Book Review – Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story – Tools, Tips and Testimonies by Nancy H. C. Ward

Stop and think for a moment. There are a zillion more lay Catholics in the world than there are priests and religious. It is we lay people who hold the key to the evangelization of the world. This is one of the most overlooked exhortations of Vatican II.

Instead of rushing to fill “quasi-liturgical roles,” we lay folk were challenged to evangelize the environments which are unique to us (and not readily accessible to our priests and religious)  - our homes and extended family, our businesses and work environments (including our employees and co-workers) and the various athletic, charitable, entertainment, fraternal, political, professional and social organizations in which we participate.

We have the ability and obligation to draw others to Christ by the manner in which we live our lives. When people see Christ in us, they will want to have a relationship with Him as well – they will want what we have been blessed to receive.  They will want to know how we came to have such faith. God will use us to lead them back to Church, to our priests and the Sacraments. He will use us as effective instruments for the salvation of souls.

All of this is implicit in Nancy Ward’s excellent book, Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story – Tools, Tips and Testimonies. She knows that individuals respond to authenticity and reminds us that when people ask us about our faith and hope and the source of our joy in life, we must be prepared to share our faith story with them. The best way to do that, she insists, is to maintain a Spiritual Journal, in which to recount our personal “Faith story” – “the significant events, circumstances or trials resolved with supernatural solutions”. Nancy shows us how to write our story in advance so we will be able to share it whenever an opportunity presents itself. She is quick to remind us that our words will touch other hearts only if they are consistent with the way we actually live our lives.

This is great book, a practical book, an essential book for all Catholics to read. Nancy included inspiring faith stories, authored by simple lay people who were atheists, cradle Catholics, reverts or converts. You will not be surprised to discover how significant the Eucharist was to her many contributors.

Do yourself a favor. Get a copy of Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story – Tools, Tips and Testimonies. Let the twenty personal testimonies in this book touch your heart and stir your soul. Start a Spiritual Journal. Begin writing you Faith story. Nancy gives you the tools and tips you will need to accomplish these tasks. You have much to share with the faith-starved souls who will cross your path. Remember to update your story from time to time, since our spiritual journey is never stagnant; it is on-going and never-ending. 

This gifted author, who was once quiet and reserved, has allowed the Holy Spirit to transform her into a powder keg of evangelizing zeal. She wants to share that fervor with you. Let her! There are countless souls who will owe you an eternal debt of gratitude.