Today we have another very special guest blogger! She tells a beautiful story of friendship and her personal discovery of the faith, giving us a new and fresh perspective. We thank her for taking the time to share her inspiring story with us all and we hope you enjoy reading her journey of faith!
We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love... and then we return home. - Australian Aboriginal proverb.
I am inimitable, beyond comparison and distinguished by my individual personality, talents and abilities. I emerge as one of a kind. I am an idiosyncratic individual, unconventional, intended to be understood by only a small amount of people. There are times where I can be philosophical and a believer that there is reason and purpose people make an entrance into our lives. At the same time, there is reason and purpose there are those who are not meant to be in our lives.
I came across Maya in unusual style when she was working at my daughter’s school as a Chaplain. Maya surprised and impressed me greatly with her chosen vocation. She came across as judicious, discerning, elegant and cultured in appearance and manner and was not quite the person to reveal too much emotion.
Over time Maya, you continue to surprise me even more. To quote Shrek, (the movie) “ Layers. Onions have layers.” This is what makes you comparable to an onion. You gradually peeled back layers that revealed your uniqueness, that I felt I was going to a sacred place where only few are permitted. I asked if I could see your artwork and without hesitation you redirected me to see your blog site, by esther.
I had no idea what the “Feminine Genius” was about, nor did I know Pope John Paul Il wrote a letter to women in June 29th 1995. So, where was my letter? And where was I in ‘95? Who is Esther? Ascension Press? And how did I get to watching a YouTube clip starring Fr Mike Schmitz? The snowball effect continued to roll and the learning curve took another turn. It lead me to reading the contents of the Catechism Of The Catholic Church. A profound word slipped out of my mouth while reading one of the four parts, because I found this way too intense and heavy because it is God’s law! I was quick to apologise, because I realised that was enough to send me to Gehenna and beyond. Overwhelmed and intrigued, for a change of pace I read Maya’s blog. With the fear of Gehenna in the back of my mind, I clicked onto a link (for the Abiding Together podcast) which transported me to another place of unfamiliar territory. I was expecting to hear religious jargon and terminology of archaic and bygone era. The sound of the introductory music played, a voice emerged along with two other high spirited women who were sharing a few wise cracks and laughs. I was taken to a place of a surreal mix of truth and fantasy. Sr Miriam James, Amen! I’m home.
Listening to these three women speak hit me deep in my solar plexus. The centre of my personal power, self belief and self worth. This happened because they validated qualities of my womanhood - receptivity, sensitivity, generosity and maternity - which all go hand in hand together. I am created a woman in light of God’s plan. My womanhood is a gift.
Maya, you made a spectacular grand entrance into my life. The proverb literally put into fruition. A miraculous intervention from God, I say that is the power of God’s love. You have spoken powerfully to me in your own unique way. God has sent you to remind me of who I am, to speak the truth, help me grow in faith and follow Jesus.
You emphasised a particular quality I cultivate, like Jesus. I was drawn to a dishevelled, unkept, despondent young man. He was sitting on the ground, leaning against the wall outside a shopping centre. I was quick to pass judgement and debated whether to ask him if he was okay. I made that important call. I approached him slowly at the same time looking deep into a soulless, broken, empty shell. All he needed to hear was, “Are you okay?” “Do you need help?” “Would you like something to eat?” Those words verberated through his ears, kick-starting his heart and soul. He cracked a smile and said, “I’m hungry.” Without hesitation, I asked what he wanted to eat and fed him. He was overwhelmed with joy when I gave him food. He stuck out his dirt stained hand and accepted my offering and invitation into my heart.
Maya, you have substance and depth in your soul. You show generosity by offering your presence and being attentive by standing before me. It is that level of attention you display when I speak that makes me feel valued and I know my heart is safe with you, especially when I am being vulnerable.
As the phrase goes, “Better late than never.” 24 years later I did receive the Letter to Women from Pope John Paul ll. God’s timing is perfect, delivered at the right time, by the right person, the Feminine Genius Herself… in Maya.
ernie.
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