The Second Sunday of Advent

The Mother of God is a Woman clothed in silence. As I draw and paint this great Mother of Mercy, Mother of Grace, Mother of Love, Mother of Patience and Mother of the Word, I reflect on her many visits to her children here on earth to warn and to guide them from the enemy. She is indeed a great Lady. She yearns to hear the cries of her children and to bring these hurts to the heart of her son. The son of God who carried every sin and hurt to the cross. The God Man who chose without reservation to save us. I am grateful as the child of the Father to help Him carry this cross by lovingly carrying my cross up the road towards Calvary. This season of Advent I will remember Your Mother's silence and with Your grace follow you till the end. I yearn for the end to come quickly, but I know that I too will ask...."My God, why have you abandoned me". My cross is so small in comparison to the one you carried. You felt every known abuse so that by Your suffering I would too enjoy an eternity of joy. Please forgive my fatigue, and give me the grace and strength to endure to the last. I love you so much, Jesus and I thank you for your Mother. Her example of trust in the midst of trial brings me so much joy. Please convert the hearts that don't know you and give them the great gift of humility which will free them from the enemy. Thank you for today. Thank you for never letting me out of Your sight. I long to see Your face.

True Love is Dying to Ourselves

"It was pride that changed angels into devils."

Saint Augustine

This was a most enlightening holiday. I learned a great lesson in humility. My youngest daughter was hurt by family as I have...so many times. I however, have learned the lesson of humility. Learning to turn the other cheek and to visit the abuser and to forgive. Taking the high road is taking the road of humility. It is not about being right, it is all about being a servant. It is not about who is right but rather about forgiveness. All that is needed is to focus on the cross and to understand that LOVE itself was crucified for us. In comparison who would ever suffer such an assault. No one on this earth for we are all sinners.

However, I chose to visit the one who hurt my daughter. Just as my husband has asked to visit the family who treated me with disdain. I have had almost 40 years of abuse and learning to turn the other cheek. This was her first experience and I made the big mistake of not standing up for her. For this error, I am deeply sorry. I hope that one day, Lia after I am gone, you will come to understand the power of forgiveness. You don't need to be right or understood... always remember the Lord's mission to spread the gospel of LOVE up to the climb to Calvary. Know always that everything that you have suffered, He has suffered unto death. True freedom is being the smallest and the servant of all!