Stories and Other Things Holy

God’s love is both an offering and an invitation. 'I will hold you,' God promises, but here’s the surprising twist—God also asks us to hold Him. Terry reflects on the Epiphany story, where the wise men came bearing gifts but left with something unexpected: gifts from God. This exchange of gifts, from gold and frankincense to God’s incarnational presence, reveals the deep mystery of giving and receiving. How might we, too, hold God in our lives? Watch the full episode to reflect on the profound gift of receiving. https://lnkd.in/gbMwRkGT #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #EpiphanyReflection #ReceivingGodsGift #FaithJourney #GivingAndReceiving #GodsLove #SpiritualGrowth #SacredStories

‘Wait, I’m the one giving the gifts here.’ The wise men arrived prepared to offer their treasures, but the story invites us to consider how prepared we are to receive. Terry shares a powerful reflection on the act of receiving as a sacred response to God’s outpouring of love. When God pours out His very self for us, how do we respond? Watch the full episode to explore the paradox of giving and receiving. https://lnkd.in/gbMwRkGT #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #EpiphanyReflection #ReceivingGodsLove #FaithAndGratitude #MysticismAndFaith #SpiritualGrowth #GodsGift #FaithJourney #SacredStories

‘No, no, no—thank YOU.’ In a moment of unexpected gratitude, a simple massage became a profound lesson about the power of receiving. Terry reflects on how God’s love, poured out for us, depends on our willingness to receive it. But what does it mean to be a ‘good receiver,’ and what is the cost of receiving God’s transformative love? Watch the full story and discover the beauty of receiving as a sacred act. https://lnkd.in/gbMwRkGT #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #ReceivingLove #EpiphanyReflection #SpiritualJourney #MysticismExplored #FaithAndLife #GodsLove #ChristianMeditation #FaithfulLiving

✨ A Kiss of Peace ✨ 'He caressed my face. And then he kissed my face—the kiss of peace. I can't describe the energy. I felt only love. My life will never be the same.' In this unforgettable moment, Pope Francis reveals the transformative power of touch, love, and presence. Sometimes, words fall short, but love speaks volumes. 💖 Watch the story of Mr. Riva’s life-changing encounter: https://lnkd.in/gvgiWMB3 #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #PopeFrancis #LoveTransforms #FaithInAction #HealingTouch

✨ The Nature of Love Is Messy ✨ ‘How was your experience of the birth? Or the death? Tidy is the last word you’d use. And yet, we often miss opportunities to heal because we’re so awkward with mess. But love? Love is messy.’ This 2-minute encounter between Pope Francis and Mr. Riva reveals the truth: Healing, risk, and connection are rarely tidy—but they are transformative. Love isn’t standing 10 feet away to bless someone. Love is taking the risk to hold them. ❤️ Watch the story unfold: https://lnkd.in/gvgiWMB3 #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #LoveIsMessy #MakeAllThingsNew #FaithInAction #PopeFrancis

When Pope Francis signaled for the car to stop, no one expected what came next. Instead of offering a distant blessing, he walked directly toward Mr. Riva. 'You talking to me?' Mr. Riva thought, as the Pope approached with open arms. What followed was an embrace seen around the world. Weeks later, Mr. Riva reflected on the moment: 'I can’t describe the energy.' Sometimes, love speaks louder than words. ✨ Watch the full story of this extraordinary moment: https://lnkd.in/gvgiWMB3 #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #PopeFrancis #RadicalCompassion #FaithInAction #HopeAndLove

🌟 "I Felt Only Love" "We talk a lot about God and energy. ‘I can’t describe the energy. I felt only love. My life will never be the same.’ This is the essence of newness: ‘I shall make all things new. Always, we begin again.’ Pope Francis embodies this as an ambassador of love and renewal. Let’s carry that energy into our lives." ❤️ Watch now to feel the power of love: https://lnkd.in/gvgiWMB3 #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #LoveAndRenewal #MakeAllThingsNew #AlwaysWeBeginAgain #FaithInAction

Imagine this: Pope Francis approaches Mr. Riva, a man many might avoid. His handlers panic, rushing to offer gloves. But the Pope? He doesn’t hesitate. He holds Mr. Riva in a long, strong embrace, caresses his face—an act of exaggerated tenderness. 💔❤️ When was the last time Mr. Riva’s face was touched, not out of pity but love? When was the last time any of us truly encountered another person, without fear, hesitation, or judgment? ✨ Sometimes, the greatest transformations happen in moments of quiet, fearless connection. 👉 Watch the full story and be inspired: https://lnkd.in/gvgiWMB3 #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #TrueConnection #FaithInAction #RadicalLove #PopeFrancis

🌟 "New Year, New Beginnings" "Happy New Year? Maybe what we want is more. The promise of Scripture: *‘I shall make all things new.’* The wisdom of St. Benedict: *‘Always, we begin again.’* This New Year, let’s embrace the challenge and the beauty of beginning again. What could be made new in your life today?" 🎉 Start your journey with us 👉 https://lnkd.in/gvgiWMB3 #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #NewYearNewBeginnings #MakeAllThingsNew #AlwaysWeBeginAgain #FaithInAction

🌟 "The Messy Miracle of Love" "The nature of love is messy. Healing? Making all things new? It's never tidy. But Pope Francis reminds us: you can stand ten feet away and give the blessing, or you can step forward and hold them." A 2-minute encounter, a life forever changed. Will you allow stories like Mr. Riva’s to inspire you to embrace the messy, transformative power of love? 🙏 Bless us, O Lord. Watch the full reflection 👉 https://lnkd.in/gvgiWMB3 #StoriesAndOtherThingsHoly #PopeFrancis #HealingThroughLove #MessyMiracles #FaithInAction