Loop of Grace

I went to Mexico ( Puebla, Cholula, Taxco and Mexico City) to thank Our Lady of Guadalupe for her intercessions and God’s grace in my life, this November 2022. While at those times I felt undeserved of God’s grace, I clearly remember being uplifted and made to feel love and worthiness.

First miracle

It was decades ago when I was subjected to hyperscrutiny and a disparate toxic workplace in a state public health agency by white male superiors, as the only female person of color in their management ranks. It would have been easy to succumb but fighting a wrong and injustice took personal forbearance and character strength. My beautiful petite friend Ofelia told me to worship, light a candle for those guys making me suffer.

I went one Saturday, cried so much and then a man wearing white shirt, perhaps thin linen, a broad wide trim burro hat and with a distinct smell of combining sampaguita with gardenias approached me. He tapped me on my shoulders and said: “It will get better.” Then, he gave me a prayer card about the Virgin of Guadalupe.

True enough, things got better. I retired, then was asked to be a department’s witness for my superior who was the subject of a discrimination lawsuit by a black female state employee. At that time, upper management had gotten 13 complaints of unfair, disparate treatment.

I agreed to testify in federal district court, even paid for hefty downtown parking fees. My husband questioned me and asked: “Why are you willing to help folks who injured you psychologically on the job?” It was a simple inquiry and my response was: “I am testifying to the truth and for my conscience.”

I appeared in court, armed with my journal. I took daily notes of my management actions because I knew of the culture of fake news, lies, falsehoods, wanton favoritism have led to many unfair actions of dismissal and undeserved promotions.

The defense lawyer questioned me vigorously, at times, misleading and confusing me to trip me up. I survived cross examination. I merely shared the truth.

I was supported by two great men, Lester and Mas who believed in my values of fairness and equity in the workplace and I chose them to be part of my hiring panel.

After I testified, my supervisor prevailed in the lawsuit. He invited me to join the regional staff Christmas party. I felt like a rockstar being hugged by the regional staff. Truth gained many allies within.

Second miracle

A very dear and close family member needed spine surgery. I was too anxious and feeling helpless. I remembered the feeling of solace and comfort after praying before the Virgin of Guadalupe.

I was kneeling down, praying, when some woman tapped me on the shoulder and said to look at the exhibit inside. She said:

“There you will find the original piece of the tilma.” I went inside and couldn’t forget how I felt, comforted and went home with so much hope.

I visited my dear family member at the hospital and in 24 hours, shared with her how I prayed. She was walking already in less than 24 hours.

Third miracle

I got Coronavirus after my pilgrimage to Mexico, as 5 others who came from New Mexico. It might have been the long wait at the airport in Mexico and Houston, over 4 hours.

I couldn’t breathe at night, as I am asthmatic. I took the tilma, blessed by Fr. Joel Bugas for the pilgrims, us. Prior, the pilgrimage group had purchased over 600 healing tilma at cost, then blessed after.

I simply placed it on top of my chest, and for 2 nights, slept well.

After 11 days, I tested negative. I would wake up with bloody nose, which scared me.

Last night, I said another prayer and slept with the tilma on my chest. I woke up this morning with cleared sinuses and no bloody nose.

I wrote this not to convince you, not to persuade you, but to share my truths and express publicly my gratitude to Mama Mary.

Thank you Virgin of Guadalupe for healing me and my family member. Thank you for giving solace, comfort and hope while I went through my sufferings.

This coming 2023 is quite a special year: my dad would have been 100 years old had he lived – he passed away in 2000; my husband and I will celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary – which we will spend visiting a mission and Monastery of St. Clares – patron saint for my 71st birthday; hubby’s 80th birthday on Bastille Day and the birth of my first grandson #prince2023la and the 8th birthday of my #princess2015la.

Lord, thank you for my open heart that can feel all Your grace and blessings and my eyes that are no longer blind to Your manifested grace.