Finding God
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Hi, I just wanted to share my thoughts on tattoos.
If you can’t afford to remove them, perhaps it’s a sign that you’re being called to integrate your past and embrace your evolution—not by striving to live as a realized immaculate being, but by accepting the path itself.
Whatever you’ve been will always remain a living part of you. You must accept it and live in peace with it. And once you truly have, you may find you no longer feel the need to remove them—even if you have more than enough to do so. -
I am Catholic and I would say that your tattoos are part of your journey and the important part is that it helped you find your way Home. Thank you for sharing your journey, and welcome back!
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I love talk radio. I listen to Relevant Radio (relevantradio.com) and have learned more about my Catholic Faith in 5 months than I leaned in 50 years--and I went to Catholic school as well. Patrick Madrid who is on 8:00 - 11:00 central time is an amazing Catholic apologist (and you can call into the show to ask questions -- even anonymously). Another is Fr. Simon's "Father Simon Says" can be a hoot sometimes. He's witty and charming and there to answer any question about the bible, readings of the day etc. And as he says, what he doesn't know he can always make up. Another favorite of mine is Drew Mariani who does a daily Divine Mercy Chaplet but his show is the latest info and news through a Catholic lens. I also daily join in to the Family Rosary Across America with Fr. Rocky at 7:00 PM Central. The miracles and prayers abound. I usually watch this on YouTube but recently they have Relevant Radio on my Roku and watch that on the Relevant Radio app. The app can be downloaded to your phone. You want to learn and live your Catholic faith and get there quickly, listen to Relevant Radio. you may even have a station where you live.
Relevant Radio - America’s Talk Radio Network for Catholics
Relevant Radio, Drew Mariani, Patrick Madrid, Fr. Simon, Family Rosary Across America, Cale Clarke, Timmerie Geagea, John Morales, Glen Lewerenz.
Relevant Radio (relevantradio.com)
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I found The Great Adventure Bible to be the greatest Bible if you're looking for recommendations. It has everything you would need in there to be able to really study the Bible. Also it is the Bible that FR. Mike Schmitz uses in the Bible in a year podcast which is available for free on Spotify that you can listen along while going through the Bible which is really good help. And you can pair it with the Catechism by Ascension (which is the same as the Great Adventure Bible) and follow along with FR. Mike on the Catechism podcast as well. And your tattoos, God judges the heart and so the heart when you got those tattoos isn't necessarily the same heart you have now even though you still have those tattoos. But you may also enjoy sitting down with a Priest at some point and he can better answer all your questions especially if you're feeling nervous or uncertain.
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I’m not Catholic, believer since youth. I think all religions are man spoiled. It doesn’t matter. Jesus is King! His words: “in weakness I am strong” you are evidence of the story of GRACE. Every mark you have is stripe of the enemy that you can share to bring more lost souls to the kingdom. And your foray into Buddhism is another aspect the Lord will use in your journey That’s all that matters. Saving souls from the torment of hell! It’s so much worse than we can imagine - look at the state of our fallen world! Yikes. God bless you, sister
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I like the 1990 Zondervan NIV Bible
Also recommend cs Lewis - really all his books are wonderful but Surprised by Joy is wonderful.
Jesus Calling incredible devotional.
Francine Rivers Redeeming Love and a historical trilogy that is great.
Stormie Ormartisn Power of Praying series are all good.
Last of all bedside devotional is My Utmost For Hos Highest.
Christ is King!!!! -
Im Edawgone on Instagram. I’m private but if you message me I am happy to be a resource for you. I’m 56 been following Jesus over 40 years. A daughter. A mother. A sister. A wife. A recovered alcoholic. I got into yoga big time in the 2000s had a spiritual conviction, no more. He is a jealous God! Love to help you of I can. God bless you
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@anonymous-114 said in Finding God:
Hi guys, so I grew up Catholic, went to a Catholic school the whole 9. I really lost my way with God but always knew that faith was important to me. I met people when i was about 18 or 19 that introduced me heavily into Buddhism and while I learned a great deal I am now 25 and recently (thankfully) found my way back to God. I am so happy in so many ways but I am also almost scared?? When say I really turned away from God and to the Buddhist religion I mean full blown. AND as I was ripe "of age" I also tattooed my body (not small ones either). Like I said before I learned a great deal from Buddhism and I think at its core it's a beautiful philosophy but I don't view it as faith anymore. I don't really want (nor do I have the money) to go remove the tattoos because I am not ashamed of my journey. But I am scared I won't be accepted back into the Catholic community and maybe that's stupid but it's the truth. I have been going to church and I make sure to cover them because I don't want to come off as disrespectful. I know at the end of the day it's really only God that matters when it comes to acceptance and forgiveness of me, but like I said I still value the community and do not want to come off as disrespectful..... ALSO (kind of all over the place but I have nobody to discuss all of this with as of now) I want to get my own bible. Does anyone have any knowledge on the Douay-Rheims Bible? I am not the most familiar with it. If not this then any reasons why? Or recommendations?
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While I would say don’t get more tattoos, I can’t imagine it would be an issue. I know several Latin mass very traditional Catholics that have tattoos. I think A LOT of people are returning to the faith and we all have stumbled along the way. Anyone with sincere faith won’t be bothered. It is more respectful to cover your shoulders in church. I think if your tattoos are very scary or sexual you should cover them in church, but I don’t think in general it’s an issue.
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I am of the understanding that confession will reconcile you to church without removing your tattoos. But I would recommend talking with priest about your concerns and worries. As for the Douay Rheims bible I think its a good version. Try not to worry about past, pray about everything for guidance. Worry never prevented anything, worry is a weapon of enemy, Pray and ask for discernment and a good guide from God and I believe God will present a good guide. I suggest studying the apostles creed and exploring and meditating the creed declarations. A good priest can guide you too. Peace and love and joy be with you. A personal relationship with God through Christ the king might help you find the peace in your spirit that you desire.
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Hi Katelyn, welcome home! The Douay-Rheims is a GREAT translation of the Bible. My husband and I love it and read from it very often. It’s the one that is recommended by all five of the priests at our parish. If we’re not reading from the DR then we sometimes read the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. It’s VERY good and can be helpful in understanding the scriptures. This translation has also been recommended by some of our priests. As for your tattoos… most people in the pews are very understanding of coverts and those who’ve had reversions and that they have a past. I attend a TLM parish with several parishioners who have tattoos. They cover them up but not for reasons of judgment but to be modest which all of us Christians should be doing. There’s a comedian who converted over a year ago who is completely covered in tattoos and came to Mass at our parish while on tour. Most didn’t know who he was and gave no side eye or disapproving looks. Most people are praying and not paying attention to others until outside. A couple of people recognized him and approached him in the bookstore but were fans. We have a couple of people who have made it known that they want to “correct people” about different things but if they do they are sternly reminded by the priests (and other parishioners) that doing so is not their place. I’ve lived in several different states and cities and used to travel for work and have found that there’s always a few of those folks everywhere. In both Novus Ordo and TLM. I think that sometimes we can get caught up in thinking that we are being judged that we distract ourselves from prayer and graces from the sacraments. And even potential friendships. I know that I have fallen into that several times, especially at Mass. As others have suggested, you may want to speak to a priest about your tattoos. Several exorcists say that some can be problematic so checking in with a priest would be a good idea. (I know a couple of TLM priests who are former military who have tattoos. Most wouldn’t know since they keep them covered.) You will be in my daily prayers.
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Hi Katelyn - Have you thought about crowd sourcing funds to cover your tattoos? You could design a thank you card, perhaps with a picture and a story about your reversion and include a medal. The elderly faithful especially love that. Something else that's a nice gift for faithful catholics, especially for a young person who may still travel around -- is to create 3rd class relics during your travels. These blessed articles cannot be sold so it's something that must be gifted by someone. If there's a saint who led you home in particular, then that's a good candidate. But the AMM basically gives away Miraculous Medals and they are a very nice tangible thing to gift someone too. https://amm.org/
