The Good Angel

 “Violent people have been trying to seize God’s earthly Kingdom forever." ~ Matthew 11:12

She was born the daughter of a poor Italian tenant farmer in 1890. When her father died nine years later, Maria was left to raise her five siblings while her mother worked the fields. As such, she never learned to read or write.

Her young life never seemed to pause. She also cooked, cleaned, and sewed for two next-door neighbors - Giovanni and his alcoholic son, Alessandro. Despite their extreme poverty, the family remained close and piously worshipped God.

During this time, Alessandro developed an impure liking for the beautiful 11-year-old with chestnut hair and delicate features. After months of crude taunting, the 20-year-old brute attempted to rape her.

Maria defended her God-given purity, screaming: "No! This is a sin; God doesn’t want this!"

Enraged, Alessandro stabbed her heart 11 times. When she attempted to flee, he stabbed her three more times in the back.

She survived for several hours after undergoing surgery without anesthesia. When asked if she forgave her attacker, she replied: "Yes, for the love of Jesus I forgive him... and I want him to be with me in Paradise." Reassured by the Church’s last sacraments, Maria died the next day from an infection brought on by her wounds.

Alessandro, a legal minor, was sentenced to thirty years. He remained unashamed for his actions until, during the eleventh year of his incarceration, Maria appeared before him in a dream. From his account, “She smiled at me and offered an armful of the lilies. When I took them, each lily transformed into a pure-white flame.” 

He awoke a changed man, begging God for forgiveness.

After serving seventeen more years in prison, he visited Maria's mother and asked for her mercy. She gave it willingly, saying, "If my daughter forgave you, who am I to withhold it?” He became a porter and gardener at a Capuchin monastery, a job he held for the rest of his life.

On June 24, 1950, Pope Pius XII canonized Maria Goretti as the youngest saint at the time. It was the first time in its history that St. Peter’s Basilica - the largest church in the world - couldn’t be used for a Canonization Mass.

Among the half million souls at the open-air ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, 66-year-old, ex-con, Alessandro Serenelli, sobbed tears of joy.

Before he died in 1970, Alessandro wrote an open letter to the public stating: “Saint Maria Goretti was my good Angel, sent to me through Providence to guide and save me. I still have impressed upon my heart her words of rebuke and pardon.”

The feast of St. Maria Goretti is celebrated annually by Roman Catholics worldwide on July 6^th. She’s the Patron Saint of chastity, rape victims, youth, poverty, purity, and forgiveness.

Saint Maria, look kindly at those who’ve strayed from the path of eternal salvation. Free us from evil temptations, comfort our sorrows, and guide us, that one day we might enjoy the enduring glory of Heaven with you. Amen

Respect - Earner or Given?

 “Show proper respect to everyone: love others as He loves you." ~ 1 Peter 2:17

While the guest speaker waited for his turn to address an assembly of young people, their Youth Leader attempted to make some brief announcements and a blessing. Throughout this, the students talked, laughed, texted, and were disrespectful to the leader and each other.

When it came time for Joshua to speak, he began by asking if they knew what ‘respect’ meant. Out of almost 100 students, only one offered a meaningful description: “It’s something you have to earn!” she proudly said.

“Hmm,” Joshua began thoughtfully. “Actually, respect means honoring people when they talk; valuing them, and treating others as you wish to be treated. I observed a lot of disrespect during the gathering beforehand, not just to your Leader, but also to your peers.”

He gazed over the crowd, noticing several heads bowed as a wave of embarrassment washed over them. He’d gotten their attention.

Perhaps I’m just a curmudgeonly old guy now, but it seems to me that we aren’t as respectful as we used to be. Much of our culture believes that you don’t have to respect someone unless or until they respect you first. That’s a twisted version of how the Bible defines respect.”  

Then his tone took a more personal tone.

“Before I took my first baby steps, my father moved out of our home and left my pregnant Mom to raise six children on her own. I grew up believing that I had no obligation to show respect for that man who steered our family into a life of financial and emotional poverty.”

He went on to explain that wasn’t the standard Christ followed. The Apostle Peter (above) provides no prerequisites, restrictions, or guidelines for respect.

“My father, like Peter, was not perfect. Despite the mistakes he made, I must love and respect him because he’s precious to God and was made in His image. People shouldn’t have to “earn” the privilege of you treating them the way Jesus preached that they deserve to be treated.”

“Isn’t it amazing that we don’t have to earn God’s respect, or force others to earn ours? We are redeemed by His incredible gift of respect. As Christians, we should be dynamic examples of respect in our communities, and we have the chance to offer the unfathomable respect and grace of God to them, without asking them to earn it. How beautiful… and counter-cultural!”

Joshua closed by asking: “What would it look like if we changed our mindset from it's not all about us; that people don’t have to ‘earn’ the right to be treated rightly? What would it be like if you gave respect freely to everyone you encounter? Would others notice a difference in you?”

He ended his talk to raucous applause.

Jesus, thank You for the loving example You showed during Your life on earth. You were considerate to everyone, especially the poor and the sick. Help us to notice and respect the feelings of those around us, just as You did. Amen

A Charming Fourth

 "Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty, to thee we sing!" ~ "My Country, 'Tis of Thee” V4

Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, is a cherished U.S. holiday marked by enduring traditions and unique festivities. There’ll be parades, rodeos, MLB baseball, and, of course, fireworks. Joey Chestnut will return to Coney Island’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, and people will take an Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens at government sites, stadiums, and historic venues “from sea to shining sea.”

But there’s simply nothing better than the way small towns in America embrace and display their patriotic pride! They display classic Americana that you can't get in big city events. Everyone pitches in, from the mayor driving her antique car to a banker pulling a float with his 1928 John Deere Model C tractor.

On July 4^th, in this tiny, fictional town, excitement grows as the day’s festivities get set to begin. Lines form early along curbs, people vying for that perfect spot along Main Street. Life here is lived up close; today, residents will celebrate and mourn together.

It’s more than a time for family gatherings and public celebrations. Here, America’s birthday offers a chance to reflect on our nation's heritage and the sacrifices made for freedom. It's a day to take pride in the nation's progress and achievements.

A bright red convertible leads the parade, with Junior Miss “Something” waving from the backseat. The parade route was short, so her honorary reign lasted less than an hour.

A marching band follows, playing familiar tunes. Steeped in red, white, and blue decorations, it features a float made by a local hardware store. Leo, its owner, wore a straw hat and dangled a paper fish from a pole, pretending he was fishing. Local kids walked beside the float, cheerfully tossing candy to eager children.

The procession included clowns, fire and rescue vehicles, Shriner cyclists, and people dressed in historic costumes. Some take the opportunity to show off their favorite pet.

The parade route stretched about three blocks, ending at the park where members from the American Legion grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Adults visited with one another while kids swam, played sand volleyball, and got their faces painted. Traditional games like sack races, watermelon seed spitting contests, turtle races, and a 10k run contribute to the day's special atmosphere.

As the day lingered, some fished or napped until it was time for fireworks. Hundreds of brilliant, explosive, once-a-year fireworks light the sky! Maybe they pale by comparison to large pyrotechnic celebrations, but to these townies, they were magical.

The day retreats too quickly as darkness blankets the night. They were together on this day, together in one place, gazing up at the stars together. It’s a perfect ending for this charming small town on the Fourth of July.

Precious Lord, today we’re reminded of those who’ve sacrificed for our freedom, just like Your Son, Jesus. Let us never take freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May we always remember that a very high price was paid for both. Amen

The Secret Donor

 “Give, and it will be given back to you." ~ Luke 6:38

At 60, Tim had been a picture of health, a vibrant professional who relished an active lifestyle. When his routine bloodwork revealed an anomaly, he dismissed it as a minor blip. But persistent ankle swelling, constant fatigue, and frequent urination forced him to seek further evaluation.

His world tilted on its axis when a nephrologist diagnosed Berger’s Disease (IgA Nephropathy), an unforeseen kidney disorder that attacks the body's ability to filter waste from the blood. When this occurs, harmful levels of fluid and waste accumulate in the body, raising blood pressure and eventually resulting in kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). IgAN has no cure.

Tim began kidney dialysis four days a week for up to five hours and immediately joined the waiting list of 100,000 Americans needing a kidney transplant. The average waiting time for a deceased donor kidney (three to four years) is often longer than their life expectancy on dialysis.

The most compatible donors include parents, children, or siblings. Tim was an only child, and his parents were both deceased. His oldest son had died of Leukemia 30 years earlier. Doctors are highly reluctant to consider unmarried women (like his 25-year-old daughter, Denise) for organ donation. So, he waited.

It would likely be years before receiving a donor kidney. And while he tried keeping a near-normal routine, the fear remained a constant shadow looming over him.

As Tim’s health continued to deteriorate, they were thrilled when the call they’d prayed for came from the transplant team: “An anonymous, perfectly matched, living kidney has become available.”

What followed was a carefully orchestrated process to prepare both the kidney donor and recipient. Both operations were done in separate but adjoining hospital suites.

The donor surgery was done laparoscopically. The healthy kidney was then surgically placed into Tim’s lower abdomen, a procedure that took about four hours. Both Tim and his donor were closely monitored for 24 hours to check blood counts and kidney function.

The transplant surgery was a complete success for both Tim and his donor.

The next day, Denise surprised her father by walking into his recovery room still wearing her hospital gown and attached to an IV. She’d kept her plans secret for nine months as she went through the testing and necessary protocols for becoming a donor. It took a lot of teamwork and effort behind the scenes to ensure that Tim was unaware of her plans.

Denise’s kidney gave her Dad new life. He’ll be on anti-rejection medication forever, but no more dialysis. Denise should have no lasting side effects from the transplant. 

Tim shed grateful tears at the realization that the ‘anonymous donor’ was his child. "I started crying," he said, adding that it was "hard to process her selfless gift."

Gracious Lord, we offer thanks for the selfless, courageous, and compassionate act of organ donation. May their acts of love be a shining example for us all, reminding us of the power of generosity. Amen

Dream Weaver

 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” ~ Romans 12:12

Josef took off his coat in a dim corner of the Reading Room and settled into a plush armchair. It’s eerily quiet here, but keen ears may catch the opening of a book, turning of a page, or tapping of a cover – ever so quietly.

There aren’t any books here. They’re displayed elsewhere, in a grander space with gilt-lettered spines that enclose the silence like the walls of a great nave.

Josef craved silence. At home, he watched TV shows, often without listening, amid the luxury of solitude. He’d almost convinced himself that deep contemplation had given him some of the richest hours he’d known.

Some would call him lonely, but he’d learned how to lessen the pain over time. The Reading Room was his refuge, a place where he could believe that he lived in a caring society with his imaginary friends. He meets here every day, among the noiseless people, their odorless scents, and occasional glances to give his brain a little of the companionship it needs.

Settling into the tranquility of the space, Josef opened his book and read for an hour. The words seemed unimportant, so he closed the book. Small voices from the nearby Children’s Room wafted toward him like the scent of warm bread fresh from the oven.

Oh, the sweet sounds of little voices. Like a bubbling stream of soft, musical notes, their voices babbled, splashed, and giggled. They chimed into a cacophony of glee, delight, and surprise - eager spirits refusing to be silenced.

A woman with a warm smile and twinkling eyes narrated the tale of a mischievous  squirrel named Scamp. The way she used her voice brought Scamp to life. Her expressive gestures and the authentic joy in her eyes were pure magic.

Here was a place where children could escape, where their minds could wander freely, and where the magic of stories could spark a lifelong love of learning. Every story held the potential to open a new door, every page a step into a world of endless possibilities.

That evening, Josef decided to try it himself. He dusted off some old storybooks, practiced unique voices in the mirror, and even added some sound effects.

He could do this. He could volunteer as a storyteller.

Facing the small crowd of wide-eyed toddlers, he realized the power of storytelling. It wasn't just about entertaining; it was about sparking curiosity, igniting imagination, and creating wonder.

Josef’s life is no longer routine but filled with the joy of creating worlds where a small ladybug could be a hero, a playful squirrel could teach a lesson, and a simple story could touch the hearts of young minds. He found a new calling as a dream weaver, one tale at a time.

Father God, our children carry in their hearts great hope: make them strong and pure so that they can build their tomorrow with confidence. May they always feel loved, valued, and believed in, and may they carry the light of Your love forever. Amen

Better Than Revenge

 “We gain redemption by His blood, through the riches of His grace." ~ Ephesians 1:7

When 11-year-old Abram witnessed his Mom’s violent murder while walking their dog, the love that had been inside him from birth melted away. Caught in the crossfire of a gang-related hit, she’d taken three 38-caliber bullets and died on the street like a common garden weed.

Hatred set in immediately. She would never see him graduate, never see him get married, or have children. It’s not right for a child to bury his parent. “I wanted the killer dead in the most painful way possible,” he admitted.

But after months of investigation, the crime remained unsolved. A murderer remained at large, avoiding a possible life sentence without parole. Abram headed down a self-destructive path of alcohol, drugs, and crime, seeking love stolen from him by his Mom’s assassin.

Absent a suspect, he could only dream of retaliation - collecting guns, knives, and even a pipe bomb. It would be ten years before his emotional torture would end when his friend Jahmir encouraged him to attend a Bible study that he was leading on forgiveness.

Initially skeptical and dismissive, Abram finally accepted his buddy’s invitation. He’d grown tired of the hatred he’d been harboring that obstructed any peace of mind.

Jahmir’s message rang clear. “When hatred boils up, take the pot off the stove and open the lid. You gotta let that steam dissipate safely before it burns you,” he suggested. “Repent now for everything you’ve said and planned against the gunman. Pray for him as you pray for yourself. Every time a hateful thought enters your consciousness, say, ‘I choose to forgive.’’’

Over time and with practice, Abram felt the resentment, anger, and hostility release their emotional burden. He’d taken the first steps in letting go of hatred by replacing it with mercy and forgiveness.

Jahmir, too, sensed a change in his friend. When he was certain that Abram had indeed forgiven his mother’s murderer, he confessed to him: “It was my brother, Jaylen, who accidentally shot your Mom. Like many young fools, he’d been lured into a gang by false promises. He’d like to apologize for what he did.”

Abram stood dumbstruck by the admission. “Yes, I’d like that,” he whispered.

In Abram’s presence, a deflated Jaylen broke down in tears, confirming his guilt - no words needed to be spoken.

Abram embraced him, raining a further torrent of tears off Jaylen’s cheeks. “From the bottom of my heart, Jaylen, I forgive you,” he said. Instantly, Abram felt the remaining fragments of bitterness, animosity, and junk he’d carried around for over a decade disappear, wiped away by Jesus’ blood.

“Man,” Jalen uttered through wailing gasps, “how… why would you do that?”

Abram said, “Because of Who is in me. Through His grace, there lies an opening for transformation.”

Forgiving Lord, I kneel before You, admitting my sins and seeking Your forgiveness. Help me forgive those who have wronged me, as resentment harms me more than it does them. Cleanse my heart from all that taints it. Amen

Something Much Bigger

 “The Lord is my refuge and my fortress, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalm 91:2

The Military doesn’t care what your motivation is for joining their ranks; they figure you’ll figure it out by the end of Basic Training. As a combative teen lacking honest introspection, Aliyah joined to FIGHT… to earn the same respect that male soldiers receive by default.

Her journey began with days of physical exertion that stretched her physical limits, testing her fortitude and dedication. Those challenges helped shape new levels of trust, integrity, and honor.

Facing heavy artillery fire during an early mission, their Sergeant was mortally injured. “So, this is real combat,” she thought – intense, bloody, primitive. Defenders and attackers, each fighting for survival in the worst ways a human can endure and inflict.

No rookie soldier feels ready for battle, but when duty called, the Army’s core values kicked in. Aliyah swallowed her fear and assumed the leadership role they needed. Together, her team fought bravely, using their skills and teamwork to defend their position and ensure the safety of their fellow soldiers.

Aliyah later sat with her team, fatigue etched on every face, but their spirits were high. They’d faced adversity and emerged stronger, united by their shared experience.

It was then that Aliyah understood what it truly meant to be a soldier. She’d become part of something much bigger than herself, a team of devoted men and women who protect our great Nation, allowing us to enjoy the freedoms and lifestyles that she, herself, often took for granted.

The U.S. Army was American before America, born more than a year before the Declaration of Independence. Today, we celebrate the 250^th anniversary of its creation by the Second Continental Congress in 1775.

The Army’s history is thus America’s history and extends far beyond battles, forts, and armaments. 

As the largest United States military branch, the Army has influenced all facets of American life and culture, from technological innovation, business management practices, and religious traditions.

How do they keep doing it? Maybe it’s the American Flag in their hearts as they pressed forward while bombs were exploding around them. Or the gratitude they felt for the freedom provided by those who’d soldiered before them.

While the Army's mission does involve armed combat, its scope extends far beyond combat. The Army's mere presence discourages potential adversaries from initiating aggression. They also provide essential support and assistance to communities affected by natural disasters in this country and around the globe.

The Army’s core values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage are intended to develop smart, thoughtful, and innovative soldiers of high moral character.

God bless our soldiers serving today, and those who are still fighting battles in their minds.

“[M]y final prayer is this: that God will bless America, so that she may increasingly become, and long remain: ’One Nation, under God, indivisible. With liberty and justice for all.’ God bless America!” ~ Pope John Paul II, 10/7/1979, after his first papal visit to the US

Remembering Our Warriors

 "Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those that persecute me.” ~ Psalm 31:15

They were only kids on that cloudy morning in northern France. Richard, a D-Day veteran, was 19 when assigned to a tank landing craft that landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. More than 30,000 survived machine gunfire, storming the beach before nightfall. Now 99, he still recalls hosing blood off the deck from some of those 2,501 who’d perish that day.

Today, Richard sat in a wheelchair with about two dozen comrades before the Memorial. Smaller in number than ever, their group joined thousands of onlookers honoring the event with parachute jumps, flyovers, parades, and historical reenactments.

Richard struggled to stand as the advancing color guard approached. He remained at attention for the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

A singer was then introduced. She was just 7 years old.

Madison wore a patriotic dress with red, white, and blue sequins. She strode confidently onto the stage, microphone in hand, and raised her arms poignantly. The girl beamed affectionately as she sang: “God Bless America, land that I love!”

The ballad was written in 1938 by Irving Berlin in hopes “that it’ll continue to be popular, especially in times when people feel a need for some vocal expression of their patriotism.”

Her voice climbed until it wavered, imbuing every word with humility, as she admired the centenarians with gratitude: “Through the night, with a light, from Above.” And as the song reached a booming crescendo, Madison raised her hands emphatically, palms up... and belted: “God bless America, my home sweet home!”

It all made sense – her eyes had shone so brilliantly.

Her performance came from a little girl’s heart, a budding life. Her ambition was to shine. She hoped to shine a bright light upon those who sacrificed, defended our freedom, and love America.

Warriors sat before her, who’d fought against darkness, and who would soon return to inescapable darkness. There’s a spiritual side to war, and it’s best expressed by the old adage, "There are no atheists in foxholes!" Many soldiers pray when shrapnel and bullets fly, if not audibly, then silently in God's presence.

Her Dad, a disabled Gulf War veteran, proudly wears his Purple Heart. Her grandfather retired as a Navy Master Chief, and she currently has numerous cousins serving our country." Madison’s Mom revealed, "We teach our children to honor our veterans for all that they do every day.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to instill respect and empathy for veterans in our kids. Sharing stories and personal accounts of service members helps children understand their experiences and appreciate their contributions. Sharing D-Day is another opportunity to teach young people about the importance of their service and sacrifice.

“Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. Amen” (FDR, June 6, 1944)

Murphy's Rock

 “Direct your children onto the right path, so when they’re older they’ll stay on it." ~ Psalms 22:6

Eagles dominate the sky, spreading wings as vast as they are glossy black. Its hood is white against the sunrise, as bright as the clouds they glide among. But this is the story of Murphy, a spectacular male bald eagle, who, because of a wing injury, resides permanently at a St. Louis sanctuary.

Two years ago, the staff noticed that Murphy was guarding what appeared to be a large earthen depression. Turns out, he was carefully nurturing an inanimate rock. As time progressed, Murphy became more and more protective of his ‘offspring,’ screeching and charging at the four other eagles in the aviary when they ventured too close. Eventually, Dad and ‘RockBaby’ were moved to their own enclosure for everyone's protection.

This isn’t unusual behavior. Male bald eagles share equally in nesting and raising their young. Murphy was experiencing a normal hormonal rush. Not having an egg of his own, eagles will sometimes attempt to incubate egg-like objects.

Sanctuary staff considered replacing Murphy’s rock with a real egg, but spare eagle eggs are rare for wanna-be dads. Additionally, hatching an unrelated bird's egg would likely be dangerous for it.

So, they waited, assuming that Murphy’s fatherhood fantasy would pass after the season.

News came that a young eaglet had fallen from its nest during a windstorm and needed someplace to recover. Slightly bruised, but otherwise healthy, the chick was placed at Murphy’s shelter. 

Camouflaged staff began feeding the eaglet to prevent it from imprinting on humans. What the baby really needed was a foster parent - an adult eagle who would feed and care for it.

At 31 years old, Murphy had never raised a chick before. But this could be his big chance!

To test Murphy’s surrogacy potential, keepers began a bonding process between the two birds. They removed the “RockBaby” and placed the eaglet, protected by a cage, into the enclosure with Murphy to allow some interaction between the two.

Soon, Murphy began responding to the eaglet’s peeps. A week after their introduction, the cage was removed, allowing the two to interact more closely. They were each given food, a whole fish for Murphy, and bite-sized pieces for his young eagle. Rather than each eating from their separate dishes, Murphy took his portion and ripped it up to feed the baby.

Months later, the eaglet was released back into the wild. The separation didn’t affect the eagle Daddy because it’s natural for bird parents to let go of their babies.

For Murphy, his residency comes with many perks, such as being entrusted as the primary caregiver for any other orphaned eaglets and bathing in perhaps the world’s largest bird bath.

Murphy passed away on March 15, the day after tornadoes ripped across Missouri, from a head injury.

Holy Father, like the eagle uses wind currents to determine its flight path, allow the Holy Spirit to direct our path as we acknowledge You in all our ways and allow us to reach greater heights than we could ever achieve on our own. Amen

Breaking the Norm

 “Those who plant seeds of peace will reap a harvest of righteousness." ~ James 3:18

Missing your menstrual period, feeling nauseous, or bloating are common signs of pregnancy. But Madi never considered the possibility until she saw those two lines on the test strip. And so, the story of an unplanned pregnancy begins.

Twenty years old, single, and financially vulnerable, she wasn’t prepared to raise a child. So, she made the heart-wrenching, selfless choice to give her baby the gift of a family that could provide a world of love, support, and opportunity.

The adoption would be a closed one. That meant the identities of both the adoptive and biological parents were kept confidential.

Seven months later, Madi gave birth to a boy she named Russell. Fearing only three days to spend with her infant son before surrendering him to his new family, she held him for 72 hours straight. Madi’s Russell became their Cooper when she handed him over.

For the next week, grief poured through like a flooding river. Brokenhearted, she bled an ocean of tears. Her soul felt paper-thin. Madi’s body trembled and weakened. She wondered if she would ever regain strength enough to weave herself back into the fabric of normal life again.

For Lisa and David, thoughts of adoption began in their hearts. It was their only way of becoming parents. Cooper would soon take center stage in their lives. They wondered about the woman who had given them such a kind, unselfish gift.

Then something remarkable happened.

Breaking the norm, the adoptive parents invited Madi into every important moment of Cooper’s young journey. Lisa’s rationale: “You can never have too many people loving you!

For the next several years, they sent Madi a mountain of pictures and copious details of Cooper’s memorable milestones. They wanted her to feel comfortable so that a potential meeting could be seamless.

The two reunited when Cooper turned seven years old. For her part, Madi taught him how to fish. They’ve been reeling in the memories ever since.

Cooper said of the unique arrangement: "I’m blessed beyond words, I got the best of both worlds, for sure. My parents were always supportive of me meeting my birth Mom, especially considering I had very little health history. We’re like one big, happy family now.”

Cooper, now 26, is married and the father of his own baby boy. Much to Madi’s delight, he named the child Russell. Madi’s life came full circle as a proud grandmother.

For their generous acts, Lisa and David were never threatened by the presence of Cooper’s birth mother in their life. “It proves that when we put walls between ourselves and others, we create barriers that aren’t necessary. And when we remove those obstacles, we often find love on the other side," David said.

Lord God, bless all expectant mothers who are choosing adoption for their child and are willing to place them with a loving family. Bless, too, all the parents making adoption plans for their special gift. Give them all Your courage and peace. Amen