Annunciation: A Call to Faith in a Broken World

Sally Read converted from atheism to Catholicism when her daughter Flo was only four, yet from the beginning Flo accompanied her closely--sharing her excitement, discoveries and passion, yet aware that old friends and family did not share their beliefs. This consciousness of 'two worlds' led to a great many questions in Flo, and some rebellion--which culminated two nights before her First Communion in suddenly questioning whether she should receive the Sacrament at all. Sensing the precarious nature of faith in an overwhelmingly secular world, Read, through meditation and anecdote, began writing down the compelling reasons for holding onto both God and Church. Taking the Annunciation as her template (that most fundamental yes to God), she explores common experiences of the spiritual life: His presence and invitation (And he came to her); the fears we have to let go of (Do not be afraid); the realization of our identity in God (Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord) and what our vocatio