Movies with great storylines have a transforming effect on me. Recently, I watched a film, The Girl Who Believes in Miracles, that a colleague recommended. I didn’t expect to cry through it, but I was moved to tears many times watching the story unfold. I am inspired to be a woman who believes in miracles because of this movie.
A young girl, Sara Hopkins, was willing to listen to God, unlike most of us. She hears a preacher speak about how faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. With the encouragement of her grandpa and her faith in God’s word she starts praying.
Surprisingly, a bird is healed when she prays at the lake where they go fishing. Many other mysterious healings happen after she prays. People start to wonder if she can cure their children and problems. Sara becomes the centre of press attention and it has a negative effect on her. Her family tries desperately to save her before it’s impossible.
When I was sick in the hospital more than a year ago, I prayed. And in praying I felt closer to the Lord. It is often in the darker times that I feel the closest to Jesus. It was like I was transported with him to the Garden of Gethsemani. And he suffered along with me.
While I was watching the movie, I prayed for people who came to mind. I implored the Lord for healing and provision for my loved ones’ particular needs. I didn’t shy away from thanking the Lord and asking him for exactly what I needed.
I enjoyed the scenes unfolding and gently touched the rosary beads on my bracelet. One of my friends gifted me with a beautiful white and blush pink rosary bracelet. I like to wear it and pray with it, as I had it blessed.
There are many tangible ways to assist our prayer as Catholics with sacramentals – items that have been blessed and are used to enrich our faith. Holy water, rosaries, crucifixes, medals, and candles … the list could go on.
I haven’t watched many movies that have moved me to pray the way this movie has. And to have a stronger belief in the power for Jesus to work miracles in this time in history. It makes me reflect on miracles that happened in Scripture when Jesus walked the earth. It strengthens my belief that Jesus can do the same and even more incredible things in this present moment.
“Whenever you are filled with worry, desperate for hope, looking for clarity, or just need a moment of peace, go to a quiet place and visit Jesus in the Eucharist. Just talk to him like he’s sitting on the altar. He’ll give you exactly what you need,” wrote Jenna Greiwe in Beautiful Eucharist.
When I was writing my book Arise, Shine and Live, On Resilience, Faith and Bipolar Disorder, many prayers were answered. I found an editor and a book coach in a timely manner. These women helped me complete my book promptly and encouraged my work as I went.
On a retreat, I prayed for a friend who had just had a miscarriage to give birth to another child. During adoration of the Blessed Sacrament I felt the Lord say to me, “Don’t worry, your friend will have a baby just as your hopes and dreams for your life will come to pass too.”
My friend did have another baby months after the retreat. I remembered the Lord’s words to me and felt a peace wash over my body.
God hears our prayers. Sometimes we don’t get the answers we want. Sometimes he answers them in the way we hoped. And sometimes he goes above what we could imagine possible! Always God is listening and knows what is best for us.
He has blessed me with signs and wonders to increase my love and trust in him. Like Sara in the movie I am open to being surprised by his love and mercy. I know that he is in control and that makes me feel relieved.
“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” – St. Augustine
Lisa Rumpel’s podcast The Will to Thrive: Stories of Resilience is available on popular streaming services.