Thank you so much for sharing this journey, Tsh! I’m inspired and intrigued, and most of all full of love for you and your family. Sending you big hugs, and looking forward to hearing more. ❤️
I was wondering if your shift with your podcast was leading this way, and if not whether there would be some discussion about why Seth converted and maybe why you weren't converting. But also was cognizant that your podcast wasn't necessarily spiritually-oriented, although maybe it now will be! It's so wonderful to hear about your journey and to know that both you & Seth are going to share more about your conversion stories.
I've been leaning more liturgical over the last several years, interrupted by the pandemic, and have been wondering if Catholicism is for me. It would be a big change in our family, for sure. Thank you for sharing so openly - can't wait to hear more!
Thanks, Joan! It won't be fully faith-focused except for the idea of sacramentality being the lens through which we see everything. 😉 Appreciate your kind words!
It's so true. And it feels like a place of rest to realize that God is in all and through all. And also true that the Catholic churches are THE most beautiful! I've learned recently in some personal branding work that I've done for my own consulting business that beauty is one of my core values, which sounds weird but it is what it is.
If it helps to know, I've had more food for thought from listening to your podcast since you've made the shift, like it's speaking on a deeper level. I'm looking forward to it even more now.
This is surprising and entirely not surprising. 😁 I’m so very interested in all the details as you are ready to share them. I especially am interested in the perception of the Catholic Church vs. the reality. I grew up strict, very liturgical Lutheran. Catholics were “bad”. Why? I’m not sure, except because they worship Mary and idols. I always wondered if that was what was actually happening or just like, your opinion, man. I didn’t see the divide between the religions that big. I hope you feel comfortable sharing, because I love listening. ❤️
"Just, like, your opinion, man." 😂 Oh goodness, do I resonate with your words here, Liesl! And you legit made me laugh out loud. Thanks for your kindness! I'll definitely share more when it's time.
Same, Liesl! I grew up strict Conservative Baptist, but left that long, long ago. I've wandered around Protestantism and been crushed by a church breaking up, and now so very disillusioned by evangelicals. But I have sooooo many questions about Catholic things and am eager to learn more about what they really believe vs the perception.
Why is this so stressful for me to read?! I think my heart is still paused. I myself am on a faith journey but from nondenominational/evangelical to Anglican/Episcopal, which is probably why I’m having this physiological response. First - thank you for sharing. This leap may very well impact who continues to support you work as I know you still have a large evangelical or related following. I so agree with you on you be drawn to beauty - a simplistic beauty. I’m looking forward to learning more about your journey as I’m also journeying my own path. I know Haley, although not very well. After spending a short time with her family, it was clear to me that they all exuded peace and comfort. No doubt, I think it come from their faith and how they live out the truths they believe so dearly. I have so many questions (just spent an hour with a Episcopal priest)! I’ll put my questions on pause for now but you better believe I’ll be looking at all of those links.
Thanks for your encouraging words, Morgan! I so appreciate them. And yes, I super-duper know about how this may affect my work, so please pray for my family in this regard, if you don't mind. 💛
Wow! That this could have a financial impact is stunning. It utterly bemuses me that being in the “wrong denomination” is such a big thing for some people. Please be yourself Tsh because I know God is using you in so many ways. Over the last few years I’ve really been able to start reconciling my inner romantic with my evangelical faith - your work has definitely played a role in that so thank you.
This resonates. Lifelong Methodist (Dad was a Pastor) and working (still) for the Methodist Church, I was confirmed into the Church of England and am training for their Reader (Lay) Ministry now. Listen and go where God is nudging you - all will be well x
Morgan, I also found this news somewhat stressful so I understand. I grew up Catholic and while I have much affection for my Catholic upbringing, in recent years I've felt more drawn to Anglicanism because of its more inclusive ideals. I also had some very negative encounters with some Catholic peers who were unable to question injustice and harm in the church. I love Tsh's work though and I'm sure I will continue to love it as she continued to evolve on her faith journey. :)
Wow, this is so beautiful! I resonate so much with this experience when I think back on my family's faith journey from our Baptist church to Eastern Orthodoxy. I wish you and your family a Blessed Lent during this very special season of your life.
Thank you SO much for sharing your journey with us. Our family is just starting this exploration into the Catholic faith, as I grew up Southern Baptist and my husband Brethren. I can’t wait to dive into the resources you’ve shared. Prayers are welcomed for guidance!
Tsh, this brought tears to my eyes and so much joy to my Ash Wednesday. Welcome to the Catholic Church! Although I sensed/hoped this news was coming, it is still such a wonderful surprise. I have always really appreciated the perspective Catholic converts bring to the Church. When I hear that someone has gone through an incredibly thoughtful process and freely chosen to become Catholic, it brings me a renewed appreciation for the Church I've been a part of my whole life. I'm looking forward to hearing more on the podcast this year. Congratulations to you and your family - you will be in my prayers this Lent!
You said everything I was thinking! I had tears in my eyes and chills while reading. I'm so happy for you and your family, Tsh. I'm a fellow (!!) Catholic and this Church is Home to me in ways I will probably never be able to articulate. I'm glad you and your family have found a Home here, too. You are in my prayers!🤗
Wow - this almost brought me to tears and I'm not sure why! I suppose I'm thankful that you felt you could be so vulnerable with a lot of people who are still basically "strangers." This was so personal and beautiful. We're Anglican (my husband is a priest) and I remember back when we were still non-denom Protestants, reading Scott Hahn's "Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism" on a road trip. It freaked us out that every chapter of Scott's made so much sense to us. At one point I said, "Are we starting to become Catholic?" I will freely admit, and hope that my Catholic sisters and brothers will not take offense, that we found ourselves stuck when we got to the chapter that discussed Mary and felt like we "couldn't go there" so I'd be interested to hear more about your journey. We've also got a child in a serious dating relationship with a lovely committed Catholic girl who we love and I'm sure this conversation is in their future.
Thanks, Amy! I 100% get your hesitation; the "Mary thing" was definitely one for me as well. And I loved Home Sweet Home yet somehow I forgot to add it to the doc — thanks for the reminder!
So interesting to hear about Mary being such a sticking point for you Tsh and Amy! While I struggle with some Marian doctrines (like perpetual virginity--nope, makes no sense and why is the idea of lifelong virginity of a married woman seen as particularly holy anyway?) But growing up Catholic, I have warm and fuzzy associations related to praying to Mary. It was my mom and grandma's go to in times of struggle. My mom suggested I pray to Mary as a child when I had nightmares and I remember most nights before bed, kissing the statue of Mary on my mom's dresser good night. 😊
I loved reading your letter, and hearing about your journey! I relate so much to what you said about being drawn to the beauty and unity of the Catholic church. My family started attending Anglican services almost ten years ago (in the beginning because it was the only English-language Protestant service in the Middle Eastern city we were living in that wasn't held at 6pm, and we had a newborn and a toddler who made evening services impossible), and have been so blessed by the reverence for the Word as well as by the beauty of the liturgy. I've been fascinated with aspects of the Catholic Church for years, but feel like there are still some fairly significant theological obstacles. I'd love to actually get to talk to a priest who could answer some questions, so thank you for the information on the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter! We're still living overseas right now, but we'll mostly likely return to the States within the next couple of years and that sounds like a great resource. I'm also really interested to hear more from you about the process you and your family went through in discerning your calling. Thank you for sharing this with us!
This is so brilliant. I love the curveballs that God throws us in life. As a lifelong Methodist, I moved to the Church of England (Anglican) 3 years ago for lots of similar reasons to you. We have super-old churches here and ancient liturgy that goes back centuries (if we want to use it). In many churches here, there is still the air of Roman Catholicism. Looking forward to hearing more about yours and Seth's journeys - so exciting. May you continue to be blessed x
Thank you, Liz! So grateful you're here. 💛
Thank you so much for sharing this journey, Tsh! I’m inspired and intrigued, and most of all full of love for you and your family. Sending you big hugs, and looking forward to hearing more. ❤️
Thank you, Sarah! So grateful for you and your friendship.
Welcome home! Thank you for sharing--I will love to read more about whatever you want to share about your conversion.
Thanks, Kristi!
I was wondering if your shift with your podcast was leading this way, and if not whether there would be some discussion about why Seth converted and maybe why you weren't converting. But also was cognizant that your podcast wasn't necessarily spiritually-oriented, although maybe it now will be! It's so wonderful to hear about your journey and to know that both you & Seth are going to share more about your conversion stories.
I've been leaning more liturgical over the last several years, interrupted by the pandemic, and have been wondering if Catholicism is for me. It would be a big change in our family, for sure. Thank you for sharing so openly - can't wait to hear more!
Thanks, Joan! It won't be fully faith-focused except for the idea of sacramentality being the lens through which we see everything. 😉 Appreciate your kind words!
It's so true. And it feels like a place of rest to realize that God is in all and through all. And also true that the Catholic churches are THE most beautiful! I've learned recently in some personal branding work that I've done for my own consulting business that beauty is one of my core values, which sounds weird but it is what it is.
If it helps to know, I've had more food for thought from listening to your podcast since you've made the shift, like it's speaking on a deeper level. I'm looking forward to it even more now.
So glad to hear!
This is surprising and entirely not surprising. 😁 I’m so very interested in all the details as you are ready to share them. I especially am interested in the perception of the Catholic Church vs. the reality. I grew up strict, very liturgical Lutheran. Catholics were “bad”. Why? I’m not sure, except because they worship Mary and idols. I always wondered if that was what was actually happening or just like, your opinion, man. I didn’t see the divide between the religions that big. I hope you feel comfortable sharing, because I love listening. ❤️
"Just, like, your opinion, man." 😂 Oh goodness, do I resonate with your words here, Liesl! And you legit made me laugh out loud. Thanks for your kindness! I'll definitely share more when it's time.
Same, Liesl! I grew up strict Conservative Baptist, but left that long, long ago. I've wandered around Protestantism and been crushed by a church breaking up, and now so very disillusioned by evangelicals. But I have sooooo many questions about Catholic things and am eager to learn more about what they really believe vs the perception.
Why is this so stressful for me to read?! I think my heart is still paused. I myself am on a faith journey but from nondenominational/evangelical to Anglican/Episcopal, which is probably why I’m having this physiological response. First - thank you for sharing. This leap may very well impact who continues to support you work as I know you still have a large evangelical or related following. I so agree with you on you be drawn to beauty - a simplistic beauty. I’m looking forward to learning more about your journey as I’m also journeying my own path. I know Haley, although not very well. After spending a short time with her family, it was clear to me that they all exuded peace and comfort. No doubt, I think it come from their faith and how they live out the truths they believe so dearly. I have so many questions (just spent an hour with a Episcopal priest)! I’ll put my questions on pause for now but you better believe I’ll be looking at all of those links.
Thanks for your encouraging words, Morgan! I so appreciate them. And yes, I super-duper know about how this may affect my work, so please pray for my family in this regard, if you don't mind. 💛
Wow! That this could have a financial impact is stunning. It utterly bemuses me that being in the “wrong denomination” is such a big thing for some people. Please be yourself Tsh because I know God is using you in so many ways. Over the last few years I’ve really been able to start reconciling my inner romantic with my evangelical faith - your work has definitely played a role in that so thank you.
This resonates. Lifelong Methodist (Dad was a Pastor) and working (still) for the Methodist Church, I was confirmed into the Church of England and am training for their Reader (Lay) Ministry now. Listen and go where God is nudging you - all will be well x
Morgan, I also found this news somewhat stressful so I understand. I grew up Catholic and while I have much affection for my Catholic upbringing, in recent years I've felt more drawn to Anglicanism because of its more inclusive ideals. I also had some very negative encounters with some Catholic peers who were unable to question injustice and harm in the church. I love Tsh's work though and I'm sure I will continue to love it as she continued to evolve on her faith journey. :)
I completely get it, Sarah. And I definitely didn't join the Church because it's perfect. Thanks for your kind words!
Wow, this is so beautiful! I resonate so much with this experience when I think back on my family's faith journey from our Baptist church to Eastern Orthodoxy. I wish you and your family a Blessed Lent during this very special season of your life.
Thank you so much, Clara! A blessed Lent to you as well.
This is gorgeous and so true to our experience, too. Love this and you so much.
Thank you so, so much for your friendship and encouragement. Love you too.
Thank you SO much for sharing your journey with us. Our family is just starting this exploration into the Catholic faith, as I grew up Southern Baptist and my husband Brethren. I can’t wait to dive into the resources you’ve shared. Prayers are welcomed for guidance!
Kyle grew up Baptist and I grew up pretty-much-Baptist, so I get it! Here alongside you, and I'll definitely pray.
Tsh, this brought tears to my eyes and so much joy to my Ash Wednesday. Welcome to the Catholic Church! Although I sensed/hoped this news was coming, it is still such a wonderful surprise. I have always really appreciated the perspective Catholic converts bring to the Church. When I hear that someone has gone through an incredibly thoughtful process and freely chosen to become Catholic, it brings me a renewed appreciation for the Church I've been a part of my whole life. I'm looking forward to hearing more on the podcast this year. Congratulations to you and your family - you will be in my prayers this Lent!
Thank you so much, Meghan! Your prayers are very, very welcome. 💛
You said everything I was thinking! I had tears in my eyes and chills while reading. I'm so happy for you and your family, Tsh. I'm a fellow (!!) Catholic and this Church is Home to me in ways I will probably never be able to articulate. I'm glad you and your family have found a Home here, too. You are in my prayers!🤗
Thank you, Mary! I so appreciate it.
Welcome 🤗 What a beautiful letter to share, thank you for bringing us alongside in your journey.
Thanks, Lucy!
Yay! Welcome home, Tsh! And to your whole beautiful family!
Thanks, Christy!
Wow - this almost brought me to tears and I'm not sure why! I suppose I'm thankful that you felt you could be so vulnerable with a lot of people who are still basically "strangers." This was so personal and beautiful. We're Anglican (my husband is a priest) and I remember back when we were still non-denom Protestants, reading Scott Hahn's "Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism" on a road trip. It freaked us out that every chapter of Scott's made so much sense to us. At one point I said, "Are we starting to become Catholic?" I will freely admit, and hope that my Catholic sisters and brothers will not take offense, that we found ourselves stuck when we got to the chapter that discussed Mary and felt like we "couldn't go there" so I'd be interested to hear more about your journey. We've also got a child in a serious dating relationship with a lovely committed Catholic girl who we love and I'm sure this conversation is in their future.
Thanks, Amy! I 100% get your hesitation; the "Mary thing" was definitely one for me as well. And I loved Home Sweet Home yet somehow I forgot to add it to the doc — thanks for the reminder!
So interesting to hear about Mary being such a sticking point for you Tsh and Amy! While I struggle with some Marian doctrines (like perpetual virginity--nope, makes no sense and why is the idea of lifelong virginity of a married woman seen as particularly holy anyway?) But growing up Catholic, I have warm and fuzzy associations related to praying to Mary. It was my mom and grandma's go to in times of struggle. My mom suggested I pray to Mary as a child when I had nightmares and I remember most nights before bed, kissing the statue of Mary on my mom's dresser good night. 😊
Not sure if it still is my mom's go-to. We have have both evolved a great deal in our faith.
I loved reading your letter, and hearing about your journey! I relate so much to what you said about being drawn to the beauty and unity of the Catholic church. My family started attending Anglican services almost ten years ago (in the beginning because it was the only English-language Protestant service in the Middle Eastern city we were living in that wasn't held at 6pm, and we had a newborn and a toddler who made evening services impossible), and have been so blessed by the reverence for the Word as well as by the beauty of the liturgy. I've been fascinated with aspects of the Catholic Church for years, but feel like there are still some fairly significant theological obstacles. I'd love to actually get to talk to a priest who could answer some questions, so thank you for the information on the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter! We're still living overseas right now, but we'll mostly likely return to the States within the next couple of years and that sounds like a great resource. I'm also really interested to hear more from you about the process you and your family went through in discerning your calling. Thank you for sharing this with us!
I completely get all you've said here, Heidi! More than you know. Happy to share, and let me know if you have more thoughts as you journey.
Welcome home! Reading conversion stories help me appreciate the church I’ve always been a part of so thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Melanie!
This is so brilliant. I love the curveballs that God throws us in life. As a lifelong Methodist, I moved to the Church of England (Anglican) 3 years ago for lots of similar reasons to you. We have super-old churches here and ancient liturgy that goes back centuries (if we want to use it). In many churches here, there is still the air of Roman Catholicism. Looking forward to hearing more about yours and Seth's journeys - so exciting. May you continue to be blessed x
Thanks, Gill!