I grew up in a Catholic family. My mother has always been active in the church activities. I studied in a Catholic school. I was active in a Catholic youth ministry. I regularly attended Bible studies during my elementary and high school years.
During the early years of my life, i consider these things as the manifestation of the presence of God.
Now that I'm older, with more experience, with more exposure to the intricacies of life, with more opportunities of getting to know God intimately, I continuously discover the immense power of God.
As is human nature, I strongly feel His presence during troubling times. But He has always proven His love for me, because not once did He ever forsake me, not once did He ever let me down. In fact, it has always been me who leaves His side in times of difficulties, when I am having doubts with His glorious power. But, generally, I believe I have remained steadfast in my faith.
Being a mother doubled or even tripled my ability to feel His presence in my life. When my kids are sick, when they have quiz in school, during their quarterly exams, during their recitals, during quiz bees, these are the times when I knock on the gates of heaven. Most of the time I pray to Mama Mary for her intercession, and I always begin my prayer with, "You are also a Mother and you know how I feel..." I always ask her to talk to her Son to grant my prayer. She has never failed me.
I still have my ups and downs in my faith, but I know that continuously feeling His presence will always be a reminder to myself that His love for me and my family is what's keeping us strong and together.
