Katie Holmes
I grew up a cradle Catholic, attending all the Bible studies, retreats, conferences, and camps you can imagine. I believe it is what began to form me into who I am today. Over the years, my passion for ministry only deepened as I began leading Bible studies, Catholic speaking, and becoming a Catholic School Teacher. Outwardly my life looked deeply rooted in the faith, but an actual relationship with Jesus was missing.
One of the most pivotal moments in my journey came during college at SEEK when I spoke with Lisa Brenninkmeyer, author of Walking with Purpose, and she invited me to work for her leading Bible studies and serving more intentionally in ministry. That season opened doors and began revealing what God was calling me to do with my life.
Even while I was leading others in the faith, I slowly realized something difficult: I knew how to talk about God, but I did not truly know Him personally. I could tell people how they should trust Him, yet I had never been brought to the point where trusting Him was all I had left.
That changed this past year when my husband and I lost our first daughter during delivery. In the deepest sorrow I have ever known, I encountered God in a way I never had before. My grief shattered every illusion of control, and faith was no longer something I could teach from a stage or classroom. It became the very thing carrying me through each day.
Since losing our daughter, I live completely differently. Eternity feels near. I understand more deeply than ever that this life is not our home; it is only a vessel on the journey home. My suffering transformed my ministry, my purpose, and my vision for life. Now, more than anything, I desire to spend my life sharing the love of Christ and leading souls to Him. My greatest goal is no longer success or recognition; it is Sainthood. I want to become a capital-S Saint and help as many people as possible encounter the God who met me in both ministry and unimaginable loss.