Bradley Banning
I went to Mass for over a year before I converted. Around the same time, I attended Methodist, Baptist, and non-denominational churches searching for answers, hoping God would give me peace somewhere other than the Catholic Church.
My girlfriend at the time didn’t like the Catholic Church, and I knew it would be a problem if we were going to get married. That led me to look for a non-denominational Church, but I didn’t have peace.
Finally, I broke down and half surrendered to God, saying, “God if you want me to be a Catholic, you’re gonna have to take her away from me… Make me the man you want me to be.”
A month later, she broke up with me, I lost my job, and the non-denominational Church I attended quit reaching out to me. All on the same day…
I knew God was calling me to be Catholic, but I was just afraid of what I would have to lose. It was pretty clear God had answered my prayer, so I called a Priest friend and enrolled in RCIA (OCIA now).
Years later, here I am Catholic. I’ve been making music as a Country artist since 2016, and I’ve worked in the music business since I was in college at Belmont University. I learned to operate the way the Nashville and Texas industries operated. Some things went right, but after my conversion, I always felt like the songs I wrote and my faith conflicted. I had some success early on in Texas, but it became clear that God was calling me to something different.
Over the years, I’ve tried my best to evangelize and share my faith. However, I always tried to avoid speaking of the Catholic part. Truthfully, I was afraid of losing opportunities, and I still very much am, but I’ve concluded that I just can’t downplay that part of me. The Church and the sacraments are a gift that I want all to experience.
Reflect
Where in my life am I searching for peace, and am I truly open to where God might be leading me?
What fears or attachments are holding me back from surrendering fully to God’s will?
Have I experienced a moment when loss or hardship later became a turning point toward God?
Is there any part of my faith that I tend to hide or downplay out of fear of judgment or missed opportunities?
How is God inviting me to live more courageously and authentically as a Catholic today?
What gifts or talents has God given me that I’m hesitant to use boldly for Him?
What concrete step can I take this week to move closer to the person God is calling me to become?
Pray
Lord Jesus,
You are the One who searches for us even when we try to find peace everywhere else.
Thank You for pursuing my heart with patience and love.
Like Bradley, I often wrestle with fears, attachments, and the cost of following You.
Give me the courage to surrender everything that keeps me from Your will.
Lord, when doors close or relationships fade, help me to trust that You are guiding me, even in moments of confusion or pain.
Give me the grace to recognize Your voice and the strength to respond with faith.
Teach me not to hide my faith, but to live it boldly, joyfully, and authentically.
Mary, Mother of the Church,guide me closer to Your Son and help me to remain faithful on the journey.
Amen.
