A few years ago, our family took a vacation to Canada. While there, we visited the Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupre. Upon entering the church, the first thing one notices are the displays of canes, crutches, and other medical devices left behind by those who have been healed in the church. While standing and observing one such display, I watched as a man and woman, presumably part of a tour group, walked into the church. The man wondered aloud about the display. The woman read to him from a nearby sign that explained the significance of the objects. The man laughed quite loudly and said “what a joke” before walking away. I could have been angered, annoyed, or even offended by his reaction and words, but instead, I felt sorry for him.
Today, one can watch an Olympic hockey team go from being the underdogs to Gold Medalists and declare it a “miracle” yet be unable to recognize that real, faith-infused miracles actually exist. The cry of a newborn baby, the survivor of an accident in which nobody should have been spared, the chance meeting of two people destined to be together – these are not simply random happenings, unexplained phenomena, or cosmic chaos made right. These are just a few of the every day miracles that go unrecognized as such. Is a man who is declared to be cancer-free simply a beneficiary of science, or a living, breathing miracle? What is so wrong with believing, not only that all things are possible with God, but that all things are possible because of Him?
I am often amazed by the amount of people in this world who would rather believe that all things just “happen” instead of believing that there exists someone greater than the sum of all parts who sees things exactly the way they should be and makes it happen. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all believed that anything is possible? I’m not talking about a Pollyanna existence, but an “I can do anything through Him who strengthens me” existence. A recent study shows that people who rely solely on God for help and healing have a lesser chance of actually getting well. While I understand how this can be, and I certainly believe in modern medicine, there is something to be said for asking God to intervene. After all, doctors are only human. Why not ask for a little help from above? In fact, friend and radio host, Gus Lloyd, recently said, “Sometimes prayer is all we can do, and it’s the better portion.”
When my father was diagnosed with cancer, about ten years ago, he sought all the medical help he could find. He did everything the doctors prescribed. But he also prayed. Daily. And with profound belief that God would hear his prayers. Dad turned 80 two weeks ago. A miracle? Perhaps not, but there are proven medical miracles that even doctors can’t explain. Many of them. How else can we describe those other than as miracles?
Studies show that those of us who do believe in miracles experience increased satisfaction in life and greater protection against the negative effects of stress. Perhaps that’s just by chance. As for me, I subscribe to the belief that every day lived is a miracle and that true miracles exist all around us. Why would anyone want it any other way?
What I was writing about one year ago this week: Be the Apple.
Things I’ve read this week that are worth sharing: It’s Been a Great Four Years by Rebecca Schisler in The Mountain Echo; Why I Like Travel With Kids More Than When I Was Single by Wonderoak; 7 Challenges Successful People Overcome by Dr. Travis Bradberry, author Emotional Intelligence 2.0.
Amy Schisler is an award winning author of both children’s books and novels for readers of all ages. She lives with her husband and three daughters on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Her books, Picture Me and Whispering Vines, are recipients of Illumination Awards, placing them among the top three inspirational fiction books of 2015 and 2016. Whispering Vines was awarded the 2017 LYRA Award for the best romance of 2016. Amy’s most recent novel, Island of Miracles, is now on sale.
You may follow Amy on Facebook at http://facebook.com/amyschislerauthor, Twitter @AmySchislerAuth, Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/amyschisler and at http://amyschislerauthor.com.
Amy’s books: Crabbing With Granddad (2013), A Place to Call Home (2014), Picture Me(2015), Whispering Vines (2016), Island of Miracles (2017), Stations of the Cross Meditations for Moms (2017)
You speak the truth! I find it hard to understand those who put belief in crystals over belief in God.
I agree!