In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Keeping the Faith through Challenges – The Inner Life -August 20, 2025

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Fr. John Gordon joins Patrick to discuss Keeping the Faith through Challenges

  • (4:02) – What is the purpose of Challenges in life?
  • How does suffering sanctify us?
  • (17:15) Joseph – I’m going through some anxiety and paranoia right now, but I’m a firm believer. I know I have a great faith in God. Right now as I’m going through some health issues, I pray to not worry, but I still have that fear. I know the evil is trying to work on me. How can I overcome it?

(27:00) Break 1

  • How can we regulate our emotions when dealing with challenging situations?
  • (31:32) Nancy – In 2017, I had been diagnosed with arthritis and other ailments. They didn’t have my meds worked out well, and one night my left shoulder felt like a hot stabbing pain. I looked at the crucifix and said, ‘Oh dear Lord, how did you ever carry that cross?’ I heard a voice that said, ‘I saw your face.’ I learned you have to be very specific to God. I was in such awe. Then, the pain stopped and haven’t had it since.
  • (40:23) Cindy – I’m experiencing challenges with news about my dog. I’m a person of faith and have faith in the Lord, but what do I do when things like this happen in our lives? How do we know if it’s a spiritual battle or God’s will?

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Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley was born, raised, and baptized in Wisconsin in a Protestant tradition. After meeting his wife, Kendra, through an Evangelical ministry at the University of Minnesota, they entered the Catholic Church in 2010. They listened to Relevant Radio, specifically The Inner Life, while preparing to enter the Church. Conley now holds a degree in theology from Oxford University and has served the Church in both academic theology and grassroots pastoral ministry. Conley teaches religion classes in a Catholic elementary school, serves as his parish Director of Religious Education, and is in formation for the permanent diaconate. He also hosts Practicing Catholic on Relevant Radio, exclusive to the Minneapolis area’s airwaves, and is a traveling presenter for the Catherine of Siena Institute apostolate. He lives in rural Wisconsin with his wife and their bulldogs, Georgie and Bingley.