5 Reasons You Should NOT Discern Religious Life | Discerning Vocation

[@jessdymphna7615]

After watching this video, I am even more convicted to go deep in discerning religious life. Thanks for making me know that I am having the correct mentality. Thanks. God bless.

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

We're praying for you!

[@bbeznoski]

Let the smart people think for you!

[@melissasweeney1680]

A 1999

[@worldview730]

One persons mistakes are another's correction

[@Romans1.24-27]

❤️🙏

[@daceliepins9108]

"No vocation is easy" All vocations, God will continue to love you.

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Amen! No matter what

[@SrGemmaRose]

God brings you to the vocation where you will be most healed. And most holy. That is not necessarily religious life. We are all wounded and need healing. God brings us to the place and the people where he can best do that.

[@worldview730]

Her enlightenment, as she would still be hiding out if that were true

[@s.joniluna4926]

I am a Sister, I love and really enjoyed your talk. Mostly, I admire your honesty, vulnerability and how you speak your truth from a sacred space. Many blessings upon your continued life's journey.

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Sister, thanks for your support! So glad you found us and liked it!

[@Watarimono0808]

@Gangari TheWanderer Savage! Thank-you for telling it how it is. ; )

[@fio-pz9ze]

⁸

[@giftforgod3174]

We experienced religious according to Who we are

[@noblemundamattammusicals]

@@giftforgod3174 im a seminarian. I ennoy my life

[@catholicchiara]

When I first read the title, I legit thought this video was trying to lead people astray and was a total waste of time. WELL SURPRISE praise God for working above my expectations

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Glad you gave it a chance past the title :)

[@stephanie3848]

Yeah I think the title could be different, like, "Rule out these things while discerning" or something like that

[@worldview730]

Wow you read my mind, I thought the same thing, just with that one word "NOT"

[@jessdymphna7615]

I think another good reason of not to discern religious life, is that you want to avoid facing the secular world, thinking that a convent is a good place of hiding from suffering, heartbreak and disappointment. If you are a religious, you are going to see sufferings of life even fuller, you will be in the front line of fighting sins and brokenness, you are going to see even more ugly wounds but of course, you are going to be witnessing the healing of God in other's life too.

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Absolutely! Entering any vocation because of fear of any sort is not the best motivator. There is always an opportunity to fear, but that means there is always an opportunity to trust God as well

[@sapnapbgxx2087]

True indeed! 👍👌

[@TheWhimsicalPeople]

sometimes your lack of interest or maybe your dislike in the secular world might be God's way in making you enter religious life

[@rrickarr]

Are you aware that in the FIlm : The SOund of Music (Julie Andrews), the mother abbess says those very words to Maria who wanted to run away from the Von Trapp Abbey. The mother abbess told Maria---the Abbey is not the place to escape the world!

[@worldview730]

Whoever says a convent is a place for hiding, always gets a spiritual awaking

[@vdteentoks5805]

Hi I'm a Catholic missionary. I'm so glad that I came across your channel!! This is awesome content to share with the teenagers of my ministry. Good job :)

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Woohoo! So glad you found us too! If there is anything you guys want us to talk about in particular, let us know!

[@ibehemmanuel2256]

Please tell me more about your missionary life

[@celestineshakungu5260]

I am a religious sister, and I appreciate your comments, thank you for being genuine. God bless you

[@srann1542]

Hi Sr nice to see you

[@celestineshakungu5260]

@@srann1542 nice to see you too

[@srann1542]

I wish to know you Sr

[@celestineshakungu5260]

@@srann1542 do you mind giving me your email?

[@srann1542]

@@celestineshakungu5260 annmutuwa7 @gmail.com

[@colleenlongua9752]

I actually had to pause the video because number four resonated with me so much. I have definitely struggled with the fear of not being holy enough and feeling like I have to "prove myself" to God.

[@worldview730]

Welcome

[@timmellin2815]

Depending on our degree of our faith, God has imputed His righteousness to us by faith in Him. This goes from faith to faith. While we are wondering about our "not being holy enough" we can become more holy as we trust Him, step by step. So instead of thinking negatively about our faults / sins / we can instead remember that the Calvary work is a finished work that covers everything......start with the faults / sins / we can turn over to him, and then don't worry about the rest........focus on the things we're aware of and can trust God with. Don't be surprised if you find that works, and then your faith can actually grow into other areas. And remember...we walk by faith, not by sight, so the less you look for an answer you think you want, you might actually get the answer you need.

[@stefanielorimer9693]

I am regretful that I didn't get to discern religious life when I was young enough to. I am grateful that I have brought up two beautiful children/young adults now. I think that both vocations are ways of the cross - marriage and religious life are both opportunities to die to self every day. I think the reason I got married (from God's perspective) is so that I could learn that.

[@franciscauba483]

Oh no! I had all of the reasons you mentioned🤦🏽 Thank you so much ! ! I wanna cry. I'm Francisca from Nigeria .

[@claaudia.alarcon]

You should better talk with a priest. Don’t determine your whole life by a video. I pray for you

[@sharmist4355]

I am definitely to stay unmarried and want a religious life. I just have to save enough for my parents as I a single child and would want them to live comfortably when I'm gone. That's all that is my duty n then I'm free to do as I want.

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Wonderful! We are praying for you as you pursue your vocation!

[@caryssathereseverzosa6206]

Same < 3

[@worldview730]

Marry Christ

[@Israella_]

Same

[@erikalabounty3263]

A very real, transparent and honest and truthful perspective on this topic. Loved it. I'm not Catholic but love God and wanted to be a missionary. God shut that door, and told me I was running from many things but mostly my family and thought being a missionary was the holiest life I could live. Now i understand how serving and obeying God works, and it doesn't have any one form or look, and all true vocations as the Catholics call them will have the 1st and 2nd commandment...in common. Love God first with all you are, then love people. Upon which all holiness and devotion to God hangs. Really appreciated this video. God bless and I still really admire much of who and what true holy nuns are to God and the world.

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4jOpZaNas6FbK8

[@allisonfaxx4636]

I saw this right after a video on -- Carmelite nun of a monastery in Christchurch, NZ. * With respect to Nuns and their choice, Celibacy is self-torture! IMHO, *CELIBACY is UNNATURAL* and, If Jesus did not ordered, why introduce Celibacy in religion?

[@allisonfaxx4636]

Congratulations - for getting Married! Carmen, I sincerely believe you did a BIG favor to so MANY by these 5 reasons! Thank you!

[@jacquelineodwyer7688]

Thanks for that info. I kept telling my friends and family I wanted religious life. God never called me to that. I was surrounded by nuns most of my life. I got loads of interviews in different places. In the end I became a mother with a son. I was attached to the legion of mary a long time before that. 😇❤️👍

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Every vocation is beautiful, thank you for living yours! Also Legion of Mary is awesome! I (Kathleen) grew up in a junior praesideum and am an auxiliary member now. It's a beautiful organization

[@worldview730]

We all have our callings

[@juliawanja8114]

Thanks dear for this wonderful message of truth,, may God bless you 💓💓💓 lot's of happiness to understand this as I descern❤❤

[@katieadams2837]

This was so helpful. Thanks for sharing your wisdom (and joy)!

[@beckiemua]

I just found out these are the reasons why I want to become a nun 😭

[@charicegailindefenso8027]

@Beckie Naturals you want to become a nun?

[@atusasirejohn4014]

Me too😭

[@Malmi2002]

Pray and ask God

[@cesarriojas114]

I started watching this video thinking it would be a negative Catholic video but you did a wonderful job helping young woman discern if it is truly their calling! I know you followed your calling and you are bless as is your husband to have each other! Many blessings and may you have a wonder, happy and beautiful life! 🙏🏻

[@gailyoung5234]

Great video! I wished I would had seen it when I was discerning back in 2000! I entered in 2001 and left in 2014. I will be starting a ministry to help women who are leaving the orders or who were asked to leave, like I did, for asking questions. It took a former Catholic nun to help me understand that it's not about religion! It is about our relationship Jesus...Jesus gave us our assignment on this earth.... "Heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons in Jesus name!' Jesus didn't say Pray for the sick ...Jesus says 'Heal the sick!" I go to Brazil every year for mission and even in my city there is a big need for folks to meet Jesus and be healed- physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally...I see much healing and miracles! God is up to something BIG!

[@sayat_nova]

interested to hear what you’re referencing here, 13 years is nothing to scoff at! what questions were you asking that were deemed intolerable, if you don’t mind sharing? i am just beginning discernment myself, though i’m in late 20’s i’m now considering religious life in earnest for the first time. i’d fallen out of the faith for many years before returning to the church, and had willfully perhaps forgotten my childhood catholic education about discerning your vocation, but due to recent events in my own mental and spiritual development, while at the same time serendipitously happening upon some very exciting new ideas about monasticism, interesting people and an order that deeply appeals to me. i have been searching my soul for a reason why this would be the wrong path to go down and have come up empty handed every time. to be honest it is a bit frightening to explore how deeply and seriously i’m drawn to the religious life, and how the order i’ve discovered is so much of what i’ve been missing in my own spiritual life… so i am very interested to know what you’ve learned coming out the other side. are there many women who are in a similar situation as you were? i suppose there must be to establish a ministry to those specific women. i have met a few fellow Catholic ex-nuns over the years but they were much much older than I and too far distant from that part of their life to care so strongly anymore or answer questions in detail about their leaving. i agree we need to meet people in our home towns who are suffering and heal the sick who are all around us…. i just wish there were more i could do from my current location in an overwhelmingly protestant/non-catholic state (and rural area at that) where local parishes do not accept that challenge to organize and invest real time and effort, especially locally or in general in this country versus out in a very palpably foreign environment, somewhere overseas whether at an orphanage or charity in some poor country of africa or somewhere else that feels exotic and “other” like on a mission trip to a small island nation, central American countries like guatemala or something of the like. but those trips are short and impact is very difficult to make deep change and not just surface interaction in short term visits abroad. anyways, if you can please let me know what information you’d like to have known yourself before when in my position… thanks 🙏🏻

[@KR-ms6km]

Well done, young lady!! Blessings for your marriage and warm hearted greetings from an apostolic hermit sister/ Germany

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Thank you for your prayers!!

[@seekwhatisabove]

The joy is contagious! Thank you, very helpful.

[@jajinmarms3599]

It's an eye opening for me. I only regret for not watching it before.

[@maryanderson1155]

I love how you phrased each reason to rethink discernment... I'm telling you each vocation is just as hard!

[@jorgemiramontes403]

This girl is amazing. Thanks for not being bitter from being “rejected” and for sharing your journey. You are awesome.

[@AmyMartin-m7p]

You are absolutely right. You have discerned correctly. You do not belong in religious life. Thanks be to God for helping you make the right choice. God Bless.

[@sapnapbgxx2087]

I needed this right now, God is so timely!👌

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Praying for you!

[@gladysclausing8785]

I’ll admit that I tuned in to your video out of curiosity because of the title. I wondered what horrible and insane reasons you were going to claim. So glad I did. God bless you on your upcoming wedding. I wish you all the best. 🙏🏻❤️✝️💐💐💐

[@beatriceachieng408]

After watching this video, am made to understand that I really need to think as I am descerning. It's more of a calling to serve God than running away from something

[@kemmow25]

Remember being married is also a vocation

[@worldview730]

It's a whole way of life in itself

[@joanaoliveira5811]

that's hilarious

[@hermanjohnson8719]

Very good advice. Br. Herman Johnson, O.P.

[@VictorHernandez-cv3cl]

I have the same fears. I have been afraid that no one will ever love me because of being rejected before. I have considered becoming a priest, so I don't have to worry about marriage or failed relationships, but you are right running away from something is not the solution to the problem. If there is no sincere love for God to have a religious life then it is not a good option to do so.

[@christinawatkinsyoutube]

I don't have a lot to do with nuns or the like, but I found this video so interesting, I can imagine that a lot of people think being a nun will be easy... from what I have read and watched it's harder. Much like Jesus faced hardships every single day. I have enormous respect for nuns, because I know it took a lot of sacrifice. Also love your little "ding" moment with the ring haha! congrats! God has a perfect plan for us all.

[@natashajohnston9779]

Thank you for promoting negatives. I fear many will be judging, I’ll run toward religious life xx thank you for being vulnerable

[@louis-vd3ur]

I have very medieval inclinations in my discernment. Concern for my soul, repentance of sin, wanting a community that understands that, and salvation of all souls. It was very interesting to hear this video and helpful. May God keep you and your future spouse, blessing you both bountifully through the grace of the sacrament. Marriage as a vocation is a modern church initiative to accommodate the dwindling arranged marriages/family oriented courting standards amongst the faithful which was the main decider. As in most things, labor and property have a major part in discerning as well throughout history.

[@MissPopuri]

That’s a good thing to be wary of in your discernment. A community that won’t accept you or will cause more than undue aggravation will probably make one hate the cross they bear. You get this sense when you look at the amount of people who get into streaming themselves on KZbin or Twitch. Musicians had the same growing pains as well as celebrities. Chris Cornell and Robin Williams are two examples of the mental strain we put on our bodies pushing ourselves into a mold that doesn’t fit us. Your soul screams at you when you don’t do something it wants.

[@sumanxalxo2645]

No vocation is easy. So true, God bless!

[@museluvr]

This is why the Church says to discern and pray on your vocation. It's not like a job in 'the world', it will be a matter of heart and soul, love and divinity. The 'should not' .. that is for each person to decide, if the way of religious life is right for them. I myself broken as I am, have begun to wonder if this path is right for me. Pray for me. The world is becoming less and less enjoyable, while the longing to grow closer to Christ is increasing (& I'm in my early 60s).

[@nusratjamia7953]

You are welcome.. I responded back to you as soon as I saw your message was on post 📫... I just subscribed for your channel ❤

[@kevinegan6311]

I love your honesty. May God Bless you with whatever you choose to do.

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Thank you! Keep us in your prayers!

[@saintpaul2337]

Thank you so much, we're making a program on vocations, and it was nice to hear your poit of view. The only thing I would add, and this is because I think my husband and I are few of the marriage couples that married because we were more in love with God than with each other (people constantly confuse us for a Priest and a Nun even though we're holding hands), is that my trust is in God not my husband. My husband and I are very limited. My husband is only a small expression of my Eternal Husband. Only He knows all my weaknesses, all my thoughts, all my worries, not my earthly husband. Because he can't Love me and understand me as only God does. And fortunately it's the same the other way around. We both are the people we trust the most in the world, but we depend much more on God than each other. This is why we just enjoy our marriage, because we are a gift, a way to access God, but it's not the only way or the only gift. Thank you so much for sharing, it helped me a lot.

[@saladfingers.]

All your reasons are so valid... I resonate. But still there is this large void in my heart.

[@LizLT55]

We often go through life wondering why God allows us to experience things, especially if the experience doesn’t make sense at the time. Thankfully, God uses everything we’ve learned or experienced in the past to be able to deal with the present. See more in my reply. (I hit the send button by accident.)

[@LizLT55]

I believe that He uses such experiences for the benefit of His kingdom as well, and clearly that is what happened with your discernment process. He is using your experience to help others who are experiencing the same situation. This is your Esther moment. “For who knows but that you are in this position for such a time as this.” Praying His blessings on you, your ministry and your family.

[@thomasduvauchelle8583]

I gained more while in the seminary but I had to leave. They warned me the studies are hard but accepted me on a trial basis. All hell broke loose when I returned home after one semester. But then when I transferred to the public high school I was amongst my level of brains and I liked the student body with girls and boys and teachers. At the seminary I got out of my shyness and was in a class of comparables IQ. Many are called; few are chosen. This was in1965 I am a retired ASSOCIATE OF THE THESACRED HEARTS,SS.CC. God bless!😘 Acturally I enjoy fellowshiping in the Episcopal church who h to me is more in line with Pope Francis ecumenical persuasion and the bible. God blessings to all!

[@Times-of-Jonah]

I think I should pass on this message God gave me to any who are watching, who think that only marriage can make you happy, is this: "Don't make a man your God."

[@roanrhaikziidup7921]

Thanks for sharing this video. It has important message to consider before making a decision to be a religious. One has to have a right intention of becoming a religious.

[@jacklinemutisya5647]

Great...thank God for coming across ur channel being my first day,congratulations for ur openness to many,u have fed us with ur wisdom.kindky wish to have more of ur videos for the ministry...thank u ad God bless u ad ur spous. Consolata. Spain.

[@BrizAU]

If one's vocation is to be called to live as a life of a nun of sister, then God has a plan for you. But it must be God calling you. If God's vocation for you is to be married, then keep yourself for that special person God has planned for you. If you have a vocation to be single, then be single. All callings require faith and trust in God's Grace and to live in a state of Grace.

[@johnorr8094]

About 1980, I had a school counselor who left to enter a monastery in Vermont. My teacher told me why Mr. Ceruti (sp?) was no longer around, and I thought that a monastic life was pretty intriguing. Perhaps I waited too long, but I always thought of entering the monastic life. As an EMT, a self professed tartan designer, and a novice weaver, I have at least a few skills I can contribute to a community. Just don't test me on my cooking skills. Yes, marriage does put a damper on pursuing the monastic life. What are your thoughts on turning a room in your home into a domestic church?

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Absolutely - not just a room but the whole house and family should be a small church, building community closer to Christ! The vocation to marriage, though different, is also a beautiful way to pursue heaven. Thanks for watching!

[@lindalaar6001]

Thank God i landed myself here today. Have been in total dilemma .God richly bless you

[@marycastellano6728]

This is so relatable! Thank you so much for making this video!

[@noray1076]

God bless you sister in God.Pray also for me in God to succeed in my own vocation.

[@juliathelittle7007]

Look this video the wrong way from the thumbnail. Your advice is great. From a wife and mother who also discerned religious life, I can say I shared all these feeling. God bless you and your family.

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Thanks Julia! That means a lot coming from a woman who found her vocation :)

[@tomboyraider1015]

You are so right with this. The reasons given are indeed true. It’s so hard to discern.

[@ngonigriffith1491]

Ecclesiastes 5:5 says it is better not to vow, than to vow and not pay. I am living an ascetic, religious life outside of the convent and I am happy. I like the fact that I can go and do where God leads me. John 17:15 also states that Jesus's prayer is not that we are taken out of the world, but that we are kept from the evil one. These are some of my reasons for not joining a convent.

[@lauray.4434]

Thank you for this video. After watching this video, now I know I'm not ready to discern any convent just yet.

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Glad you liked it! And love the word "yet" in your comment - sometimes its a timing issue! Way to stay open!

[@jenniferolivares1718]

Thank you so much for this❤❤❤ God bless you and your family always🙏❤

[@colinmccarthy7921]

I was thinking of becoming a Priest,but it was not to be.Many are called,but a few are chosen.I am now happily married.If you are called to the Vocation of Priesthood or Religious Life,I am sure Our Lord Jesus would decide the final outcome.He loves us all.He is the Way,the Truth and the Life.We must have Faith,Hope,Love and Trust in Our Lord Jesus.❤️❤️❤️.

[@littlewolf74]

Hey! I just discovered your channel today and wanted to say that I love these videos! I'm wondering if you can consider doing more videos like this one for the vocations of being married and staying single? The reason I ask is because watching this video in particular really helped me a lot. Especially by giving me things to consider while discerning my vocation. Thanks for sharing your story and keep up the great work! :)

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Oof sorry for the late reply, but yes! We have more discernment and vocation videos coming. As a single/married team right now we are lucky to have a little insight into both parts of those worlds! Let us know if you have specific topics you'd like covered!

[@littlewolf74]

@@PrayLikeaGirl No worries. Thanks so much for answering. It really means a lot to me. I'm so glad you'll be making more videos! As for specific topics, maybe one on questions to consider when discerning the single life and questions to consider for the married life? Or maybe ways to know if God might be calling you to each one? :)

[@gracelafave7161]

Hello! I just watched your video, and read a lot of the comments. They are so negative, and reflect so poorly the joy that is the religious life. I have a thought: Perhaps most great saints were not married. But let that be an inspiration to us married folk-- let us be great saints who ARE married. God will sanctify us through marriage, through the most arduous of the schools of love. We will allow Him to make us holy though we are not perfect in our own eyes, and His power again shall be made perfect in our weakness. Loving the particular other - as I will do in marriage, by His grace - is exactly what Jesus did on the Cross. Thank you for your video. :)

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Thanks so much for your kind words Grace!

[@mamalovesbeige]

Beautiful. Everything you said was beautiful. Thank you! (You showing your beautiful ring repeatedly is hilarious! Love it! Hahah!)❤

[@jerryking5148]

Glad you made your choice, hope it works out for you. This path too has many challenges. God Bless

[@cq9882]

In my feed, what a great channel. Thank You, have subscribed. 🙏🇦🇺

[@dRasonWhy]

Thank you that was beautiful. And thank you for being your beautiful self ❤

[@parvathimarak2588]

If you have no call from God to be a religious or to become nun you will not even if you desire.Somehow God will send you back.

[@MatlhogonoloMokoena-p6n]

Thanks for sharing with us more inspiration 🙏 ❤️ 🙌

[@busymoms]

Thank you for sharing, your deeper feelings, I give you full support, I like your feelings, of running away from, not running towards

[@fairuzmaileen5691]

Thank you for sharing your experience🖤it serves as a guide to many... Can someone please tell me if age is a limitation to apply?

[@dorcas4035]

I thinks it varies from One order to other. Best to reach out to an order to hear more. Google online for orders or checkout in your area🙏

[@deb9806]

I love so many of the communities of nuns, Dominican, Franciscan, etc. I still see so much disparity though in freedom, priests can travel more, seem to be able to set their own schedule more, some get to keep their stipend, get healthcare etc. I feel some communities treat sisters like children but I never see that in the seminary. I do feel attracted to watching communities though that want sisters to advance their education and stay healthy with lots of activity and balance.

[@gailyoung5234]

Because it is a Boy's club! I was in it for 13 years as a Sister. I saw that very clearly!

[@deb9806]

@@gailyoung5234 Any organization run by men will be. I always wondered why women sisters/nuns who weren't cloistered had so much less privilege. They aren't allowed to do many things priests and deacons and brothers do, even trips home or vacations. It seemed more like they were children again with obedience while men had more freedom.

[@donnaburias9251]

so much faithfulness and so much truthfulness ma'am.. ty so much

[@whiteninja5546]

Hi, one of my cousin who is married is very devoted Catholic, she prays, goes to Church and Church events regularly. She does her best to serve the God while having a family. I think if you find partner who shares your faith then why not to marry and serve the God together.

[@ite_ad_iosep]

Good point, love it

[@m.yb1097]

Woah, this video spoke so much to me. It made me realize to slow down and to not rush things since I realized that one of the reasons you mentioned here could be true in my life. P.S. I didn't talk to a vocational director yet.

[@ketishadale3433]

Your honesty is refreshing and it sounds like you ended up on the right path in the end 👍🏾💖

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

I think so :)

[@nataliek878]

I've been discerning for almost a year. My greatest fear is being rejected from the monastery I want to go to. Previously, I had a huge plan to become a hygienist and live the single life. I don't want to get married, not because I'm afraid no man could love me, but mostly because I don't like it when men show me love - I guess romance just disgusts me. Although, if I had to get married, I suppose I could see myself doing it. I have always been attracted to the concept of a mysterious man who loved me, but not romantically, this man was also someone I would never 100% figure out, wrapped in layers and layers of humility, enigma, charity, wisdom, peace, so many virtues. I never likened that idealized man to God, but now I'm really starting to see the overlap. Many months ago, a video popped up in my recommended and it was on Carmelite nuns. I had never given the religious life a single thought, it was a clear "100% no" to the sisterhood. However, I figured I'd give that video a chance since I never formally discerned my calling. It was as I watched the video that I felt a slight tug towards it, but I decided not to tell anyone because I didn't want to rush into anything. As time drew on, I realized the feeling never really left me, so I brought it up casually to my mom. We discussed a bit and after the discussion, I decided that _maybe_ I was called to sisterhood, but definitely not the life of silence and detachment Carmelites live. Life still went on. I had a huge attraction to the type of life that priests lived and felt deeply inspired by them, especially since I knew a few priests who were VERY reverent and were big role models to me. I continued to have discussions with my mom and others who were close to me. Again, I felt discouraged by my "calling" towards religious life because of what two people close to me said, so I decided if the calling was true, I would still feel drawn if I disregarded it entirely, so I did. My mom would bring up discussions on dentistry and part of me felt guilty and I almost started to cry because I really did not feel excited or inspired by my old goal at all. I really kept pushing myself to feel inspired by the goals I used to have, but every time I felt like I was going to cry by faking a desire I no longer had. One summer morning when I was home alone, I picked up where I had left off in my book on the life of St. Teresa of Avila. It was almost immediately that I began to tear up and felt as if God was speaking to me "this is what I want of you." I decided to disregard anything that anyone formerly had said about me not having a calling. Some more time passed and I found myself researching different religious orders. I knew there was a reason for it. I decided upon a certain order and did extensive searching on the internet with my mom on convents and orders. Then one day my mom brought up the Carmelite Monastery which was only a few miles from where I live, and for the second time, I opened my mind back up to the idea of being a Carmelite, the life that I was so afraid I would never be able to live. But this time, something clicked. As I read about the monastery, I began to grow more and more interested and more and more attracted to the lifestyle. That's when I remembered the video I saw was on Carmelites, and that St. Teresa of Avila who I so much admired was also a Carmelite. I figured it might have been a sign from God. I'm still not sure where to go from here. I'm not sure I have a vocation to the sisterhood because of videos like these, and the things I read or hear about discernment, but the idea of sacrificing my entire life for God is something I am very much attracted to. As much as I would like to entirely abandon the world along with myself, I know that God ultimately has the say in what my calling is- and what anyone's calling is. I've fasted and have been studying much at this time so that I can hear God clearly. I feel like I have the opposite problem as described in this video. I'm almost too afraid of being denied the religious life to contact a vocation director. I still take my family, friends, and priest's opinions seriously, so that further plays into my confusion on what I should do with this... :(

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Wow thank you for sharing your story, Natalie! Discernment can be really hard, but we've found two things: 1-God always lets you where he wants you. If he wants you in Carmel (or any order), he will let you get there. And 2-Sometimes the best thing to do when discerning is DO. Take that step. Apply for religious life. Talk to a vocation director and express all your fears and excitement! Just remember God has got you. We're praying for you on this journey!

[@nataliek878]

@@PrayLikeaGirl thank you so much! It's encouraging to hear that. Since it's my last year of high school, I guess I just get overwhelmed about what my future is gonna look like. I'm still hopeful God will reveal His plan in time.

[@beckyoctober23]

I am in a situation as yours and I know if is God will they will call at the time time I'm Ghana though hi😊

[@carlosordaz3867]

I know this was a few months ago, but I just wanted to share two thoughs that came to mind when reading your comment. The first one is to remember Gabriel's first words to Mother Mary: Do not fear. The thought of God Himself and failing at the oportunity to be closer to Him will always come with fear, but it's also an oportunity to love further, try harder and persevere in Christ our Lord. The second thought is: St. Faustina went through the phase of pretty much being rejected by both her family and her congregation and even then, she became one of God's most amazing saints and one of the most inspiring stories of grace from the past century. So if God is calling you, His will ought to prevale on your life, and I'll be praying for that. Lots of love, and God bless your soul!

[@nataliek878]

@@carlosordaz3867 thanks!

[@vernferns.8711]

If you're a nun, you don't have to put up with trivialities of life that disturb your trail of thought towards a path to holiness... You don't have to put up with the petty things that you think are stopping you from making progress in your prayer life. You have less attachments to the outside world and therefore, have less things holding you back from choosing God and saying AMEN TO THAT! all the time. That is what I thought. But when things started to come to a huge turn... I realized... God will put people in your life to teach you things and open your eyes to its realities... That will give you pain, lots of pain, lots of anger... lots of distrust and make your whole world turn upside down... Be accused. Be ostracized. Be discriminated against. Be made fun of. Subjected to different kinds of treatment you think you don't deserve... The reality is... Things will be taken away from you. If you made it too carefully before, not to hold anything too dearly, God will put you in a position where you will have attachments. You will have earthly desires. But it will all be taken away to a painful extent. But it is in engaging in life that God gives you the opportunity to experience the pain He did. And in better knowing that pain, you know Him better as well.. In embracing that pain, you get the opportunity to embrace your own cross like He did (eventhough it wasn't even His cross to bear in the first place). And in reacting to that pain in a holy way----that is even more of a road to holiness than when you pray hours and hours a day but not with the kind of heart that is ready and welcoming of all your sacrifices. Amen to that, sister... In pain, there is love. And in love, that's where He is. I've been wallowing in great ponder whether I should enter into a religious life, but I know Mama Mary and Jesus are, right now, leading me in the way that I ought to tread. Openness to His Will... is the key. Eventhough we might not understand where it will lead us, we will be led exactly where we should be if we seek Him with the right heart. God bless you and your family through the intercession of Mary and St. Joseph.

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

Haha yeah if you think being a nun means you don't need to put up with trivialities, try reading St. Therese. Temptation is everywhere, even in the convent! But so is God :)

[@luiginaduia9063]

For me, if ever opting for it, one should be Kingdom oriented... Souls oriented and challenging life that is sacrificing and total self giving....it should be a celebration of Love 🙏

[@MissPopuri]

Running away even from someone else’s love because you have termed it abuse should also be reckoned as a symptom of why not to discern religious life or a marriage. Our fallen human nature has the tendency to conflate happiness with being 100% satisfied all the time. The only reason to run away is if it would be a sin to pursue the relationship because some impediment has presented itself (I.e. prior engagement/marriage, incest, or a crime like murder). All those examples are legitimate reasons that the Catholic Church gives to forbid marriage between a man and a woman not some arbitrary feeling of mistreatment.

[@suburbanbanshee]

Nobody is forced to marry. It is okay not to pursue a relationship for any conceivable reason. If one is already married, obviously one does not separate willy-nilly. But marriage or not is a free choice, with no wrong answer.

[@cazola247]

@MissPopuri: Not sure I quite understand the gist of what you're saying, but if there is abuse in marriage, I would say definitely consider leaving. I note that your reasoning allows "running away" if there's murder... it won't be possible to run once you've been murdered. Leave before it gets that far. It's plain wrong to encourage women to stay in abusive relationships for the sake of their faith - I cannot believe that God would want anyone to live with abuse. Those who tell them to stay are siding with the abuser and putting a guilt trip on the victim - the last thing they need. (I'm not talking about an occasional criticism for lack of emotional intelligence, but about serious abuse.)

[@michelletrimmer6750]

I have always been curious why women decide to become a nun. Thank you.

[@pallapatisharon2591]

Thank you so much for sharing my things Iam thinking nd for clarifying them

[@bridgetb2700]

Thank you so much. I just learned alot.

[@zakosist]

I dont even belong to a religion and even if I did, I dont think it would be any radical change of lifestyle or values, but the topic kinda fascinate me. And it seems like those who choose that lifestyle are usually really good people, and thankfully actually fullfilled in what they do

[@JMac-fj1rg]

I only recently discerned one of the driving reasons why my aunt became a nun. I had always assumed that it the expectation that she, as the only girl amongst 6 older brothers would be given to the church because none of her brothers showed any inkling in this regard. I only recently came to understand that my aunt was being groomed to be the old maid that would be taking care of my widowed Grandmother. The only way out for my aunt was to join a religious order. While Pray Like a Girl has listed 5 reasons not to become a nun, I am going to suggest one or more of these items listed are EXACTLY the reason why girls join a religious order.

[@ebonylady]

Wow, you're right. Far too many females will join the military or become a nun so they can escape a generational cycle of using women until they're broken done.

[@CallForConventReform]

I was in a convent for five years. I can firmly attest to the fact that just because you live in religious life does NOT mean you are holy. Just as an example, my novice mistress was a narcissistic, shallow, and cold woman. She treated me like crap and made me believe I would lose my salvation if I didn't continue in formation.

[@Shalom-1990]

The deserment bring light in the heart before making a choice. Don't be a nun if you don't have the vocation 🎉 be a religious, be a sign of God's love and presence 🎉

[@arockiam8878]

It is an encourgement to live and lead better religious life and running towards God and holiness

[@monikap8777]

Great video, thank you a lot! God bless+ 🤗

[@magentapilot4576]

What an important message! ❤❤❤ thank you

[@AnonYmous-ew8mf]

I love my husband with all of my heart. He is my third marriage! We have been together for nearly 30 years and weve been through a LOT. I don't believe the Lord's will for my life early on was to be married or have children. That stated, I chose another path without him and suffered for many years due to my disobedience. If God takes my husband home to heaven to be with him before me, I've decided to join a Protestant convent. Listen to the Lord while you still have time!

[@timmellin2815]

A personal relationship w/ God is everyone's vocation, and that's where the blessing and the unknowing what that is, happens. One can't know what will happen from day to day. It's best just to trust the Lord every day, and live for him.....that's a vocation in itself. Tryiing to "get into something" like an order really is shortsighted, because our perception of that is based on how we discern our life today, in the moment. That could change in the future, and we can't know what the future will bring ("I Have Confidence" song's first words in Sound of Music film.)....."What will this day be like....I wonder...What will my future be...I wonder...." For this reason, if we walk close to the Lord, we can sense his presence and guidance, at times; but at other times, as the Bible sez: "We walk by faith, not by sight." End of sermon.

[@annaelizabeth5471]

This video has so much wisdom!

[@nenotchkaebcas4215]

Thank you so much! God bless you.

[@LordOfElderon]

godd bless you too

[@angelam.7694]

I think your title might be misleading. I thought it was about discouraging religious life because you were bitter or anticatholic. I watched your video and it was very good. I'm Catholic, married, and have children and the thoughts you shared were also thoughts I have had in the past. Maybe your title should've been - 5 wrong reasons to discern religious life. I'm grateful for your honesty and hope others find it helpful

[@TheG4BR1EL]

Maybe I have same stance with her. I was running from something but I'm still trying to discern.

[@user-ef9qz4rp8w]

Jesus Christ Loves us All Always Pray about Everything God hears and Answers Prayer Trust and Believe Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life.

[@abigailmaris8071]

Now I’m really questioning my motives.

[@barbarahallowell2613]

Just a really big thank you.❤😊❤

[@bennjuiri9899]

Very good points of reflections in making decision of one's vocation. #Holiness is attainable in marriage or religious life.

[@grandmasgarden6402]

Peace with God is always preferring His will to our own.

[@sorytha]

I don’t know what to do with my self.......,,,

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

We are praying for you! Speak to a spiritual mentor if you can!

[@Shalom-1990]

Good for you, you descovered your inscuretes!

[@redcapcaramel6144]

very eye-opening, thank u so much. -jordan

[@injcksn1994]

Hilarious! Please pray for me. I'm 26, I tried the jesuits for 18 months as a Novice, they asked me to go. I'm discerning religious life again but feeling a draw to marriage. errgghhhh xD

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

We're praying for you Ian! If you haven't yet, try talking to a spiritual director!

[@eliseskwrnsk5836]

Do you mean they asked you to leave? Why?

[@mitchmolejon2465]

Thank you! This helps me a lot ❤️

[@PrayLikeaGirl]

So glad! Pray for us!

[@Daanii.Official]

I am a single and revert catholic. If I turn 36 and still not found a man, I will decide to enter the convent for my religious life.