Be a Catholic: When you kneel before an altar, do it in such a way that others may be able to recognize that you know before whom you kneel. (St. Maximilian Kolbe)

I met her and was immediately convicted of the fact that this was a mom and wife who is serious about her love of the Lord. Debbie Spech, who I think is originally from the Cleveland area, has a wide and genuine smile. While I have only been around her for a short time, she strikes me as a “fixture” type person as her parish is concerned. Everyone seems to know her, and she knows everyone. If I am wondering who might be able to hook us up with technology help or who might be in the know at the school, she’s my girl. When I’m over at OLMC, if she’s not involved in the meeting I’m attending, I see her taking a walk on the grounds with her kids or her husband, Bob. Debbie Spech is ever present.

Generosity of spirit comes naturally to Deb. This week, for instance, I received a request about recording an upcoming event that the Gospel of Life committee is organizing on medical ethics. When I mentioned that I was involved in the planning for the event but that I will be out of town the day of the talk for my father-in-law’s 80th birthday celebration, she IMMEDIATELY offered to chase down the details and solve the issue. She digs in to help like this as if it were second nature, and I never detect anything but joyfulness on her part for the opportunity to pitch in.

She’s got a beautiful singing voice and she often cantors at mass. Personally, I think that is both brave and amazing. Mass is the place I often run into her where she’s usually with her big, faith-filled family glorifying the Lord. Her joy-filled laugh fills up a room, but it’s her authentic and thoroughly spiritual nature that drew my notice. That’s why I chose the quote above by St. Maximilian Kolbe to honor her today. She’s a gal who inspires in me a deeper faithfulness by simply listening and watching the way she lives her life– engaged utterly in doing God’s work in her home and her parish.

Thank you, Deb, for all the time and talent you share with others. It’s a phenomenal example to those of us in your orbit. I strongly suspect that your family is incredibly blessed to have such a fun, quick-witted, Jesus-loving woman in their lives! I got a text this week from a friend who probably stole this from someone, but it made me laugh. I chose not to take offense to the possible insult to my appearance (ha?) and I hope Deb does the same when she sees this, because I think it applies to her too. It said, “The world has enough women who know how to do their hair. It needs women who know how to do hard and holy things.” Indeed. Getting to know you through our work together on the GOL has been a bit of a “God wink” for me too, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to get to know you, because you inspire me to want to work on my own holiness, and I’m grateful!