Finding Faith, Practicing Gratitude: A Convert’s Story

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Girlfriends, I am joined by newly-baptized Catholic convert, writer, and journal creator Abigail Austin. Abby shares the incredible journey that brought her from atheism to the Catholic Church—including a life-changing walk along the Camino de Santiago, meeting her husband, and discovering God's presence through beauty, storytelling, and grace.Together, we discuss:* Abby’s unexpected path to the Catholic Church (baptized at age 41!)* How literature, beauty, and storytelling played a role in her conversion* What she discovered about forgiveness, peace, and truth through Catholicism* Her project Faith in Five Minutes: A Catholic Gratitude Journal and how it’s transforming lives—including in Catholic schools* The power of practicing daily gratitude, especially as a couple or family* Her return to fiction writing and how her Catholic faith is now central to her creative work* The importance of offering faithful, beautiful storytelling in today’s cultureLearn more about the journal:🔗 faithinfiveminutes.comFree offer for Catholic schools! Get 50 free copies to try the journal in your classroom. Contact Abby via Instagram to learn more.ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe