chapter 2

Trusting in God With St. Therese 

by Connie Rossini

     Holy Scripture, accounts of the early years of Therese of the Child Jesus, teachings from child psychology (those compatible with Catholic moral teaching), words of wisdom from Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and Catholic moral teaching are gently woven and presented in this chapter.  Healthy child rearing advice is a sweet parallel to the love our Heavenly Father bestows upon us.

      Thank you Mrs. Rossini for sharing so bravely about your own childhood. Thank you for the following lessons I have learned from your writing and the life of St. Therese: 1) Through suffering, trust in God is strengthened. 2) Distrust in God is at the root of all sin. 3) Forgiveness, which is spiritually and psychologically healthy, is a necessary element in establishing a firm trust in God.

      

Trusting in God With St. Therese by Connie Rossini-Chapter 1

Trusting in God With St. Therese 

by Connie Rossini

     A superficial overview of Connie Rossini's contemplation igniting work would not do justice to the supernatural value of her book. From the first pages, the reader is drawn into the innocence and humility with which Saint Therese grasped the salvific trials given to her by Our Blessed Lord. We are quickly challenged to view our personal sorrows through the Divine lense of the eternal joy that has been promised to us by our Heavenly Father. Commonly, the emotional outcome of tragedy and disappointment are experienced as in a measuring cup calibrated by worldly stanards. Followers of Jesus are called to a higher standard of measure.  That measure is trust. The joy in our souls, no longer dependent upon circumstances beyond our control, is directly related to our trust in God. Focusing on the love of God and neighbor instead of ourselves enhances our trust in God. Recognizing the signs and outcomes of trust and distrust in God help us to stay on the path to holiness.

      Thank you Mrs. Rossini for Sharing so candidly about your decision to become a secular Carmelite. Thank you for the first new (new to me)lesson I have learned from St. Therese- "nothing but trust will lead us to God."