I Choose God: Stories From Young Catholics

Edited by Chris Cuddy and Peter Ericksen

Servant Books, 2007

130 pages, $10.99

To order: servantbooks.org

1-800-488-0488

I Choose God offers both hope and courage. Convincing and genuine, these testimonies of faith prove that it is possible to be young and, as one contributor says, “passionately Catholic.”

Searching for the truth in a world increasingly without values, 21 young people share their journeys of faith. Similar in scope to Surprised by Truth by Patrick Madrid, I Choose God is a collection of stories of young people who have converted or reverted to the Catholic faith. Each of the 21 chapters is written by a different author, most of whom remain anonymous.

With touching frankness, they reveal their joys and sorrows on their paths to Rome. As Father Donald states, “How could I turn away form such mercy and hope, from the reality that there actually is a God who loves me so radically that he suffered and died for me? Everything I had been searching for in life — purpose, happiness and peace — were to be found in knowing Jesus Christ. Only he could satisfy me.”

Rich and varied, each story is a unique testament to God’s love and mercy. As Brooke says, “The Lord sought me, forgave me and loved me. In my brokenness he gave me the inner strength to change my life and to begin living for him. And for this I am forever thankful.”

These personal stories also show what attracts each person to the Church. As Jim adds, “Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, I recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread. And also like them, my heart burned with joy.”

We also see what presents roadblocks to their joining the Church. It may be moral issues, not wanting to give up a certain lifestyle or a teaching of the Catholic faith, such as the Eucharist or Mary.

These stories offer hope and courage to those who are faithful to the Catholic faith, yet feel they are alone. They are not alone. They offer hope and courage to those who are struggling with their faith. Others have gone before them. They offer hope and courage to those who feel unworthy, angry, or abandoned by God. God loves them, too.

Because of the sensitive nature of some of the topics, you may wish to preview the text to see if you would find it appropriate to share with an impressionable teenager. I would have no qualms about handing this book over to someone in their late teens or early 20s.

These stories are spellbinding. I was going to sample one chapter when I ended up reading almost the whole book in one sitting.

There are moments of profound sadness and supreme joy. The greatest joy is in knowing they have embraced their heavenly Father’s love.

As Father Quinn says, “I know that there isn’t anything I can’t do without the help of God. He is good, he is in control, and he will never be outdone in generosity.”

Elizabeth Yank writes from

South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.