Put yourself in God’s hands; He abandons no one. -St. Andre Bessette
This is such a sweet photo of Kim Murray with her husband, Pat. Truth be told, I don’t know either one of them very well. Our kids were high school friends who went to a few dances together, though, so we are mildly acquainted. However, I am an observer of people and what I can see from a distance about Kim is crystal clear. We can all see that she is a stunningly beautiful woman with a truly genuine smile. More than that, though, she is a woman of God…a fellow Jesus girl.
Kim’s the mother of 6 children who very obviously love and serve the Lord, an animal lover, a sweet thoughtful woman, and TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY! Allow me to share with you a little peek at her quiet compassion and faithfulness as I aim to honor her on her special day!
Some weeks back, I was diagnosed with cancer. Just a few weeks later, we learned this was in fact the wrong diagnosis, however during this time word spread. I ran into Kim at a daily mass we both happened to be attending at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. I went to say hello and assured her of my prayers for her family, and she inquired about the rumor she had heard about me. It was a brief but lovely chat.
A few days later on my way down the driveway to grab my mail, I noticed Kim in her big pickup truck dropping something off. She explained that she wanted to share some of this “Oil of St. Joseph” that her husband had brought home from a trip to Canada. She explained a bit about the family having a devotion to St. Andre Bessette and that Pat had made a pilgrimage to the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal, and that offering prayers through the intercession of St. Andre and St. Joseph might be a powerful aid to me. The gesture was incredibly humbling and utterly filled with faith and compassion. I was truly moved.
A lover of saints, this surprise delivery also caused me to explore the life of St. Andre, who I now consider a friend. As often happens when I meet new saints, I was captivated by his humility and holiness while I read about his life. His physical weakness or meager background did not deter him from becoming a truly amazing man of God. His story inspired me, and I have Kim to thank for the introduction.
Your little kindness was not small to me, Kim Murray, and I suspect similar acts of love leave others in your wake feeling like you are also the face of Christ to them as you “do your day”. I am grateful to you for reminding me that when we stoop down to lift up, reach out, pray, drive out of your way for the sake of another, we really are doing the Lord’s work. Your kindness left me feeling that Jesus was walking alongside and I am grateful.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIM!!
Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40)
Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them. -St. Therese of Lisieux
Day 52 of 365: Fr. Richard Doerr
Feb. 21, 2019– About 10 years ago, one of my holiest friends noticed I was in a dark place. I’ll spare you the details, except to say that she insisted I should meet her friend, Fr. Richard Doerr. Spiritually and otherwise, I was just a hot mess. Like he does all week long, year after year, with countless folks who seek him out or who are sent to him against their will, he used his considerable pastoral gifts to help me find the Lord.
Fr. Richard Doerr
Priests have long been targets of the enemy of enemies. After all, these good guys, (and I promise you most of them are just that), live their lives in heroic service to others. My friend, Fr. Richard, is such a man. He won’t care for this birthday tribute one bit, but I’m stubborn and unreasonable so I’m offering it here all the same. Sorry for your luck, Padre.As a diocesan priest, he’s the pastor of a parish of over 4,000 families. That’s north of 14,000 souls who are in his care, folks. He’s a Purdue grad and so am I, therefore I will offer you this comparison with which to judge the enormity of the task he’s been assigned. Have you ever attended a basketball game at Purdue’s Mackey Arena? The number of souls he’s tasked with guiding towards the Lord is roughly equal to a sell out crowd at Mackey. Think about that the next time he doesn’t respond to your message in the time frame you’d prefer.
He carries burdens too heavy for his people to bear alone. He consoles every day, and despite the incredible work load, he carries the secret grief, the tragic loss, the family crises, and the painful failures. The needy and the poor know the parish he leads is a place of refuge. He’s pastorally gifted, and he seems to exist in a calm, rational state despite frequent episodes without a reasonable amount of sleep. You see, if someone in his flock truly needs him, the hour doesn’t matter. He goes where he is called. His cross is very heavy, and he bears it with love. Sometimes, he’s maddeningly spent. Always, he’s prayerful, and mindful of the grace and beauty of the life he lives.
Because authenticity is my favorite quality in humans, I’ll offer that he’s a genuine and very real guy who has been known to curse when a good cuss word is just the best option available, and he’s got a wicked, sarcastic and hilarious sense of humor which often carries him through the day. That sense of humor definitely makes his homilies accessible and memorable. He can be both joyfully irreverent and shockingly compassionate.
Don’t forget, though, he’s a human being. He’s got his own family, including a mother, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews on whom he dotes. Just like the rest of us, he’s needed to take mom to her doctor’s appointment or babysit for the little ones now and then. He needs and tries to take the time to be present for his own family. People forget that humanity and expect too much sometimes. It pleases me that he does an excellent job of looking after his physical health and he somehow manages to squeeze in workouts most days of the week.
All my people know I love this guy, and so does he. Keeping quiet isn’t a strength area for me. If I love you, I say so. Here’s the deal. This guy stuck with me when any other mere mortal would have told me to hit the road. I am nothing if not needy and persistent. He attempted to buy himself some oxygen by shoving spiritual books in my direction. I read them ALL. I was a sponge and I cried out for more. I fell in love with the saints, whom I had largely not yet met. I learned the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which I can only pray while singing aloud or in my mind, because it played on an endless loop on a CD he gave me. I was captivated by it’s beauty. He introduced me to Caravaggio’s art, which left me breathless. I’m not even going to tell you about the whole Taize prayer service he insisted I attend. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Well, I was moved to tears. You should find one and go. Talk about ridiculous!
When I take myself and my sins too seriously in confession, he says things like “Get off the cross, we need the wood, Shelly.” He makes me laugh at myself and he texts me stupid memes now and then when he’s had a long week or he sensed the same from me. He presides at reverent, beautiful masses and he sings like an angel. In short, he has been the most selfless shepherd I can ever imagine encountering. I realize his vocation calls for him to often be “in persona Christi”… but this guy? It’s like my husband says. He’s not messing around. Fr. Richard wants us to know and love the Lord. He spends himself entirely in the effort. I am but one of his 14,000. The number of people who have told me similar tales of their own powerful conversion which God orchestrated through this particular instrument would make your head spin.
Frequently, with his extra large heart on full display, he asks me for my prayers for parishioners who are suffering. It’s my deep honor to offer them. Today, I’d like to ask you to pray for him. It’s his birthday, and he does a stunning job keeping Christ in the lives of the people in his care. Please join me in asking God to grant him the same in his own. His life is one worth celebrating in a BIG way. Pray for your priest too– again and again. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FR. RICHARD!
Today’s Prayer for Priests, Offered for Fr. Richard Doerr:
O Jesus, our great High Priest, hear my humble prayers on behalf of your priest, Fr. Richard. Give him a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of his priestly life.
In his loneliness, comfort him in his sorrows, strengthen him in his frustrations, point out to him that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show him that he is needed by the Church, he is needed by souls, he is needed for the work of redemption.
O loving Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, take to your heart your son who is close to you because of his priestly ordination, and because of the power which he has received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs him so much. Be his comfort, be his joy, be his strength, and especially help him to live and to defend the ideals of consecrated celibacy.
Video Story of Jeff Utzinger: Please click to watch
Day 50 of 365.
Today is the birthday of my old neighbor, Jeff Utzinger. Jeff’s the sunny, energetic, passionate, athletic father of three great kids (Jennifer, Jeffrey and George ) and the husband of a very sweet gal named Christine. In honor of his special day today, I’d like to ask you all to watch this important and heart warming video. From it we can all learn the importance of being courageous enough to be a good Samaritan, among other very useful lessons. It will tug on your heart strings, even if you don’t know Jeff AND it will convict you of the value of AED devices.
I thought the best way to honor my gracious and brave friend was to share his story and the message contained with a few more folks. If you’ve not seen it, it’s truly worth the time.
Jeff, today’s your day, and your life is certainly one worth celebrating! I am proud to know you and pleased to count you as a friend. Thank you for your courage in sharing your story. I’m thankful for the memories and fun we’ve shared over the years and for the lesson in gratefulness and humility you’ve spread by being open with your story. Bill’s a hero, and SO ARE YOU! YOU ARE SAVING LIVES!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. (Phil. 2:3-4)
It’s a rare and truly faithful gem when we uncover someone whose genuine concern seems to always first be for the good of others. In the case of Caroline, I’ve mostly admired that authentic spirit and sparkle from lurking nearby in sports venues over the years. She’s generous and selfless in the most rare and beautiful way. What I’ve come to understand from paying closer attention is that she really is more than that, she’s a glittering jewel of a soul.
Caroline with her oldest son, Andrew, at daughter Kathryn’s recent wedding.
Caroline Godfrey is the mother of 4 (mostly) grown children, and she recently became the mother-in-law to two more. She’s the wife of a very fine man she always calls “Billy”. Most of what I know about her family firsthand, I uncovered on a couple of lazy afternoons in Vincennes, Indiana. Now, no offense intended if you are a Vincennes Alice, but once you’ve seen St. Frances Xavier Basilica and maybe even ventured over to peek at the George Rogers Clark Historic Monument, you’re left with the movies and a slice of pizza at Bobe’s. That about covers Vincennes. When you’ve made the annual trek with the Guerin Catholic Basketball team to the annual holiday tournament on numerous occasions, well, it’s been done. At this point, a booth at Gilbert’s Pub with a couple of cold beverages is really the most appealing option for the long afternoon breaks. Because they were more experienced GC basketball parents, when we found our way to Gilberts, the much more saavy Godfreys had already taken up residence.
What I already knew and loved about Caroline (and Bill, too) from afar was cemented for me on that second trip to Vincennes. She’s authentic, funny, kind and utterly humble. If I’m honest, I thought to myself that I’m not quite sure how someone pulls off an afternoon of beer, chips, and salsa giggling all the way and STILL she left me feeling I had been in the joyful presence of a woman who so reminded me of our Holy Mother. How is that even possible? All I can say is, Caroline is just an extra large scoop of awesome sauce. I know, I know…my eloquence is nothing if not overwhelming. Ha?
It was the ultimate come as you are party. Mostly, we laughed and talked about our kids and confessed to our most hilarious parenting fails. She reminded me that day that we don’t have to have it all together, we just have to know and love the One who does.
I could share personal stories of encouragement she’s offered to myself and others, kindnesses to those who have less, her giftedness listening and caring– but if you know her you’re already aware. She’s never drawing attention to herself in any of it. It’s just who she is. Caroline is the face of Christ to all around her.
A couple years or so before that silly afternoon at Gilberts, I had prayed over Caroline with a large group of GC basketball moms right in the middle of the Noblesville High School gym after our kiddos finished a game. She was about to undergo surgery for breast cancer, and the moment was powerful. Her humility that evening, and the way God shined was wholly spectacular. When I heard more recently that her cancer had returned, I was convicted completely of the need to pray without ceasing for this lovely woman of God. It was less a choice and more a calling. I’ve been working the beads for you, sister.
Have you ever met someone and thought, “How on earth is she for real?” That has always been me where Caroline is concerned. She’s just the definition of lovely, authentic goodness. She carries herself with grace. I have known instinctively for some time now that the Lord meant me to notice and learn from her powerful witness of what He means us to be as a wife, mother, and faith-filled woman of God. These are sometimes the stunning gifts the Lord bestows on us when we are members of a thriving Christian community. I’m going to need some significant work…but He sure gave me a beautiful example in Caroline.
My friend, there’s a heavenly arsenal of warriors fighting alongside you with our prayers for your healing in mind, body and spirit. Please know that we are with you, and so is the Lord. THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING WITNESS OF FAITH AND FOR SO OFTEN BEING THE FACE OF JESUS TO OTHERS, INCLUDING ME!
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
He who watches over you will not slumber. (Psalm 121:3)
So today, I’ve decided to talk less and post more photos than normal. To say that it’s been a long few years for my friend, Michele Maginot, would be a colossal understatement. Today marks the 4th birthday in a row that she has endured without her youngest daughter, Jen. The beautiful and utterly kind Jen would be 19 years old today.
My fellow Boilermaker fan with the most hilarious dry sense of humor, Michele is also the most patient person around. How do I know this? It’s her beagles. Dear God in heaven, someone please explain to me how seemingly reasonable people like Michele seem to love their beagles despite all the destruction they leave in their wake!? Ha?
Jen’s been much talked about for her kindness, and I know she’s in heaven today watching over her thoughtful, funny mama, as well as her Dad, Paul and her brother Greg and sis, Alli. Jen’s defining quality, I always thought, was a rather impressive reflection on the quiet grace and kindness she learned by the witness of her terrific mom.
Michele, by the grace of God and many, many prayers offered, you’re still standing. I know you’re tired, I know the tank sometimes feels empty, and you might be running on fumes….but you’re still running. You’re allowed to slip away and find a quiet place, for a moment, an hour, a day. Just remember when you do it to rest your weary head on the shoulder of the One who never sleeps and who never ceases to watch over you because HE LOVES YOU. You are the beloved daughter of the most high God. So you just put your head in His lap today.
Michele and JenAlli, Jen, and GregPaul and Michele
You, my dear friend, are a family of 5. For now and forever. Therefore, I’ve posted pictures which reflect that. So today, my prayer for you is that God rains down grace for you so that you find the strength to take a deep breath, say a prayer and take the next step. God loves the way you keep calm and trust on, how you reach out to help others. He loves the way you keep going. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME for your positivity, strength and selflessness. I hope you feel the hug I’m trying to send you. I love you. Happy Heavenly Birthday to your girl. She sees you, and she’s SO PROUD.
“To help children, boys and girls, young men, women and adults to know and love the Lord ever more is one of the most beautiful educational adventures…” (Pope Francis)
Don and Ann Kalmey
Day 41 of 365.
One of her several recent notes read, “I wanted you to know that yesterday you were my special intention at mass and communion. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.” Meet Ann Kalmey. She’s the mother of one of my most dear friends on the planet, Lisa, as well as two more grown children, Lee Ann and Doug. She’s a grandmother to a whole slew of accomplished and amazing young people. I really know her just a little, from a sprinkling of moments together over the years, and yet this fact is utterly unsurprising.
You and I, all of us actually, we sometimes wish for a better world, a better way, an improved life in one way or another. Standing between the ideal and reality are mountainous obstacles, colossal challenges….and we think I’m only one person!! What can I possibly do? Let me tell you what you can do! You can BE LIKE ANN!
Ann and her incredibly fun-loving and intelligent husband raised their beautiful family with a strong base of faithfulness as it’s core. Ann spent much of her professional career as a principal at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School near Louisville, KY. Because Ann is an unbelievably articulate and very strong woman, I know without a doubt that the staff of teachers she led and the students under her care were both well educated in the faith and unconditionally and compassionately supported. “Without confidence and love, there can be no true education” said St. John Bosco. I quite agree. What an amazing way Ann has served the Lord with her life and vocation!
In more recent years, Ann also FOUGHT THE BEAST….and she WON! I am confident she has met many other obstacles in her life besides breast cancer with similar fire and persistence. Her formidable strength and faithfulness as well as an overflowing helping of compassion are to me, her defining qualities.
Here’s the thing Ann reminded me of in recent days with her persistent and thoughtful reaching out. God can do immeasurably more than we could ever imagine. On our own our little efforts might be little in our minds eye, but when we live our lives with Christ at the center, we aren’t on our own– we are souls magnifying the Lord! We needn’t ever think “I can only do so much!”
Thank you, Ann, for being an encouraging face of the Lord to all in your path. Your daughter, Lisa, is a fierce and unbelievably loving and faithful woman because of the love of her mother. I couldn’t do life without her, and this week I realize how fortunate I am that through her, I’ve been able to get to know her spectacular sparkplug of a mother….and snag a scoop of your fabulousness in my life too!
Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God. -Karl Barth
Meet Danny, and his little sis…Shannon
This twinkle-eyed kid on the left is Danny. God loves the way he shines. Danny reminds me of the scripture verse from the book of Matthew, the very famous 25th chapter. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me.”
What makes Danny so special is how kind he is. He’s remarkably gifted with young children, and so many times I have witnessed him comforting “the littles” in his own family. Younger siblings Ryan, Maddie and Shannon simply beam in his presence. I have no doubt that’s because they are absolutely certain that he’s just crazy about them.
“To maintain a joyful family”, Pope John Paul II once said, “requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others.” This is the quality I most readily identify with the dimple cheeked, friendly, and affectionate Danny Hall. He is a natural born servant leader.
Danny’s family is a truly unique and stunningly beautiful one, born of the darkest kind of tragedy. When he was 8, he lost both of his parents in a act of domestic violence that breaks my heart still. His mother, Shannon, was a friend. Her sons remind me of her so very much, and I know she is looking down from above full of pride for both her incredible boys. I know she also sees how compassionate, gentle, good-hearted Danny is every darn day. His immensely loving extended family and the entire community have stayed ever at his side, which makes all the difference, for sure. He’s being raised by his aunt and uncle, Colleen and Doug Stine. I could, and chances are good that I will write about them later. He has an older brother, Connor (the biggest Auburn fan EVER), and those three little cutie-pies I mentioned earlier.
Here’s what I’d like Danny to know. I see you. I’ve noticed and so has Jesus. What you did, He saw. What you said, He heard. You might not even remember it. It was just a little thing, a part of who you are because of whose you are. It wasn’t little to Him, just like it’s not little to Ryan, or Mads, or Shan, or Moms…..or any of the people around you that you love up day after day. You are one phenomenal kid. When your smile reaches your eyes and the words come from your heart Danny, it’s a light that fills the room. Your kindness? It’s a gift from you to God. He loves you for it, and so do I!! You are a blessing to your family, to all at St. Louis de Montfort, and far beyond, kiddo.
Thank you, Danny, for helping me see God by the way you light up a room with your smile. You make me want to be kind to others, just like you!!
Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Luke 18:16)
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in hardships, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10)
Cole Hepp, left, with his Dad (Gerry), Mom (Ann) and brother Clay.
Today, I want you all to meet an outstanding young man named Cole Hepp. Cole is a junior at the University of Dayton and the oldest son of a couple of my most dear friends. However, before I tell you more about this ace of a kid, I’d like to share why I chose him today.
It’s been an overwhelming few weeks for me personally. That probably explains why the childish noise coming from the bully pulpit of leadership from one side of the political aisle along with the deafening cheers from the other side of the aisle over their right to kill full term babies…well it just has made me insanely sad. What kind of future can a nation have when almost all the adults in charge are acting like moronic fools? We’ve all gone and lost our minds and forgotten how to love!
In the midst of those interior thoughts, what’s really important suddently cleared my head. Few things help bring into crystal clear focus what’s really important in this life like, “You have cancer.”
Chapel at St. Meinrad
The morning after news began to circulate about my diagnosis, I received this photo from Cole Hepp. His text note read, “Hi, Mrs. Thieme! I am praying for you from St. Meinrad. The whole Hepp family is so thankful for you and we love you.”
Cole was the face of Christ to me that morning. I suspect he’s been that same light for many during his time as a retreat leader at St. Meinrad and as he lends his guidance and shares his faithful witness to the young people entering the church who are going through the RCIA program at the University of Dayton this year. That includes his completely fantastic brother, Clay, who he is guiding through the process as a sponsor.
I’ve known Cole for several years. He went through high school with my son. They were basketball and baseball teammates, and they celebrated their graduation together at a big joint party. He’s got a wide and dimple-filled smile for everyone. His eyes are of the twinkly and compassionate variety. He’s so bright, articulate and full of the love and joy and hope of the Lord that he can’t hold it in. He’s just got to share it…with a great big grin! ALL the moms want their son to have this kid for a friend. He shouts out the greatness of God by the way he lives his life and the choices he makes. He’s on fire for the Lord, and the news is too wonderful to keep it to himself! He’s a grace-filled human.
I received a letter from Cole today. He opened with a funny memory about my youngest son describing us to him once saying, “We’re a good family!” It’s Zach’s famous line and it really made me giggle. He then shared with me the scripture quote I opened with above and how it represents the beauty of our shared faith. What a lovely and kind gesture for a 21-year old kid to make. He mailed an ACTUAL LETTER you guys. There was a stamp on it and everything. Did I mention he’s a college kid?
Cole Hepp. In offering me your prayers for strength, peace and love, you were an enormous reminder to me that we crazy old people needn’t worry too much. There’s a generation of faith-filled, courageous, compassionate lovers of Christ all around us. Young man, God loves to watch you climb…and so do I. Some days might be itty-bitty painful steps of blind trust and other days you’ll be an unstoppable mountain climber….but keep going onward and upward. I believe God will continue to use you for great things!
As I’ve watched you grow from a boy to a man, and the last couple of years as a Catholic Christian, you’ve been a witness to me and many of what joy comes from leading a life of integrity and faith. Thank you for reminding me that the lunatics will not prevail in the end and our collective future is in excellent hands! I LOVE YOU, KID! THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME THE WORLD IS FULL TO THE BRIM WITH GOODNESS!
P.S.– This article about him from UD is pretty impressive. Take a peek!
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. –Proverbs 31:25
Day 36 of 365. Meet Samantha Langdon. Sam is my 24 year old cousin. Actually, she’s 24 TODAY. If anyone has earned the right to have her life celebrated to the full on her big day, it’s Sam. Girl….I hope there’s a festival going on for you this week up in Muncie!
I’m the oldest grandchild on my mom’s side of the family, and Sam is (almost) the youngest. Her brother is the same age as my oldest son, Nick. I am pretty sure I am within a year or two in age to her mother. Also, she grew up two hours away from my hometown, so for those reasons, we’ve never made the kind of connection that contemporaries might make. However, I’ve been watching her from a distance over the years and this is one young lady who has been a warrior since she was very small.
Around the age of 3 or so if my memory serves, Sam was diagnosed with cancer. It’s a battle she fought bravely, with the help of some fine folks at Riley Hospital. She was one sick little girl, and she smiled throughout the fight. Except for the parting “gift” of Diabetes, Sam took the beast down! From my perch here an hour south, I’d say Sam has managed to move forward in her life, without fear of the future as the scripture quote above states, primarily because of her strong faith in Christ. At times, her cross has been very heavy, and she’s always carried it anyway. She’s a courageous human.
I chose this photo of Sam because she looks so joyous when she’s hanging with the youngest among us. She’s a Ball State grad who excels at art and has an old soul. She paints, she runs, she takes stunning photographs in natural settings, and she reminds others about the importance of faith. At our family Thanksgiving events over many years, she was the mayor of the craft table…and we didn’t believe in term limits! Her patience and fondness for all the children was remarkable and ever present.
Sam, I admire you for your faithfulness, creativity, and patience. Your love of the Lord always shines through in all you say and do. I hope your Reds have a great season!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Most of the time, holiness is just about doing the ordinary things of everyday life really well. -Matthew Kelly
My friends, Lisa Oberndorfer (left) with Jill Folstrom
Day 35 of 365.
I’m not going to lie. It appears I can be bought for the price of one very oversized piece of “celebration” cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. The big hug and the front door dessert delivery this afternoon might be the reason I chose TODAY to write about Lisa Oberndorfer, but let’s be clear….she was going to appear in this column during 2019…that’s a fact!
Lisa is a mom to three BEAUTIFUL young adults (Jordan, Kelsey and Will) and the wife of a pretty fantastic Boilermaker fan named Jeff. There are so many examples of her goodness that I could share, and I have only known Lisa more intimately for what I consider to be a fairly short span of time. Here’s the thing about Lisa. She’s an utterly compassionate and very funny woman who has the courage and humility to present herself to the world full of hurting people. Probably, she isn’t even aware that she’s an exceptional example of what Pope John Paul II called true holiness.
“True holiness”, he said, “does not mean a flight from the world, rather, it lies in the effort to incarnate the Gospel in everyday life, in the family, at school, at work, and in ones social environment.” Lisa shows up with her big heart and her gift for knowing when to offer a listening ear. She instinctively grasps that it’s about attention over giftedness, its about setting aside oneself and choosing the needs of the other. She realizes life may not be perfect, but she sees the blessings and she IS DYING to pass some light along to the next person. She’s a pay it forward kind of gal.
When my oldest son was an angst-ridden freshman at Xavier University, she offered up her experienced Muskie, Kelsey, to encourage him. When I was getting a little too testy at the high school basketball games, she winked at me and handed me a sucker…which she called a “husher”…to make me laugh and quiet myself. Let’s be clear, she needed to do this repeatedly, for an extended number of weeks. Ha? We all behave better while we are laughing at ourselves with a fist full of sugar? She showed up at the house with delicious muffins when she heard I’d had a recent cancer diagnosis and lent an ear and some sage and prayerful wisdom. Also, she showed up with CELEBRATION CHEESECAKE when the diagnosis take a turn for the better. She’s been present for so many people at a time in their lives that it required great humility to show up and offer her care and concern, not sure of the response she might receive, but wanting to do the work of the Lord. THAT is everyday holiness.
I’d be utterly remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing work Lisa and her son, Will, have done with a charity they founded called “Diabetes Will’s Way” shortly after Will was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes as a 6th grader. Will’s Way serves underinsured young people who need assistance with supplies. They provide grants for durable medical equipment like insulin pumps and glucose monitors, and emergency grants too for families needing help with daily diabetic supplies. Lisa told me it was out of selfishness– intense love for her own son– that she began that great work. That made me laugh aloud. The poor woman has been “duped” by our good and gracious God!! I mean….this would NOT be the first time the Lord used the love of a mother to shower His grace on others…am I right? Hahaha!!! You’re in excellent company on that one, my friend.
Thank you, Lisa, for being a wonderful witness to me of what it means to minister to others in so many important ways, but especially the gift of physical presence. Showing up is everything, and even better if you can pair it with a side order of quiet attentiveness. I so appreciate the reminder! You, my fellow Boilermaker, are a rare and beautiful gem! Your faithfulness, love and sense of humor must certainly be causing a big smile in heaven as your mom watches down over you. In your grief, you still showed up to minister to me. I noticed, and I’m taking notes. I LOVE YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP!
Incidentally, if any of you would like more information or to make a donation to Will’s Way, visit www.diabeteswillsway.com!
He Never Misses 