My heart ached for that atheists I encountered while substitute teaching. I mentioned in my Day 24 post about teaching a religion class. From the past experiences I had by this time and wanting to know more, I had new goals.
In the fall after my husband and I was married, I was approached by a nun from our church insisting that I teach a religion class. Back then, the classes were referred to as CCD. CCD meant Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. The Confraternity was an association established in Rome in 1562 by a Pope St. Pius V to ensure each Catholic child learn the doctrine of the Catholic faith. You can look the information up at a site called stlouislatinmass.com if you wish to learn more about CCD.
I began with teaching the younger groups of 3rd and 4th graders from about the age of 21 to 32ish. I taught up to the high school age, mostly 7th and 8th grade. It was hard saying “no” to this particular nun and when I started at 21, I was oblivious to what was ahead and where my path with God was leading.
The church went by lesson plans and workbooks that were provided by the archdiocese and they were easy to follow. I involved myself in many church activities like this and sang in the choir. I was still in hunger mode but trusted in the plans available to guide the way and teach the children about God. Many times, the kids would ask me questions that I honestly was unable to answer. Who was I to teach lessons and not be able to answer unrelated questions about God’s Word? I would go home trying to search the Bible I had and I had no idea where to find the answers!
I had to do something. I started reading the Bible on my own and at first, it was great! And then, it got a bit annoying with all the names and genealogy that I set it aside and just asked that nun and others, depending on their answers as truth. I still have issues with getting through those genealogy chapters today, but have found myself at least getting through them.
As the years progressed, the verse in Matthew 7:7 kept nipping at my brain. It says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Then, I wasn’t sure what verse it was, but kept hearing it and decided I’d better follow His commands.