I made my Cursillo in Norfolk/Virginia Beach area in the Spring of 1993. I am proud to say that many wondrous and marvelous things have been bestowed upon me in my 13 years as a Catholic and 7 years a Cursillista. My life just keeps on getting better and better. My Blessing cup overfloweth!
I have a very firm and childlike faith from my Baptist rearing though I certainly hope I do not come on too strong as being a "bible thumper," ( ... become like little children or you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt 18:3) I was personally never comfortable in the Baptist "hellfire and brimstone" beliefs and evangelized by example. As a Catholic I continue my evangelization in this fashion along with emphasis on exerting a very conscious effort to amplify Our Father to encompass all those around me, including total strangers. I venture to be a handmaid/disciple/servant spreading seeds of kindness and compassion. In my daily conversations with God I ask for his help so that I might reflect HIM in all I say and do.
I am a full time at home Mom of three adopted sons. (Such Blessings!) The two older boys are grown and only my nine year old remains at home. And, I am blessed with a part time home based business. I evangelize to my business associates, clients, friends and family by the business name of "His Harmony." He is in charge of the business, not me. One of the ways I choose to be a servant is by providing an alternative to conventional medicines to relieve aches, discomforts and tension by the use of the God given natural resource of magnetism from the earth. I am building the business by word of mouth and reaching out to those in need that God sends my way. I am truly blessed because I keep extremely busy with requests and referrals. And, of course, it is fun to see who God sends to cross my path and brighten my day!
As I meet new people through my business, my son's school activities, family and friends I put forth the effort to genuinely listen to the conversation and unreservedly respond accordingly. Such as . . .
- When they say something unpleasant has happened to them I respond by simply saying, "This too shall pass." (This is my all time favorite scripture that has sustained me through all the hills and valleys.) [Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22]
- If they share a moment of despair I respond to them that if only they have the faith the size of a 'mustard seed' then all will be well with them.
- If someone cuts me off in traffic I simply shake my head (in bewilderment) and smile to them as I whisper a "Hail Mary" to lift them up for whatever problems they have allowed to make them be so very rude.
- I hear a siren blare and respond by the bow of my head to whisper a prayer on behalf of those in need and/of comfort.
- If someone says they are experiencing a headache I give them kind words of empathy and offer them a magnet from my pocket to place on their forehead (to increase the blood circulation) to relieve tension and headache as I whisper a prayer of comfort on their behalf.
- If they are experiencing arthritis in an achy hand I offer them the magnetized bracelet off my wrist to ease their discomfort and somehow subtly let them know they are in my prayers and thoughts.
- And, friend or foe, if you call me and say you need some little something, no matter what, I am there to assist whether it is by deed or spiritual uplifting.
De Colores, and May the Peace of the Lord be with Each of You, Always, Martha Esser
If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain,
or help one failing robin unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain. --Emily Dickinson
or help one failing robin unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain. --Emily Dickinson
