ATW - Conversation with Kathleen Irey

AfterTheWell

Summary

In this episode, Melissa Lapin interviews her friend Kathleen about her journey with God. Kathleen shares her experience growing up in Southern California and attending Catholic church with her mom. She talks about rebelling against her mom's new Baptist church and her own struggles with anger and rebellion. Kathleen also discusses her unplanned pregnancy at 18 and how it led her to seek God and attend church with her mom. She shares a powerful moment of realization and acceptance when her daughter was born on March 16th, which reminded her that her daughter was not a mistake but a blessing. Kathleen shares her experience with attending church and her evolving relationship with religion. She recalls a kind woman who made her feel accepted and loved, and how that influenced her perception of church. Kathleen discusses her journey from Catholicism to exploring different denominations and eventually finding her own path. She talks about the role of prayer and rituals in her faith, as well as the supernatural experiences she has had. Melissa and Kathleen also discuss the challenges and expectations of being a Christian and the different sects within Christianity. In this part of the conversation, Kathleen shares about her journey of surrendering to God and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about the pain, loneliness, and anger she experienced, as well as the moments of growth and healing. Kathleen also discusses the importance of community and the need to be true to oneself. Despite the difficulties, she ultimately finds a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection with God. In this final part of the conversation, Kathleen shares her journey of finding community and healing through her faith. She talks about the importance of showing up for oneself and the challenges she faced in stepping into her true identity. Melissa emphasizes the need for women to prioritize their own dreams and desires, even while being mothers and wives. They discuss the power of community and the negative impact of societal expectations on women. The conversation ends with a lighthearted exchange and a reminder to embrace oneself and continue growing.

Takeaways

· Growing up in a religious environment doesn't always lead to a personal relationship with God.
· Rebellion and anger can be a result of unresolved issues and disappointments.
· God can use unexpected circumstances, like an unplanned pregnancy, to draw us closer to Him.
· Accepting and embracing God's plan can bring healing and transformation.
· Support and love from others can make a significant impact on someone's faith journey. The influence of kind and accepting individuals in church can have a profound impact on someone's perception of religion.
· One's relationship with religion can evolve and change over time, leading to exploration of different denominations and finding a personal path.
· Prayer and rituals can provide comfort and a sense of connection with a higher power.
· Supernatural experiences can strengthen one's faith and belief in the presence of God.
· The challenges and expectations of being a Christian can vary among different sects and denominations. Surrendering to God can be a difficult and painful process, but it leads to growth and healing.
· Loneliness and anger are common emotions during the journey of surrender.
· Having a supportive community is crucial for spiritual growth and healing.
· Being true to oneself and embracing one's identity is important in the journey of