It is beautiful how God so gently reaches through the battlefield and gives us a loving, warm embrace in moments of reprieve.
Yesterday (Day 297) I spent All Hallow’s Eve helping out a friend of mine in his ministry. He was leading an 8th grade retreat for St. Thomas Moore middle school and they needed someone to come speak to the young men and then to the group as a whole on chastity.
Rain swept across Houston in sheets, pelting the cars as I inched along the highway and prayed I could turn around and crawl back into bed. The day before had been more emotional than I’d expected so hiding out from the world seemed a fine idea. But in the midst of this crazy week I had this obligation. To center my mind I prayed a rosary on the way and felt the tension in my body release. “You gave your ‘yes’, I’ll take care of the rest,” I felt God speak to my spirit.
The boys session ended up being much more productive than I could’ve imagined with 20 13 year olds. These young men listened and were attentive, eager to know more about their call to become dignified men.
The mixed group session went just as well though I couldn’t bring myself to going into great detail about my story with the group as I did with the young men. I didn’t feel called…they seemed so innocent. At times I think it’s more appropriate to try and cherish that as much as we can. My insecurity was already nipping away at my thoughts when we gathered the panel of adults up for Q&A when one young woman raised her hand. “This is for Shannon,” she said. “You should become an inspirational speaker for women because you’re really good.”
🙂
The insecurity bug was squashed and I giggled. I thanked her for her confirming comment and was going to let it go at that but the other adults then told them more about what I do. The moment was a sweet embrace from God.
Today I attended a luncheon for Inspire Women and I’m proud get to reveal the 2nd of the 3 great announcements! The first was that I’m the next ACTS Director of our parish retreat in March and the 2nd is that Hopeful Hearts Ministry is a Grant Recipient from Inspire Women! 🙂 I was so proud to be a part of that luncheon this afternoon and hear the stories of the other women in the past that have received such grants that have helped support their ministries to the next level.
This evening I’m off to attend an Inspire Women conference in Houston where Hopeful Hearts Ministry will receive the grant.
It is a good reprieve to focus on and I look forward this evening to being in worship, hearing more amazing testimony, feeling God’s warm embrace.
And on this All Saint’s Day I’d like to give a special mention to those that have gone before me who I know are praying for me in heaven: Garnet (Papa) McGraw, Jack (Sweetgraw) McGraw, Joe Davis, Uncle Garnet McGraw, Bob Lichucki, Kate DiSorbo, Vanessa Beaver, Aunt Delores, and the many others I’ve lost and know I will see again.
I feel your love and support and I love you!!
Blessings
Shannon