I believe strongly in the power of prayer. God hears our prayers and answers them in His time. He may not answer our prayers in the way we imagine, but, He answers them according to His will, which is always the best way.
When I returned Karim to Lebanon in 2009, my biggest disappointment was that none of the schools would let him in. They used all kinds of excuses, but, I feel that the real reason was fear of the unknown; fear of a handicap they didn't know anything about. It was an unfounded fear. I don't hold any bad feelings against them. They just don't know.
Karim's tutor, a beautiful and kind lady named Marleine Saba, came a couple times a week during most of the year 2009-2010 to continue his education in English and math. But, partway through the year she got full-time employment in Beirut and had to stop coming so often to Karim's house. Her time was limited. Marleine grew to love Karim during the time she tutored him, though, and she saw how smart he was, in spite of his disability.
Marleine was determined to find a school somewhere that would accept Karim. This was her mission. She contacted several schools and spoke with many people about his situation. Most of the time she was disappointed. But, yesterday I spoke briefly with her and found that there is a school that has accepted him for the fall semester. I do not have any of the details on it, other than that he will take a bus because it is in another town. She will get back with me to see if we can afford to send the money for the tuition. If necessary, I will have another fundraiser to raise this money. School is Karim's dream. To be accepted into a normal life is his hope and desire. Thanks to God's help and Marleine's persistence, this may indeed happen after all.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
God's Comforting Words
I am certain that God sends people into our lives to be His own comfort to us, and to speak His words to us at times when the walk is especially difficult. I still struggle with hurt feelings from the loss of a very dear and important friend of mine, who ultimately told me to get out of his life and "go to hell" a while back. This person is high in the church, which makes it even more difficult, because one doesn't expect this type of language to come from the mouth of a chosen servant of God. All in all, I am becoming stronger from this harsh chastisement and have been praying more than ever for the soul of that very person daily. I hope that my meager prayers will be instrumental in his path to heaven. He cannot take this power to pray him into heaven away from me.
Anyway, yesterday was a bad day for me and I was thinking about this situation again and it brought tears to my eyes. I was speaking on the phone with a very good and holy spiritual friend of mine, lamenting because I am not able yet to get beyond the sadness this causes me. I told him that I wanted to move on with my life, but, I stil have these times when I think of the situation and feel so, so sad because I miss the friend I lost and I feel so hurt at the words that were said to me. I asked him what I can do? He was silent for a bit, and then he replied, "I am happy for this, Liz. I am happy for you because of this suffering you still have. I am happy because I can see you up on the cross with Jesus. You asked Jesus to suffer for the souls of priests, and there you are up there on the cross with Him doing just that. He answered your prayer and this is your opportunity to suffer for this one that hurt you. You can use this suffering. Be happy. Don't be sad."
It is often hard to see ourselves in the "big picture" and to realize that God hasn't abandoned us and yes, He really is there all the time, watching and listening to our prayers every moment. And when He sees that we are having difficulty handling life's situations, He sends someone to help us along. This is what happened yesterday. My friend was there to give me God's hug and to reassure me that things would be okay. Thank You, God, for the gift of this friend in my life.
Anyway, yesterday was a bad day for me and I was thinking about this situation again and it brought tears to my eyes. I was speaking on the phone with a very good and holy spiritual friend of mine, lamenting because I am not able yet to get beyond the sadness this causes me. I told him that I wanted to move on with my life, but, I stil have these times when I think of the situation and feel so, so sad because I miss the friend I lost and I feel so hurt at the words that were said to me. I asked him what I can do? He was silent for a bit, and then he replied, "I am happy for this, Liz. I am happy for you because of this suffering you still have. I am happy because I can see you up on the cross with Jesus. You asked Jesus to suffer for the souls of priests, and there you are up there on the cross with Him doing just that. He answered your prayer and this is your opportunity to suffer for this one that hurt you. You can use this suffering. Be happy. Don't be sad."
It is often hard to see ourselves in the "big picture" and to realize that God hasn't abandoned us and yes, He really is there all the time, watching and listening to our prayers every moment. And when He sees that we are having difficulty handling life's situations, He sends someone to help us along. This is what happened yesterday. My friend was there to give me God's hug and to reassure me that things would be okay. Thank You, God, for the gift of this friend in my life.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
My Lord Drew me In
This morning I made the effort and got up early to attend Mass. I've been lazy this summer and slept past the alarm every day. I'm ashamed of this. I chose sleep over the chance to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and to hear the Word of God proclaimed every single day. I argued with myself internally each morning, and the lazy part won over. But, today, Jesus won. Thank God.
It was wonderful!!! I love the Mass. I could kick myself for wasting all those mornings just rolling over in bed and enjoying the comfort of the soft sheets. How could I have chosen physical comfort over the joy offered to me in the Mass? Well, I know it was a weakness I struggled with. Forgive me, Jesus.
I saw all my old daily Mass friends from years back when I didn't work full time and from the summers off when I usually attend Mass. The faithful people still are faithful. It's wonderful to see their persistence. They are an inspiration to me. They are the prayer warriors who never give in to the flesh. I joined in with them and took part in the beautiful liturgy, expressing my sorrow for my sins, praising God and proclaiming His holiness.
Then, my heart began to race and my anticipation grew so great as I stood in line and walked toward my Lord who was drawing me in ever so gently - awaiting the chance to commune with me and to "receive me," as I, too, would receive Him on my tongue in the most holy of banquets. I was there. I took Him on my tongue and alas, I was so overcome with joy. I returned to my seat and could barely contain myself. I thanked Him for giving Himself so lovingly and unconditionally to me. I told Him over and over again how I loved Him and how sorry I was for not coming sooner in the summer. I was one with Him once again. I knew this was where I was meant to be and I didn't want to leave this loving embrace with my Lord and King. Yet, the Mass ended, the people departed, and my day was to continue elsewhere. But, I knew the grace of this sacrament would take me through whatever I was to face the rest of this day, for my strength lies only in Him. I will be there tomorrow, eagerly awaiting this communion with my adopted brother. How could I stay away ever again?
It was wonderful!!! I love the Mass. I could kick myself for wasting all those mornings just rolling over in bed and enjoying the comfort of the soft sheets. How could I have chosen physical comfort over the joy offered to me in the Mass? Well, I know it was a weakness I struggled with. Forgive me, Jesus.
I saw all my old daily Mass friends from years back when I didn't work full time and from the summers off when I usually attend Mass. The faithful people still are faithful. It's wonderful to see their persistence. They are an inspiration to me. They are the prayer warriors who never give in to the flesh. I joined in with them and took part in the beautiful liturgy, expressing my sorrow for my sins, praising God and proclaiming His holiness.
Then, my heart began to race and my anticipation grew so great as I stood in line and walked toward my Lord who was drawing me in ever so gently - awaiting the chance to commune with me and to "receive me," as I, too, would receive Him on my tongue in the most holy of banquets. I was there. I took Him on my tongue and alas, I was so overcome with joy. I returned to my seat and could barely contain myself. I thanked Him for giving Himself so lovingly and unconditionally to me. I told Him over and over again how I loved Him and how sorry I was for not coming sooner in the summer. I was one with Him once again. I knew this was where I was meant to be and I didn't want to leave this loving embrace with my Lord and King. Yet, the Mass ended, the people departed, and my day was to continue elsewhere. But, I knew the grace of this sacrament would take me through whatever I was to face the rest of this day, for my strength lies only in Him. I will be there tomorrow, eagerly awaiting this communion with my adopted brother. How could I stay away ever again?
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