Let’s get to know each other a bit more, as sisters in Christ.
Feel free to share your answers to these questions in on our Instagram post and/or your own Instagram post, tagging #BISsisterhood.
Megan Hjelmsted is a wife, mom, writer, and former soldier whose real passion is equal parts faith and chocolate. She’s currently getting used to the joys of stay-at-home-motherhood and the great outdoors near Denver. She writes often in her head, promptly forgets most of it, and occasionally jots down life lessons and little humors at Positively Imperfect.
What is your favorite religious text or book?
Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse. So simple yet spiritually rich!
Do you have a special Saint that you feel a strong connection to? How so?
St. Jude is my special buddy. At some point in college I acquired a St. Jude prayer card (which I've long since memorized!) and every night I started asking St. Jude to pray for my now-husband. I credit St. Jude with his conversion, which happened within the year. St. Jude remained my "prayer buddy" in heaven after that, but I sought his prayers especially after multiple pregnancy losses and receiving a fertility-limiting diagnosis. Soon after, I learned I was expecting again and our youngest was subsequently due AND born on St. Jude's feast day! So, St. Jude gets a lot of props around here.
Which virtue do you find yourself working on the most throughout your day?
Humility - so tough. I'm always, always working on seeking God's approval before others and not comparing myself to others!
What part of your walk with Christ is the biggest struggle?
I'm always reaching out to others by default, or wanting others to experience God's loving power, so it's hard sometimes to stop and take a good look at myself, and ask Jesus what he wants to do for me. Or reflect on how much he loves me. I know objectively that it's true, but it takes slowing down and intentionally opening my heart over and over to really nourish that personal relationship--which ultimately helps me grow the most. And in turn I am able to better share his love through my own personal experience.
What keeps you Catholic?
Sheer grace! All the grace from all the sacraments, no doubt, but I have always been especially drawn to the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist during communion or adoration. I can actually feel His presence in the room and my heart cannot help but respond to it and keep returning to it.
Do you have a motto / quote / saying you live by?
Matthew 6:34 - Do not be anxious about tomorrow; tomorrow has enough worries for itself.
What do you find yourself continually praying for?
All those in my life facing various struggles and the souls of loved ones. Also more abandonment to God's will!
How do you "walk the walk"?
Lots of grace! Staying close to Jesus on the Eucharist through mass or stopping by the church and sitting in front of the tabernacle for a few minutes daily helps tremendously in keeping my mindset in the right place. I also love reading the devotions from all my Blessed is She sisters, and listening to EWTN radio during all the hours I play chauffeur for my kids' activities is a God-send; so many of the programs really feed my soul.
How does Christ call you to serve - is it prayer/contemplation/acts of service, etc.?
I feel God made me to connect with and through others. I've worked with our church youth group and recently started helping run a moms group. I'm a helper by nature; I love to share with others and "invite them in." I was the new shy kid once upon a time, so it's always on my heart to help everyone find a place, whether it's the youth group, moms group, or just at mass. Of course, it can be intimidating and awkward sometimes to walk up to someone I've never met, but responding to God's promptings to welcome and connect with others has also led to some of the best fruits--wonderful new friendships and the whole parish being blessed by others sharing their gifts!
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