“Every grace granted to man has three degrees in order; for by God it is communicated to Christ, from Christ it passes to the Virgin, and from the Virgin it descends to us.” –St. Bernardine of Siena

About two months ago, I wrote a blog about signs from God, and I hope you have had a chance to read it. If you haven’t, I invite you to do so. Today, a story about the power of prayer and faith in Los Angeles, California, where the wildfires continue to wreak havoc, caught my attention, and I wanted to share it with you. (Just as I was about to write, a dear friend texted me that a gift she sent me had arrived at my house!)

Yes, with today’s technology, our friends can see the deliveries they sent us before we can! Go figure. So I meticulously opened up her wrapped gift, and my eyes welled with tears as I saw the beautiful and miraculous Virgencita’s face.

Loss of words has never been an issue for me, but I was guilty this morning. Just as she survived those devastating fires in Los Angeles, she arrived at my home from the Dallas area, intact during the rain, sleet, snow, and transit to my house in South Texas. There is no question that my heart is intact in hers as she intercedes for me in heaven.

Some people will probably scoff at her story in Los Angeles; others will probably scoff at my blog on the signs from God. Still, I must share my love for her. You see, I was raised a Catholic with all its sacraments, but I was never intimidated by my parents to “You-better-do-as-the-Bible-says,-or-you’ll-go-to-hell!” You see, I was raised to be a free thinker and find my path in life: to take the road less traveled and not follow in anybody’s footsteps or mandates. So I did just that and learned to trust my family’s love and faith in God would carry me through this life.

Despite my world travels, living in other parts of the country, learning about different religions, and attending various churches, I always knew where I belonged. Learning about other cultures, beliefs, and religions was beneficial, but there was a longing and collaboration/understanding of “my will versus God’s will.” You see, a picture of La Virgencita and her son, Jesus, that my mother had given me when I left home for college has always had a special place in my home.

Within the last few years, I have felt a tug back to my Roman Catholic roots, and the teachings and spiritual insights have only enlivened me further. Some have questioned the saints I have displayed about my home, others have questioned the stones or crystals I have accumulated, and others have told me I don’t need to pray the rosary with la Virgencita: “Just pray to God,” they say.

And that I do; still, I am peaceful and feel wrapped up in pure love as I have learned to pray and meditate with the rosary, continue to set up my prayer room with family pictures and saints, participate in Mass, or pray daily to St. Michael, St. Anthony, or “San Juditas.”

I invite you to follow your discernment of Spirit and let it lead you where it may with your understanding of God, but never forget the SOURCE. Today, I humbly want to honor and thank La Virgencita de Guadalupe for ALWAYS being my ally as I continue to live freely and boldly.

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