Reforming as a Family
When Jeanne’s son—a priest and a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal—mentioned Reform to her one day, she was intrigued. Jeanne told her daughter, Valerie, about the program, and they decided to commit to the 12-week Reform Online class together. Eventually Valerie’s husband, Matt, also chose to join in—and by the time the class started, Matt’s parents, John and Christine, were on board as well. This extended family joined Reform Online for the Fall 2021 course and started the journey to wholeness™ alongside one another.
“I would say my health journey was pretty basic,” said Valerie, describing her experience prior to Reform. “It was not very consistent and varied depending on the season I was in. I was not ‘unhealthy,’ but I focused more on diet and appearance. Through Reform, I grasped the idea and truth of overall health—and my health journey has broadened and yet deepened at the same time.”
“Reform has helped me to have a more balanced view of my wellness,” Jeanne agreed.
A major point of connection within the family is their Catholic faith. As they journeyed through Reform Online, the family had the opportunity to spend more intentional time with Jesus by placing Him at the center of their lives, learn ways to go deeper into their prayer life, and make everyday choices to improve both their physical and spiritual health.
“The changes I’ve made through each pillar have helped me to become more intentional in my relationship with Jesus,” said John. “It was stated at the beginning of the program that the pillars were intended to keep Christ at the center of our lives, and I can honestly say that Christ is more fully centered in my life.”
“I now recognize how often I put up a wall between me and God when I'm feeling anxious and overwhelmed,” added John’s wife, Christine. “I'm working hard to trust and have faith in Him. I am practicing patience as I watch His plan unfold … I can more clearly see how God has an impact on every aspect of my life.”
Similarly, Valerie shared that, while she was in a rut in her faith life prior to Reform, she feels that Reform has helped her achieve a new routine. “I feel as though my faith grew in a human, everyday way as Reform helped me shape a new routine where I rise at the same time each morning, pray, and eat meals at the same time as my husband each day.” Matt, her husband, likewise shared, “I have a reignited desire for a deeper relationship with Jesus and have come to cherish my time spent in daily prayer. This has helped keep my soul and mind at peace and more focused on the Lord.”
Finding transformation with family and friends has helped with accountability and growing their relationship. Jeanne said that she has made changes regarding boundaries and intentional time spent with others since going through Reform. John also shared, “It was a blessing to be able to share this course with my wife, son, and daughter-in-law. Reform has definitely had a positive effect on my relationship with my wife.”
“I have truly been inspired by the leaders of Reform and the lovely people I have spent time with during office hours and my wholiness group,” Christine added.
One of the more exciting things about Reform for this family is that, though the course has concluded, they can continue the journey to wholiness together—and now they all share the same tools, resources, and support to encourage each other as they reform, a little each day.
“The thought that I have more tools to grow in wellness and holiness gives me hope and energy and direction,” said Matt. “I think this is what Reform has really helped me to accept: realizing and being okay with the fact that there's no short-term answer to wellness. Rather it is an exciting and hopeful journey of growth.”
Wholiness is for everyone, no matter where you are in your heath or faith journey. Learn more about Reform Online and start your reformation today.
