It is better to to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in mortals.
Ever been faced with the thought that your own plan for your life simply isn’t in line with God’s? Struggled with obstacles, suddenly realizing that, “Hey! Maybe this isn’t where I’m supposed to be?” How do you handle the disappointment, or even the humility of changing your plans?
In reading through my favorite reference for Saints, I came across the story of St Rose Venerini. She was born a physician’s daughter in Italy (1650s), and entered the Dominican convent. After the sudden of her father, she left the convent to care for her mother and siblings. Her dreams of becoming a nun slipped away with the later death of her mother and brother.
As her siblings grew older, Rose turned to the women in her neighborhood and created a Rosary group. In connecting with these women, she learned of the lack of education and faith formation among the women in her community. She began a free school for underprivileged girls in her area, and was later commissioned by her Bishop and Cardinals to lead the way in establishing educational resources in other dioceses.
In reading about her life, I’m reminded that our ‘reach’ often far outweighs what we think. You influence your family, your friends, and people you may never even officially meet. I’m thinking about some of the things I’ve attempted that have been unsuccessful, and leaning on God to show me His plans for my life. I’m adjusting my sails for a straighter course.
What about you? How can you positively affect others?
Looking for more faith filled posts? You’ll find me visiting Soli Deo Gloria,Jump Tandem,Scripture and a Snapshot, Sunday Snippets, Spiritual Sundays, Hear it on Sunday, Playdates with God,Titus 2sday,Gratituesday,Word Filled Wednesdays, Walk With Him Wednesdays, iFellowship, and Good Morning Girls.
Hello Dianna, I’m linking my 7 Quick Takes Post of Favorite Marriage Quotes (includes Scripture and saints’ quotes)…
Beautiful post on St Rose Venerini!
Thanks so much for linking up, Ellen! I left you a comment over at your site – I just finished Emily’s Hope last night, and LOVED it!!! Angie and I were discussing Stealing Jenny as well, and how much we enjoyed that, too. 😉
Thanks so much for introducing me to this saint. It seems many holy women were called to educate others in their neighborhoods. Women are the heart of the family as the husband is the head. Holy women do their best to raise holy children and to care for other women who must raise children in the Faith. I think women bloggers who adhere to the teachings of the Church have an influence on others for the good.
She was new to me as well …. and I wrote notes like, “AMAZING — take a second look at things you’ve taken on”. I’m planning on marking her to take a deeper look.
Thanks so much for coming by — always great to see you!
Ah, yes, adjusting the sails! A very apt metaphor for me these days 😉
That one works for both of us, dontcha think?
I hadn’t heard of Saint Rose Verini before – she sounds like a cool woman. 🙂
I was very impressed — and plan to dive a little deeper. What an inspiration!
I so love reading about the saints. This was one saint I am not that familiar with and what a joy. So true that we have no idea how we impact people, but lets pray it is always positive. Thank you 🙂
I wasn’t familiar with her either …. and I learned so very much! She’s amazing!
Thanks for coming by, Kathleen!
Hello, Darling. 😉 I cannot tell you how much I needed to read about this saint today. There was a reason I haven’t made it here yet this week. I’m tweeting this post tonight, and while I don’t have any related posts to link up, I’ll continue encouraging others to do so. Thinking about you and your new sweetie-to-be. {hugs}
You are the sweetest! Praying for you — just keep on coming back! 😉
Most of us have to adjust and readjust as life goes forward and/or changes. I’ve had many heart-based dreams of what I could do that would be my favorite areas and also serve the Lord. Goes back and forth. I haven’t stopped serving Him in my heart… but reality has sometimes interfered. Still trying to move forward and along… And, He is IT on heaven and earth.