Mary’s hand-holding, Church splits, (God-the-) Father wounds, and the Eucharist that changed everything: Here’s my raw, Southern Baptist journey into the Catholic Church.

I was attacked, isolated, and completely misunderstood by everyone. You? The very people and community I trusted turned against me — and I felt like God was leading me somewhere that made no sense to me, or anyone around me.

I was Southern Baptist, immersed in Scripture, hungry for God… yet haunted by a deep father wound that fueled rage and rebellion in my marriage and ministry. I rose quickly in church leadership, teaching Bible studies, only to watch my small, intimate congregation split twice in heartbreaking ways — power struggles, accusations, financial ruin, and fractured relationships.

I was in agony and confused, WRESTLING with God there, but also following my pop quizzes, so I didn’t run. Instead, I studied Martin Luther in his own words and saw myself reflected — father wounds driving rebellion, scruples, fear, and a cry for mercy. That shook me. Martin Luther (right?!) led me to a used bookstore, a Catechism, and one life-changing Easter Vigil where the incense hit me like a thunderbolt.

What followed was a brutal crisis of faith:

• A Baptist Bible study publishing opportunity and Promise from God dangling – and now out-of-reach – in front of me
• Family pressure and my husband’s anger and fear
• The terrifying questions: How do I “submit” to my husband, here, and am I ultimately willing to submit to legitimate authority in the Church… or stay a protester?

I entered the Catholic Church alone in 2006 — pregnant, with an invalid 8-year-old, while still attending Baptist services with my family. The persecution and loneliness were intense… but God was faithful. My husband and family eventually followed.

This isn’t just a conversion story. It’s a raw, vulnerable witness in healing father wounds, discerning true authority, persevering when you feel abandoned for your faith, and discovering the fullness of the Church Christ established.

A real faith journey requires seasons of isolation, which sometimes means being scarred by church wounds, or pulled somewhere that costs you relationships…I FEEL YOU. Your pain isn’t wasted. Sometimes the hardest “yes” leads to the deepest peace and the fulfillment you’re desperate for.

If you’re craving the Love that gets you through marriage stalemates, desert thirstiness, family divisions, and deep, isolating pain, don’t wait.👇

At least take a look…

…and join me. I really KNOW what you’re dealing with.

And if neither of those dates is convenient, ​here’s another retreat that I’ll be doing at the Soul, Mind, Body Retreat House June 12-14, 2026. ​It’s not Love Heals LIVE, but it’s me and Kendra, pouring ourselves out for you in the Love that heals.