Tasha Havercamp:

I remember it so clearly. The period of my life when I knew things had to change. I was 26 years old, in graduate school in St. Louis, had a pretty serious boyfriend, a clear direction for my future and a lot of stability in my life. And yet, something was missing. There was a restlessness, a loneliness, a hole in my heart that I couldn't quite put my finger on. After pursuing so many different things to try and fill that void, I started to be introduced to people who helped me understand who God was in a very different way, in a very real way...and for the first time in my life, I realized that even though God had been a part of my life, he was definitely on the periphery. He wasn't at the center. And until I put Christ at the center of my life, nothing would satisfy. 

I'm forever changed because of my ongoing encounter with Jesus that transforms my life day in and day out. And I'm forever grateful. I think back on that time in St. Louis with much joy and fondness as my life was reoriented to the person of Christ and the Church in a very intentional way. It required something of a response from me...but little did I know how much the Lord would consume me with His love and His direction. It has been said, "Take one step towards God and he will take ten steps towards you..."

Perhaps He is calling you to take a step towards Him.

We want to highlight a few stories of faith for you. It's true that every person has a very different faith journey. Some of us have been born and raised in a strong and faithful family. God has always been a part of our lives. We've never doubted. Some of us have had glaringly obvious moments when our need for God became so clear that we would never be the same because of that need and encounter. Some of us are still doubting, questioning the reality that the God of the universe would love us enough to send His Son to us, that we are worthy of that kind of love.

The point is, we all have a story of faith. The Catholic Bishops put it this way...

USCCB, Go & Make Disciples

We say about ourselves as bishops that God has touched our lives in Jesus. . .We know this is true of you as well. . . Whether you were baptized as a child or joined the Church as an adult, you have a story of faith. Whether you sincerely live your faith in quiet or have a great public ministry, you have a story of faith. Whether you have a grade-school knowledge of the Catechism or have a theological degree, you have a story of faith. We all have—and are—stories of faith.

We wanted to highlight some stories of faith for you. May you be inspired by how God has touched other people and perhaps take some time to reflect on how God has touched you in the your own life.