Sara P.

Today, Sara talks to us about lessons from the story of Moses, staying persistent with God and what we can learn about how God relates to women.

Tell us a bit about your childhood and how you grew up: I grew up in a suburban community with my parents and my sister. Both sets of our grandparents were close by and we spent weekdays after school with our maternal grandmother and Friday nights with our paternal grandparents. Since my mom is Protestant and my dad is Catholic were taught to look at a person’s integrity, not at who they were on the outside.

Inspiring Biblical passage at the moment: Moses didn’t feel qualified to lead his people out of Egypt but he discovered a powerful lesson: God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. We have to embrace the gifts we’re blessed with, share them and learn along the way. He will always be there to guide us!

Spiritual growth/focus at the moment: Since I’m on vacation it’s been extremely helpful to visit different parishes for Eucharistic Adoration. It’s also been a helpful way to continue to grow community, especially after the pandemic.

Profession/Mission: I’m a graduate student getting my Masters degree and Ed.S in School Psychology. It’s a way to assist children, their families, teachers and educational administrators come together. Interfaith and ecumenical dialogue and work are also a passion of mine, especially after growing up in a ecumenical household. Bringing people together to celebrate their differences and similarities is a universal passion of mine!

If you wrote a memoir what would the title be? Stay Faithful.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I first encountered God when I was pushed away by a member of the clergy who refused to help or listen to me. I remember praying to God and telling Him if I was truly supposed to be here in this position. I also told him if it was a test I accept it, and to send godly assistance. And since I stayed persistent, He did!

How would you describe Jesus? Jesus is my brother, my friend, the person who knows me completely and accepts me, warts and all. He’s my everything!

How has your relationship with Him changed you? It was difficult to see at first but our relationship Him has taught me that The Most Holy Trinity is in every situation. It might take a while to see how He’s working and you won’t always understand He remains.

What was the darkest time in your life and how did you see God in it? One of the darkest times in my life has been when I felt like I had no purpose. Even though I had a degree there was no position for me that really fit. I saw God in it through the people that counseled me and encouraged me to stay focused. And I focused on the positive aspects of my life, too.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? My vacation! Just being alone with Him in nature and taking my time to see the season open itself up.

Just read/Currently reading: Unbroken by Louis Zamperini.

Top 3 essentials: My Bible, water and my miraculous medal.

How did God speak to you recently? According to Roman Catholicism we’re all supposed to have a healthy relationship with the Virgin Mary. For whatever reason we weren’t really connecting until I met this kind mind. He immediately welcomed me and gave me a $2 bill, just like my maternal grandmother and paternal great grandmother used to! All this happened while I was trying to pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe! He was sending me a message she was and is my mother.

Hobbies: Baking, cooking, running, playing tennis, dancing and listening to music.

Top three things for staying spiritually strong: A positive attitude, a commitment to prayer and openness to His will.

Favorite person in Scripture: Mary Magdalene. It always inspired me to know Jesus believed and trusted women so much. They shared such a rich relationship.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? You can’t always meet a person once and assume you know them. Sitting and talking with them is intentional and builds relationships. And staying faithful requires all of you!

How do you engage with your community? Working with children and families! When you work public education you’ll meet people from all walks of life. And I try not to sit in the same area at Mass; you meet more people when you move around and become more comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Favorite Holiday: Easter!

A goal you have: I’d like to continue traveling, especially to Barcelona, Marseille, Poland, Ireland and Scotland.

Special family traditions: We always have a King Cake for Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras). The plastic baby placed in the cake is Baby Jesus and whoever finds Him receives blessings for the new year.

Question when you get to Heaven: How may I serve You?

Things you want to raise awareness about: Education, interfaith and ecumenical dialogue, and social justice.

What does your morning routine consist of? Getting up, prayer, breakfast and coffee.

What’s on your nightstand? My Bible, my earbuds and lavender oil.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Unconditional love is for everyone.

For more Sara:

My Instagram account: @morningglory512

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX