tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20228248.post113993934860969458..comments2023-12-25T19:36:33.754-05:00Comments on Italian (American) Catholic and Altogether Strange: The Agony in the Garden and True Submission to GodDavidNichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605665429157245648noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20228248.post-1140021034589515592006-02-15T11:30:00.000-05:002006-02-15T11:30:00.000-05:00Thank you for your kind words. It is true, to sur...Thank you for your kind words. It is true, to surrender to God opens you to doing things for other people. It reminds me of when my brother died. My sister was talking to one of his little daughters and said that when our mom had died she was mad at God.<BR/><BR/>Our niece said, "Is it right to be mad at God?"<BR/><BR/>My sister said, "God understands, and He is big enough to handle it until you feel better."<BR/><BR/>In our weakness we are loved. And in love there is strength. I am always amazed by God's ability to turn suffering into someting that makes us stronger as long as we work with Him.<BR/><BR/>God bless you and your family as well.DavidNichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10605665429157245648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20228248.post-1139984305964786802006-02-15T01:18:00.000-05:002006-02-15T01:18:00.000-05:00DavidGod bless you! This has to be truly one of th...David<BR/>God bless you! This has to be truly one of the best blogs I have ever read.<BR/><BR/>Over 15 years ago, I read the account of a man's conversion to Christianity from Islam in Egypt. He used to be a staunch opponent to Christ and His church. He cites the main reason for his contemplating to learn more about Jesus a conversation he had with his pharmacist!<BR/><BR/>The conversation took place around the time gangs of Muslim youth attacked churches, businesses and homes of Copts living in El Zawya El Hamra. So much Coptic blood was shed then. This man asked the pharmacist:<BR/>"Why is it you Christians are always smiling even when they're killing your people and burning your churches? Don't you ever feel you want to fight back?"<BR/><BR/>She answered:<BR/>"No sir! Christians don't need to physically fight anyone to defend their faith. We are taught to love our enemy. Besides,<EM>our God is strong enough to protect His church</EM>."<BR/>It was that last comment that opened his mind and heart. He realised that this is a faith where you can really "surrender" to God and let Him work through you.<BR/><BR/>I congratulate you again David on a wonderful post. Keep up the good work and may God bless you and your family.Bent El Neelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15347973813150585945noreply@blogger.com