News from Good News Ministries:
- Being Fearless Doesn’t Mean We Won’t Be Scared
- News From the Founder: Just released! 3 books on the Holy Spirit
- New video! I Thought God Said No
- Plus great links to great content!
Being Fearless Doesn’t Mean We Won’t Be Scared
In August of 1991, our family was down the Jersey Shore when Hurricane Bob hit the Mid-Atlantic states. My family took two cars to the beachfront resort because my mom, a nurse, was on call at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. On the day of our departure, as the storm began to bear down on the New Jersey coastline, my mom got a call that she was needed at the hospital, and she left my dad to pack up and take my brother and me home. In the chaos of packing up, my Dad left our umbrella on the beach.
With the wind and rain beginning to intensify and my mom enroute to the hospital, My Dad was left with a decision. Get the umbrella and leave us in the hotel room to wait, or let it succumb to the elements. We nicknamed our umbrella “Big Greenie” because it was larger than a standard beach umbrella, so my dad didn’t want to leave it behind.
Even though we could see the umbrella from our room, my Dad was afraid to leave us, even for a few minutes, at ages six and three. Ultimately, he decided to go to the beach and retrieve the umbrella, but this was the first time I’d ever seen my dad really worried and conflicted. He told us to sit by the window and look out at the umbrella while he was gone, and that when he got to the beach, he would wave at us and run back.
As the older brother, I needed to watch my little brother, make sure he sat next to me the whole time, and reassure him my dad would be right back. We did as he instructed, and he rescued the umbrella without anything bad happening to us.
It’s a vivid childhood memory and a great reminder that sometimes we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, and all the options feel uncomfortable or even scary. We, however, must not let fear paralyze us. In difficult moments, we must not become despondent but trust God, even if He calls us to run headfirst into the storm.
Abandoning ourselves to God’s providence is how the cardinal virtue of fortitude can be made manifest in our lives. But we need daily reminders to trust God in all circumstances and to “be not afraid.” That is why, a few years ago, I wrote The Fearless Rosary: A Chaplet for Spiritual Boldness to help us pray for courage when we are afraid.
This week I encourage you to pray this chaplet to strengthen the virtue of fortitude in your life so you can face and conquer the storms you are facing.
May God continue to bless you and your families.
News from the Founder:
Just released! 3 books on the Holy Spirit
Meet my just-released Life in the Holy Spirit video book series! This is a unique way to grow in faith. Each innovative “video book” combines the convenience of a paperback with the impact of short videos you can watch by scanning QR codes right from the pages. You’ll also find reflection questions to help you apply what you learn and space to write your personal insights.
The videos have made a meaningful difference in viewers’ faith lives. Now it’s your turn!
“These are beautiful! I ordered mine on Amazon for free shipping. I love how you continue to be a pioneer in sharing faith through technology. I have taken your video courses, but now you have combined the beauty of books we can see and hold in our hands along with capturing your videos. So cool!” (Beth Solis)
Book 1: How to Hear the Holy Spirit
Book 2: Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Book 3: How to Pray in the Power of the Holy Spirit
We’ve Got a New Video for You!
I Thought God Had Said No
Have you ever prayed for direction and thought God had said no?
Mark Wilson, known as the Catholic Bard, prayed for direction in his writing. When he emailed about an opportunity to write for Patheos Catholic and didn’t hear back, he thought it wasn’t going to happen.
But there had been email problems. The opportunity was still available. God answered Mark’s prayer in a way he understood—but not in the way he initially expected.
In this episode of Footsteps to Heaven, Terry Modica talks with Mark about discerning God’s will, recognizing the doors He opens, and learning from the times we misunderstand what we think He is telling us.
Watch https://youtu.be/XVMEN3DxZR0
Good News Prayer Room:
Use our collection of Catholic prayers designed with your needs in mind. They will give you hope and a stronger connection to God’s love and support. What do you need prayers for today?
Visit gnm.org/prayers.
Post your prayer requests @ gnm.org/post-a-prayer.
Good News WordBytes:
WANT MORE FAITH and HOPE in TROUBLED TIMES? WE’RE HERE for YOU! Choose from a variety of topics on our website of Catholic Faith-building articles. What do you need today?
Visit wordbytes.org.
God bless you!
Every morning, I lift up in prayer everyone who helps Good News Ministries in any way (donors, volunteers, prayer supporters, etc.) and all the prayer requests posted on our site. What can I cover in prayer for you? Post your prayer request.
How else can the team and I serve you today? Visit our homepage.
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
Your servant in Christ,
Bill Snyder, Executive Director
Good News Ministries
gnm.org
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Daily Prayers with the Saints
Lessons from the Blessed Mother
Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well
How to Win Victories in Spiritual Warfare