Embracing Hope: A Shift in Vision for The Badass Catholic in 2025

Welcome back to The Badass Catholic!

If you’re new here, welcome! I’m so glad you’re joining me on this journey. For those of you who have been following along for a while, I want to thank you for your continued support and for being a part of this community. It’s been a wild ride, and today, I am excited to reintroduce this platform with a clearer vision, a deeper purpose, and a renewed commitment to living out my faith amidst life’s toughest battles.

From “Embracing the Suck” to “Embracing Hope”

I first started The Badass Catholic as a college sophomore, fresh out of basic training. What a time that was! My initial vision for this space was influenced largely by the Army’s “embrace the suck” motto and my eagerness to share the intersection of my faith and military life. It was raw and gritty - a necessary coping mechanism as I soon entered a world full of challenges and uncertainty. But over the last few years, as I’ve “embraced the suck”, navigating the struggles of chronic pain from multiple TBIs, mental health battles, and the unique tension of my faith and military life, I realized that there is something deeper - something more transformative - than merely enduring hardship. And that is where things started to shift. I realized that the real message here wasn’t just about “being a badass” in the traditional sense. It was about finding resilience, strength, and hope in the midst of suffering - a strength rooted in faith, particularly in the Eucharist.

The Faithful Intersection of Suffering and Hope

As Catholics, we are called to recognize Christ in the Eucharist, but also in our suffering. In the moments when we feel most broken - physically, mentally, spiritually - the Eucharist reminds us that Christ embraced suffering, transforming it into something holy. Our own suffering, when united with His, can be likewise transformed. This doesn’t mean ignoring pain, but carrying it with meaning, purpose, and ultimately, hope.

A Shift in Messaging:

In 2025, I want to offer a new message both as a reminder to myself and also to encourage those who may be facing similar battles. It’s not just about surviving or enduring hardships. It is about embracing hope in the midst of them. It is about recognizing that while suffering is inevitable in this fallen world, it doesn’t define us, our faith does. And in our faith, we find a hope that not only sustains us but compels us to rise, to reach out to others, and to live as examples of Christ’s love and redemption in the world.

Building a Community of Veterans and Civilians Together

It has been heavy on my heart to witness how many people—veterans and civilians alike—suffer in silence. I hope for this space to be a place where we can come together in shared vulnerability. We all have battles, and none of us need to fight alone. By embracing each other in our pain, we can begin the healing journey together.

As the Army and community life taught me the importance of teamwork and camaraderie (brotherhood and sisterhood), I believe this community - rooted in faith - will help all of us not just endure but thrive in hope.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Hope in 2025

As I move forward in 2025, I want you to be a part of this transformation. Together, we’ll wrestle with tough questions about faith, mental health, and military life, and we’ll explore the power of hope through Christ. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• The Intersection of Catholic Faith and Military Life:
  How do we stay faithful in a life that demands everything from us, including our mental and physical well-being? We’ll explore how to carry our Catholic faith into the military world without compromise and find God even in the hardest moments of service.

• The Power of Hope in Suffering:
  What does it look like to live with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or PTSD and still hold onto the hope we have in Christ? The Eucharist sustains us when everything else seems to fail. We’ll talk about how to find strength in the Sacrament and how Christ transforms our suffering.

• Building Community and Finding Healing Together:
  This isn’t just a one-way conversation; it’s a community. Whether you're Catholic, a veteran, or a civilian, if you’re walking through suffering, you’re welcome here. We’ll create a space to share stories, support each other, and walk the path of healing together.

What You Can Expect Moving Forward

Here’s a preview of what’s to come in 2025:

• Personal Reflections: I’ll share my journey with chronic pain, mental health struggles, and the ways God is present even in the hardest of times.

• Guest Posts & Interviews: I’ll bring in veterans, mental health experts, and spiritual leaders to provide insights and support.

• Faith Resources: Expect reflections, prayers, and practical tips on how to stay spiritually grounded when everything around you feels shaky.

Community Engagement: This blog isn’t just mine—it’s ours. I’ll be inviting you to share your own stories, struggles, and moments of grace, creating a real space for connection.

Why I’m Here

I’m here because I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by suffering. I know what it feels like to be stuck in a cycle of pain, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. But I’m also here to share what I’ve learned: hope is real, and it’s found in the Eucharist. We can face our battles—whether in the military, at home, or in our hearts—because we’re not alone. Christ walks with us through it all, the Eucharist sustains us, and the Church offers a community of healing if we’re willing to show up, be vulnerable, and fight for each other.

The Badass Catholic is more than just a personal blog. It’s a space for healing, a community of faith, and a place where we can all grow in our understanding of the power of suffering, hope, and grace.

Join the Journey

If you're with me so far, I invite you to become part of this community. Whether you’re a soldier, a civilian, someone struggling with chronic pain or mental health, or someone who’s just looking for a place to connect, you’re welcome here.

• Subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss any updates.

• Follow along on social media where I’ll be posting reflections, quotes, and invitations to join the conversation.

• Engage with me—comment, share your stories, or even reach out if you’re looking for support. This isn’t a one-way conversation. We’re in this together.

Thank you for being a part of The Badass Catholic. It’s time for a new chapter, and I’m honored to have you along for the ride. Here’s to healing, resilience, and the hope we find in Christ.

Let’s Connect:

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