We’ve experienced some traumatic events in our life recently.
And on the days that are immediately in the midst of it all, I have found comfort and strength praying the same one word prayer over and over, a calming rhythmic prayer, repeating the name of Jesus.
Over and over and over and over and over.
“Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.”
On my lips. Quietly but aloud.
Ironically, our parish is called Holy Name of Jesus here in Sheboygan.
I didn’t even really realize I was doing this at first but I witnessed our son (age 11 at the time) see me doing it. I then found myself articulating to him what I didn’t even fully realize, “It’s so very comforting and healing.”
We had a devastating 112 mph straight line wind hit our property and our 150 pine trees were unrooted and tangled all over our yard, on our home, our car, and covering our entire driveway. The next morning with the help of a kind neighbor sawing trees at 5:30am, Jason got the driveway clear enough to leave for the airport a half hour later for a speaking engagement. (The show must go on!)
By 6:05, I was sitting on the floor in our garage, with tears streaming down my cheeks, trying to wrap my brain around all that was ahead of us. I first called the insurance company to soon realize that 95% of the cleanup would not be covered at all.
How could I tell Jason this? We didn’t have the money for this! Why did this happen?
So many questions. So much doubt and fear consumed me.
With all of this overwhelm, I prayed uncontrollably…
“Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.”
It’s all I could say, all day. Hundreds of times that day. ❤️🩹
It’s all I needed to say, all day. Hundreds of times that day. ❤️🩹
The Holy Name of Jesus blessed my soul with a peace that surpassed all my understanding.
This also became true the day I miscarried at 11 weeks, and the day I helped my Mom and Dad when they decided to stop medical treatment and move him into Hospice Care.
“Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.”
The Holy Name of Jesus.
This simple prayer brings peace.
💛
P.S. Did you know the actor who plays Jesus on the hit series, “The Chosen” is an active Catholic who loves the Church? How cool is that?
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