Eighty-year-old Francis from Buckeye, Arizona, called The Inner Life with a question many faithful Catholics quietly carry: How do I know if my guilty thoughts come from my conscience—or from the enemy?

Although Francis regularly prays and goes to confession, he admitted that fears about his past keep returning. He wondered if he should make a general confession because he never feels certain he's done enough.

Guest Fr. Nicholas Federspiel offered a memorable way to recognize those discouraging thoughts: beware of "UFOs" – Untruths that lead to False narratives and prompt Overreactions. The lie Francis believed was that he wasn't good enough for Heaven. Instead of dwelling on that fear, he was encouraged to proclaim the truth out loud.

Together, they repeated a simple affirmation:

"I am Francis. Jesus loves me in Buckeye, Arizona. I had 80 great years of heartbeats. And Jesus' promises include me."

The message wasn't about ignoring sin or avoiding repentance. It was a reminder to trust God's mercy after sincerely seeking His forgiveness. Persistent accusations that lead only to fear and despair are not the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Deacon Patrick Conley echoed that encouragement, reminding Francis that staying close to Christ through prayer and faithful Catholic resources helps keep those anxious thoughts at bay.

When fear tells you that God's mercy couldn't possibly include you, answer it with the truth. Christ's promises are for every repentant heart—including yours.

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