A Special Gift

One morning this past September as I was looking for a phone number in my rolodex, I saw the name of a woman who had been on my mind for weeks, so I called her right away. She answered the phone and when she heard my voice she paused…then shared her surprise because just that morning when she looked outside and saw deer she thought of me. Some of you may remember an insert letter ‘The Miracle of the Deer’. We spoke for a while and decided that Divine providence led us to this call. She invited me to come by for lunch the following Sunday to see their home in the country where they had recently moved. I was looking forward to our visit and wondered where the Lord was leading.

A few days later when I met with Father Vince he suggested that I needed a break…a retreat. My reply was that I didn’t have time. This was my busiest time of year, talks were scheduled every couple weeks and in November we had the Facilitator Training scheduled and the newsletter still needed to be written. There was no time for leisure…how could I get away?

The following Sunday during our visit my hostess asked “What is the greatest need for the ministry?” and I replied “…money!” We could barely meet our monthly expenses. We had a very enjoyable visit and before I left, she said she would pray about how she could help the ministry and would call in a few days to let me know. Three weeks later, on my birthday, she called and said she felt the best way to help Healing Hidden Hurts was to help Debbie. How would I like to go on pilgrimage to Medjugorje? All expenses paid!

Wow…I couldn’t believe it! I’ve wanted to return to Medjugorie since my first visit 15 years ago where I received a confirmation that the Lord was calling me to pro-life ministry. But how could I manage to get away? I thought if it fit into my schedule then I was meant to go. There were two pilgrimage dates offered and one fit a few days after speaking at Ss. Francis and Clare and it returned the evening before the Facilitator Training. It would be tight, but possible.

Although my benefactress didn’t know it was my birthday, Our Lord Jesus and His Blessed Mother did, after all they know everything. I knew this trip was a gift from God and felt as though Our Lady was calling me personally to come…and I wondered why now?

The week I was preparing to leave, Shannon, a facilitator who is a tremendous help with the Training emailed that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer; if they needed to do surgery right away she would be gone when I returned. This could be a BIG problem, but I reasoned that if Our Lady was calling me away on pilgrimage…she would see that what was needed for the Training would be provided. I would take care of my part, and leave the rest to her. As it turned out…everything was provided, even the projector we needed for the PowerPoint presentation.

Our pro-life work is so important…it is both working to save lives and working to save souls. The ministry of Healing Hidden Hurts covers both, by speaking the truth in love, countless abortions are prevented and hope is given to those despairing. Over the years, I have given my witness in a variety of settings. The most fruits have come from parishes where I have had the privilege to share my witness after the homily during the holy Mass; it seems the appropriate time since I am sharing the good news of God’s mercy and His desire to heal our hidden hurts.
Why is it best to give my witness during the Mass? Because it is a large diverse group, anyone can attend a weekend liturgy in any church and listen anonymously. It is the people in the pews who need to hear and see that I am one of them, an ordinary person who made a ‘poor choice’ and is willing to bear witness for Christ. It is the people in the pews who need to hear the truth of how abortion affects women, the symptoms of trauma that follow, and the resulting long term consequences. It is the people in the pews who need to gain this understanding so they can intercede on behalf of those who may be abortion minded, and present the truth in love during a time of crisis. My witness will open up the dialog within the parish, and it will be their compassion that will encourage those suffering after abortion to seek available help. It is the people in the pews who need to hear that God loves them personally, and He desires to heal their hidden hurts. And it is the people in the pews who will learn from my testimony that Jesus Christ will begin the healing process when they surrender their hearts to Him and seek His healing touch in the sacraments of the church!

From Fr. Vince…“It was a blessing to have Debbie Miller come to Ss. Francis and Clare to share her message of mercy and healing for those who have been hurt by abortion. Parish calendars always fill up very quickly and there is often a desire not to want to add anything else to an already busy Mass time schedule. However, Debbie was succinct in her message and conveyed some important information that is best delivered by one who personally knows the pain and anguish of abortion. I would encourage all parish leaders to consider inviting Debbie to come and speak on this very important topic. With the likelihood that abortion may become even more widespread after our recent presidential election her message is needed now more than ever.”

I feel I have gone as far as I can by myself. It’s time to establish a Board of Directors who can take this ministry to the next level. Talented business people who can raise funds to ensure the future growth of the ministry. People with vision to restructure the ministry to use the many volunteers who want to help. Please pray and discern if God is calling you to join us on February 17th in the St. Anthony Providence Center. Call me if you have any questions.

I also need your help to be invited in your parish to speak during Mass. Parish pro-life leaders who will cover the ministry in prayer before and during my visit, as well as promote and welcome people in nearby communities to come and hear this message of hope.

My time in Medjugorje was spent in quiet prayer and reflection, and in this peaceful and holy place I was reaffirmed in this mission of mercy that is so needed in our county at this time. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this important work, and then let us place our hope and trust in God. Because “…all things work together for good for those who love God.”