My Conversion Story

On April 23, 2011 I celebrated two milestones. My son's 8th birthday and my confirmation into the Catholic Church. The funny thing is when I began my faith journey I didn't want to be Catholic.

Here I share my conversion story and my desire to inspire the Catholic Church.

I AM!

“Studies show that 500,000 books a year are now being published. Of those, over 98% will sell less than 500 copies. If you’re just starting out, shooting for 500 is a good start. After that, I would say you’re moderately successful and ready to strive for the thousands.” (Terry Cordingley)

Last year my book God Made Me Pick Up Underwear, Finding Faith in Unusual Places was published and it has already sold over 500 copies. My book isn't a best seller yet but at least I can say that I AM part of the 2% that succeed.

My wrestling coach, Jose Campo, always says “What the mind perceives, one can achieve.” I strongly believe that this book will continue to sell. My belief comes from knowing that this book is God inspired. I can honestly say that that 2.5 years ago I had trouble putting a paragraph together. “Where I am weak, He is strong.”

I AM is such a powerful phrase. When Moses asked God what shall I say is your name. God replied, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14) When Jesus described Himself in Revelations He said, I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.” (Revelations 1:11)

If to be a Christian means to be Christ like. Then we must be Extraordinary like Christ. So I claim that I AM a child of the Utmost High! I AM forgiven by the blood of Jesus! I AM a national best selling author! I AM!

Change Me!

Day in and day out I am given the greatest opportunity to step into the lives of my friends and family to hear of their struggles and their victories of life. One constant in most people's lives is a longing to see change but most are using the wrong tools.

The other day I tried to file down a sharp edge off my daughters ceramic bowl with a nail file. As you can tell where this story is going, it didn't work. Why? It didn't work because I was using the wrong tool for the job.

So what is the correct tool for change?

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Early in my prayer life I prayed that my wife would change. After many so called unanswered prayers God showed me that my prayer shouldn't be to change my wife but my prayer should be, "Change me!"

Once I realized that I only have the power to change myself I began taking action. I prayed the prayer, "Change me!" and God revealed to me areas of my life that needed adjustment.

Many times I didn't like what He had to say but it is the truth that sets us free. Is it easy? No! But God didn't give us a life of ease, He allows trials and tribulations in our lives so we can be better (James 1:12) so we can be Extraordinary.

God is Extraordinary and He has created us in His image. If we accept good then we are not in His image. We need to strive for a life of Extraordinary and it begins with, "Change me!"

To an Extraordinary Life!
Orlando Javien Jr., Author
God Made Me Pick Up Underwear