Thanks to Michael Stidham for stopping by today for a few words. I reviewed Michael’s book, Love Equals Sacrifice, a while back.
Michael, I was very moved by Love Equals Sacrifice. What inspired you to start writing? When did you start to feel called to share your story with the world through a book?
Taking care of my father when he suffered with Alzheimer’s was the hardest thing I had ever done. Following his death, it steadily became the most rewarding. This paradox amazes me even today. Two years after my father’s death, I was almost worried that my story would be forgotten if something happened to me. So, I sat down and started writing. Fortunately, two years later, my book was released. My motivation for writing it was, I wanted people going through the same situation to know their efforts are not in vein and they’re doing the right thing. Adversity has a redeeming quality to it.
One of the things I wanted to read more about in your book (so I’m holding out hope for a sequel!) was your journey back to the Catholic Church. Can you explain what led you back to the Church, particularly at a time that some might have thought God was farther away than ever?
I know exactly what you mean. Day after day, we are bombarded with negative stories on the nightly news, internet and so on. It can sometimes be overwhelming. With all the pressure most families are under right now, it is hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel. However, life is a journey and most of all, God wants each one of us in Heaven, with him, for eternity.
The primary reason I returned to the Catholic Church took place about three months after my father passed away. I was channel surfing on television one evening and I ran across a gentleman that looked like a fireman I know. I decided to listen to what he had to say and I’ve been watching him for about four years now. His name is Father John Corapi and he is on EWTN television twice a week. His presentations of Catholic Doctrine are simple and concise, but they’re not boring, hour-long lectures. He interjects his personal experience throughout the shows and I find them very interesting. If you give him a chance, I’m sure you’ll realize as I did, that in the past, Catholic Doctrine was not explained as well as it should have been.
For the last few years, your entire life was caring for your father. Do you have any hobbies that you’ve taken, rediscovered or new hobbies that you’ve adopted?
In my book, I describe a friend of mine accidentally hitting me in the eye with a golf club. Thirty-five years after that incident, he and I occasionally shoot clay pigeons at our local sportsman’s club. My father and I used to play golf together, but after he became ill we had to stop. Lately, I’ve been able to resume playing, although I can’t seem to hit the ball quite as far as I used to…
In your various commitments, what do you find is your greatest challenge? How do you face and/or conquer that challenge?
In order to strengthen your muscles, you need to exercise them. It works the same way with virtue. My greatest challenge during a difficult period is maintaining my level of patience, humility and putting others ahead of myself. It is difficult, but as physical exercise becomes easier over time, so does exercising virtue. I continually pray and ask for God’s help in this area.
Where can we learn more about you and your book?
You can find more about me and my book at www.LoveEqualsSacrifice.com.
I’ve learned a lot during my life, but there’s still a lot to learn. Like in the military, God is going to give you certain missions to do as you go through life, but He will give you the tools to finish the job. If you, your family or friends have a problem, please don’t be afraid to pray and ask for God’s help. Seemingly impossible situations for you and I are easy for God to handle.
