On The Inner Life this week on Relevant Radio, a caller named Yasmin shared her story, one that echoes the struggles of many faithful Catholics quietly carrying heavy burdens.
A wife and mother of two, Yasmin spoke with raw honesty about her life: her marriage, which isn’t sacramental; her young son’s behavior troubles at school; her battle with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety; and her deep longing to belong in her parish community. “I feel like I don’t belong there,” she said softly. “I don’t talk to anyone at church. I get embarrassed for my sins.”
She said she loves her parish at St. Joe’s, yet finds herself shrinking under shame, convinced that maybe she isn’t a “good enough Catholic.”
Fr. Rob Kroll, S.J., responded with tenderness and truth. His first reminder cut straight to the heart: “Remember who you are before God.”
“You are a beloved daughter of your heavenly Father,” he told her. “His love doesn’t waver. You are a friend and a disciple of Jesus Christ, and He loved you unto death.”
Fr. Rob encouraged Yasmin to embrace the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a channel of healing, not humiliation. “You might write things down before confession,” he said. “But even if you forget something, the Lord knows your heart. He knows your desire to be forgiven.”
He reminded her that when we live in a state of grace, the Holy Trinity dwells within us. “You are a temple of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “That voice that tells you you’re not worthy — that’s not from God. That’s the enemy’s whisper.”
He also urged her not to carry everything alone. “You’re handling a lot,” he said gently. “You can’t do it in isolation.” Fr. Rob encouraged her to reach out to her parish priest, join a small group, or seek a spiritual director — not as a sign of weakness, but as an act of trust.
“Try to form some good friendships, especially with people of faith,” he said. “The Lord works through community.”
And when words or prayer feel impossible, he suggested turning to Scripture — especially passages of hope. “Maybe Google Bible verses on hope,” he said. “The Good Shepherd Psalm — ‘though I walk through the valley of darkness, I will fear no evil’ — is a reminder that He is guiding you.”
Before the call ended, host Patrick Conley added some more practical advice: download the Relevant Radio app, which includes daily prayers, a guide for confession, and resources for growing in faith.
The call with Yasmin was a small moment, but one that revealed a universal truth: holiness isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence in returning again and again to the Father who never stops calling us home.
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