A Testimony of Faith, Resilience, and God’s Perfect Timing: An Interview with Cathy Felts
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, stories of faith and perseverance remind us of God's unwavering presence in our lives. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Cathy Felts—a woman whose life journey is a testament to trusting God through every twist and turn.
From Rice Fields to Rodeo Rings
Raised in the rice fields of Hockley, Texas, Cathy’s childhood was marked by a love for horses and the thrill of going fast. Her favorite pastime was horseback chasing jackrabbits through pastures, a carefree pursuit that laid the foundation for her future endeavors. At just seven years old, her parents, Manuel and Ruby Dennison, supported her dream of barrel racing, helping her pursue a career that would soon make history.
By age nine, Cathy was already making waves in rodeo circles, splitting second and third in her first Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo go-rounds and holding the record as the youngest competitor to earn money in the Houston Astrodome. Her early success was a sign of the incredible things to come.
A Life of Rodeo and Faith
Cathy’s journey was not without loss. The passing of her beloved horse ‘King’ Nassau in 1976 was a difficult moment, but it also marked a turning point. With her father’s help, she trained new horses, and in 1987, she and her home-grown colt TJ qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, securing a Texas Circuit Finals Championship along the way. Throughout her rodeo career, Cathy balanced her passion for horses with a deepening relationship with God. Her faith became her anchor during times of hardship, including a life-altering event in 2014. Her daughter Caitlin was drugged and hospitalized in Spain, an experience that brought Cathy to her knees and to a profound reliance on prayer. She cried out to God, and through His divine intervention—using the prayers of many, including her own—her daughter recovered fully after a harrowing ordeal.
Divine Appointments and Ministry
Cathy’s life is filled with divine appointments—moments where God's hand is unmistakably at work. From her testimony in the newspaper that caught her future husband's attention, to the ministry that blossomed from her passion for rodeo and teaching children, Cathy’s story is a vivid illustration of walking in obedience and faith. Her ministry, “He Paid Your Fees,” started as a way to teach kids about rodeo, faith, and life. These youth rodeos and Bible camps have seen hundreds of young lives touched—many finding salvation and hope through these events. She and her team have traveled across states, planting seeds of faith and excellence, all while demonstrating God's love through their work.
A Life Continually Redeemed
Despite moments of doubt and setbacks—like her own struggles in college and the disappointment at the 1987 NFR—Cathy’s story highlights God’s grace. Her desire to compete was rekindled in her sixties, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your God-given dreams. Her relationship with her husband Rusty is also a testament to divine timing. They knew each other for years through rodeos before God orchestrated their union, with Rusty’s prayerful list leading him to her. Their marriage of over 42 years is a beautiful example of trusting God's plan.
An Invitation to Trust God
Cathy’s message to all who listen: No matter what you’ve been through, no matter how impossible your situation seems, God’s love and mercy are greater. It’s never too late to turn to Him and embrace the purpose He has for your life.
Her story reminds us that God uses every experience—joy and sorrow alike—to shape us into His masterpiece. As she beautifully put it, God's desires for us are placed in our hearts for a reason, and He is eager to bless us as we walk in obedience and faith.
Closing Prayer
Cathy closed our conversation with a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for His goodness and asking for His blessing on everyone listening. Her faith is an inspiring testament to the power of trusting in God's divine plan.
If you’re encouraged by Cathy’s story, remember: God’s love is waiting for you, no matter where you are on your journey. Turn to Him today, and watch how He orchestrates a beautiful plan for your life.