The other day an 88-year-old man rang my door bell. I opened the door to see him holding two empty dinner plates in his hands.
“Here are your dishes. I meant to return them earlier. “Dorothy” (I have changed her name for this story) loved the salmon dinner you made for us. Thank you very much!”
I set the dishes down on the table in my foyer. “You are more than welcome,” I replied. “How is she feeling?”
Dorothy is an 85-years-old I know who had to start chemotherapy a little over a month ago because of a diagnosis of breast cancer. I was very concerned for her having to go through chemo at such a late season in life. I committed to making a nice healthy dinner for her and her husband on each chemo evening and to especially wrap the two of them in my daily prayers.
“Miraculously, she has had no nausea from the chemo!” Dorothy’s husband exclaimed rather jubilantly.
“Yes!” I couldn’t help myself. I was very excited that he used the word, “miraculously.”
“You can certainly say it’s miraculous–because God is taking care of her! We are praying for her.”
“Thank you very much,” was his sincere response to me.
I suddenly remembered that the following day was another chemo day. So, I said, “Tomorrow is chemo 
day. I’ll bring these plates back to you tomorrow night with a fresh salmon dinner!”
I suspect this brand new and very sudden arduous journey must be very difficult for both of these fine people who were starting to slow down a bit and trying to enjoy the rest of their lives, especially since Dorothy also struggles with other health issues and her husband has had a form of cancer for many years. I pray that my mention of “prayer” and “God” will touch their hearts in a special way. We have had conversations in the past in which they have told me that they are non-church-goers. I have given them blessed Miraculous Medals and I don’t shy away from gently planting the seeds of faith within our conversations.
I am a firm believer that our loving God continuously provides every one of us with countless opportunities to turn to Him and to serve others with extra doses of love. Please say a prayer for this sweet couple.
What opportunity to speak about God and about prayer will unfold in your own life soon? Perhaps it will be to someone who does not believe in God. Be ready. The Lord is waiting to shine through you. Your Guardian Angel will assist you!
Reading your miraculous medal book now and have the next one on my Kindle. Have passed out all my miraculous medals! Need more!
That is wonderful that you are passing out Miraculous Medals, Mary! I’m glad that you are enjoying my book. Which one do you have on Kindle now? And, feel free to check out the “Miraculous Medal” image at the bottom of the front page of this website to see more information on the Miraculous Medals. God bless you!
Donna-Marie: If only everyone in this country (and world) would follow your example with this couple. You are a true reflection of Jesus to them.
You are very kind to say that, Ronnie. But I do wish to encourage folks to help others in need and to speak to them about God’s love and the need for prayer. God bless you!
That is a wonderful thing you do for this couple. You have so many inspiring stories, Donna-Marie. I do hope Anne King calls you to speak at our Women’s council conference. I missed the one In May because I was at Grandson’s graduation in FL. So I couldn’t get an update on your books I lent her.
That is very kind of you to say, Jan. And, yes, I hope to hear from your friend about speaking in your area. Let us pray. God bless you!
I just finished reading The Kiss of Jesus and now I will need to read your book on the Miraculous Medal. I know that we have to be subtle in presenting thoughts of our faith. I am especially learning that with my adult children, four of whom have completely rejected the faith. With them, I tend to take the rejection personally so I avoid bringing it up. It is good to know that loving actions are often what will turn people to God when words have no effect.
I hope that you enjoyed The Kiss of Jesus. I hope you can perhaps leave a review on Amazon which helps a lot. It’s easy to do and even a sentence or two telling others what you thought can help a great deal. I hope that you will enjoy my book The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers, and Devotions. You can purchase an autographed copy at my website (on the Book page) and it is sent with a blessed Miraculous Medal.
Yes, acts of love are powerful in helping your adult children. Prayer is very important and especially fasting which is a very powerful prayer. I recommend praying novenas too. They are very helpful. Maybe you can pray a novena to dear St. Joseph asking his help for your children. I’ll say a prayer too. God bless you!
Ronnie is right, Donna-Marie! if we could all be like you, what a better place our country would be, and our parishes. I’d be afraid that someone would attempt to have me arrested if I handed them a miraculous medal, or throw the medals back in my face.
By the way, your meal looks delicious! What is that on the plate with the salmon?
I would certainly hope that no one would have you arrested because of giving them blessed medals. We can always offer medals gently and lovingly and God will grant the grace during the encounter. Mother Mary is near pouring out Her graces and working through Her blessed Miraculous Medal. Do you have my book The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers, and Devotions? I think you might but can’t remember now. Regarding the plate of food, it is wild salmon (given to me by a friend), potato salad, and fresh squash from my neighbor’s garden! It was interesting that the gift of love came from more than one place! I usually make quinoa or brown rice a side dish but it was a very hot summer day and I thought they would like potato salad.
Yes, Donna, I have the Miraculous Medal book. In fact, it has been on my mind to reread all of your books. I am going to get them out right now and line them up. 🙂
I am glad that you have it Lorraine. It’s great that you will read them again. I am working on a very special Marian book as we speak. I will finish the writing soon and it will be released next spring. I will get you a copy for sure. God bless you! xo