Mother of Tenderness

If we are all called to be like Christ, that must mean we are also called to be vulnerable and not only that, but to be held by Mary.

Letters, Identity, ReceiveCorynne StaresinicDecember 7, 2018Mary, IdentityComment

Overcoming Scrupulosity

I cannot remember a time before anxiety. When I was young, everything had to be just right, and I always had to be in control. As I grew older, the prevailing worry was homework - had I done it perfectly? What if I’d missed something? And then more diabolical fears crept in - and I do mean diabolical in the truest sense of the word. I spent years wrestling with crushing, exhausting, terrifying guilt in my spiritual life.

Who I Am When I’m Alone

There is tremendous power in learning to be at home with yourself.

Created in the Image and Likeness

The intricate design of the female reproductive system whether healthy or unhealthy evoked a sense of sheer awe and splendor. Ladies, we are fearfully and wonderfully made created in the beautiful image and likeness of God.

Letters, Identity, ProtectCorynne StaresinicNovember 28, 2018Napro, Feminism & FemininityComment

The Importance of Taking Care of Ourselves

We must not forget that we are body and soul, and our bodies are a gift from God that we must not squander. It would be like if a friend gave you a beautiful plant for your birthday but you neglected it and let it wither.

Letters, IdentityCorynne StaresinicNovember 23, 2018Self-care, Well-being Comment

There's Room for Each of Us at This Table

I knew Jesus had room for me—he hung out with my crowd, loud mouth recovering know-it-alls trying to figure out how to follow Him. That wasn’t my issue. It was the Church, with its pearls and stained glass, its rules about candle height and liturgical music and specific wordings—that was where I wasn’t sure I was welcome.

Letters, Church, LeadCorynne StaresinicNovember 21, 2018Claire Swinarski, The Catholic Feminist, Belonging, Staying CatholicComment

Finding a Mother in Mary

When I found out I was pregnant, I was ecstatic, however the realization that I didn’t know “how” to be a mother slowly set in.

Letters, Motherhood, IdentityCorynne StaresinicNovember 16, 2018Motherhood, Mary, Community & Family Comment

Who Do You Say That I Am?

Suddenly a piercing thought came to mind and focused my attention: “Do I believe in the resurrection of the dead?” Of all the things running through my brain, this one moved to the front of the queue.

Letters, Spirituality, ReceiveCorynne StaresinicNovember 14, 2018Suffering, Belief, The Creed, Death, Faith, Living Peace Comment

My Worth is in God, Not My Relationship Status

It took more than three brutal years of striving and posturing to realize that I already had a love story. In fact, I was a part of the greatest love story of all time.

Glimpses of Eternity

How Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP, a former atheist, confronts the meaning of death.

Overcoming Heartbreak with Jesus

I want to affirm you that your worth is not embellished in the hands of those who speak and act unkindly.

Letters, Relationship, Unlikely PlacesCorynne StaresinicOctober 26, 2018Break-up, Boyfriend, Jesus, Single LifeComment

Surrendering the Unknown to God After Graduation

“You know, they call it a mid-life crisis, but does anyone else feel like it’s more like a daily-life crisis? That may be a little dramatic but I’m sure you can relate to those moments throughout your life that you look around thinking what the heck, where do I go from here?”

Letters, Unlikely Places, Vocation, CreateCorynne StaresinicOctober 24, 2018Post-grad, Graduation, Job, Teacher, Journalist, Discernment, CareerComment

Learning to Live in Hope with Depression

“It was an ordinary moment on a mundane day when I realized that the darkness was back. I’d run into a friend who works at my doctor’s office, and as she checked me out, she asked how I was doing. I wanted to simply say, ‘Fine,’ but I couldn’t keep the tears from filling my eyes….”

Reflecting on Purpose as a Soldier

“My military uniform clung to my skin in the uncharacteristically hot and humid weather as my mind pressed in on the question that had been floating through my head. Finally, it landed: ‘What am I doing here?’”

How a Running Accident Changed My Perception of God

I am thankful for a God who is re-teaching me to fall in love with Him, not just my own puppet version of Him, and for those who run with me in this beautiful marathon of life with all of its bumps and twists and turns.

Where He Leads, We're Called to Follow

“At 28 (almost 29) years old, with a 10-month-old daughter, a husband of 2 years, a mortgage, 3 books published, 40+ speaking engagements a year, a car note, half a Master’s degree, and more stress than I sometimes know what to do with, it’s becoming more and more evident, that following where the Lord leads is the only recipe to success that ever works…”

Letters, Unlikely Places, Spirituality, LeadCorynne StaresinicOctober 3, 2018Vatican, Pre-Synod Youth Gathering, Faith, Catholic women leadComment

Finding God in Unlikely Places

Our new autumn letter series.

From TCW, LettersCorynne StaresinicOctober 3, 2018Comment

God is Greater than Our Uncertainty

"Doubting my faith was never part of my plan. ...I thought that the number of hours I’d banked in Mass, confession, rosaries or ministry would protect me from this."

Letters, Spirituality, ReceiveCorynne StaresinicSeptember 28, 2018Doubt Comment

My Faith Journey as a Survivor of Rape

"At 16-years-old, I was raped by a boy who decided that he could determine my worth. For two and a half years, I plunged into a deep darkness. ...I was ashamed and I remember wondering how the Lord could possibly love me like this…”

Trusting in God After Losing My Voice

“Life took an unexpected turn when the loud, outgoing, talkative me was no longer able to talk. Yup. You read that right. After months of struggling with hoarseness and voice fatigue…”

Archive of Letters to Catholic Women