Have you felt stressed and powerless in the face of a problem?

When I first came to the United States, I worked in Manhattan with United
Nations. I often wondered why everyone seemed to be in such a hurry. I
couldn’t figure out how everyone in the city could have so many urgent things
to do every day. Back home in my village in Rwanda we were laid back, we took
our time to do things, and we always had enough time. The word “Stress” didn’t
exist in our vocabulary, it was never needed.

Well, it didn’t take me long to fall into the style of my new
life in NYC. I started to run like everyone else, you could stretch the hours
but I still had things I couldn’t finish during the day. While I enjoyed my new
life, that new lifestyle came with a new feeling – stress! When I first felt
stress, I knew what it was, and I knew I never felt it before. When your legs
and fingers are behind the brain’s plans, you definitely feel stressed!

Once I was so stressed, I didn’t know what was wrong with me – I wanted to feel
calm and I couldn’t, I wanted to sleep and I couldn’t. I didn’t understand and
I started to develop fear of the unknown, a sickness I don’t have a name for.
Then I turned to God with all my might. I asked Him to take over. I told Him, I
was only going to play the role of man as I could, but whatever happens, I am
fine and I just don’t want to fear.

As I was ready to surrender all I was worried about, a song came from my heart
with only these words in the beginning, “Let Your Will Be Done, Not Mine But
Yours.” Then I thought about my children, who I was worried about, and these
words came into my heart, “With my children, Let Your Will Be Done too.”
Anything I ever worried about – my health, my future, my family, my sleep, my
work, I said “Let Your Will Be Done.” Slowly, it became a long song I never
heard before and I sang that song all the way home. I didn’t want to forget it,
so I wrote it down. My miracle was that when I got home, I realized that I
didn’t have fear of anything anymore, my joy was back.

My friends I sang it to have encouraged me to record it, and here it is for
you, with the hope that if you ever feel stressed, or powerless in the face of
a problem, or have a worry, that you will always remember that God has your
back and hand it to Him.

The song has three parts. The first part is the story, how it came to me, the
next part is the song with all I was offering, hoping you can offer all as well
and fill in the parts you want. The third part is a meditation prayer,
inviting you to let go and let God.

I hope it helps you as it has helped me.

Blessings,

Immaculée

After a recent event in Denver, I went to mass and I was really touched by one
of the priest’s stories. A month later, it still inspires me and I want to
share it with you:

Sometime ago, a young girl was in hospital and she lied to her parents and
everyone else about the reason why. In truth, she was hospitalized due to
complications from an abortion. When she was released from the hospital, she
had physically healed but her heart was still heavy; the pain of what happened,
the lies to the parents she loved dearly, and it was too much to bear so she
decided to talk to her mom about it, hoping for a relief. She called her
mother in her room, in tears she bore her soul, she told her what happened, how
she was so scared to disappoint them that made her lie. Her mother was
horrified at the news and as quick as she could get back her emotions together,
she told her daughter, “It is okay, it is okay, but it is the past now. We
don’t have to talk about this again, and we don’t have to tell anyone.”

Time passed, and they never talked about it again. One day the mother received
a letter from her daughter, “Mom, do you remember when I told you about me
having abortion? I am grateful you were not upset, but do you remember also
when you told me that we should not talk about it? Oh, mom if you only knew how
much I wanted to talk about it. I could have been better if you were angry at
me, mad and yelled, but more than anything, I just wanted to talk about it….”

The good priest said these words in tears and many in the church were crying as
well, including me. This story touched me in different ways – the compassion of
the priest who told the story inspired me to be the same. The loneliness of the
girl in her pain encouraged me to care and pray for everyone in pain. The story
told the importance of communication, to listen and to be listened to. I can’t
emphasize enough how important this is in every relationship, mother/daughter,
father/son, husband/wife etc … we must make an effort to talk and listen to
each other with love, care about their feelings and make time for others to
express themselves. It is in giving that we receive.

I remember a girl in my high school who was just so nice to everyone, without
doing much, everyone seemed to have peace around her, so one time I approached
her to ask her what was her secret of making everyone feel so good
around her. She told me, “My mom told me to always look people in the eyes of
the one who is talking to me and make every effort to listen to them with
interest, like what they were saying mattered to me as they matter to that
person. It is the best gift you can give anyone, the best way you can show love
and the best way to give peace to another’s heart. To let them know that what
they think, what they say matter.” I never forgot it, and I hope you won’t
either.

Blessings to you,
Immaculee

P.S. Looking forward to the weekend in LaFayette.

Last weekend I spoke at a Men’s Leadership Conference; a great experience!
While I have spoken to groups hundreds of times, this was only the 3rd time I
spoke to an audience of just men, 1200 men. When they introduced me, a
gentleman who did so, said that I was the first woman to speak to that group.
Then, I really got nervous, despite his good intentions! But as soon as I
started to speak, I could feel their willingness to put me at ease and all I
could see was the faces of my dad and my brothers. I shared with them my story
of surviving, my journey to forgive and healing. I also shared with them the
values of my father that got me through.

I told them about a story I have heard sometimes ago. I heard that the inside
of both a man’s and a woman’s heart is the same – like Jello; but the heart
coverings are different. That the cover of a woman’s heart is like a thin
membrane that is very flexible, sensitive and easy to hurt of you touch but it
heals quickly. On the other hand, a man’s membrane is made of something that is
as strong as metal. It doesn’t hurt so quickly but when it does, it doesn’t
heal as quickly as a woman’s. I could tell by their laughter that men seemed
to agree.

What I continue to learn about life is that we are so much alike at heart, not
only men or women, but all human kind, no matter where we come from. But in
some ways, we might process things differently, and that is a beautiful thing.
It allows us to practice virtue, understanding, patience, love, etc.

Needless to say, the men did make me feel comfortable and welcome, and I was
grateful. I was especially pleased to hear some of their comments after I
spoke. One man told me, “The hearts of men were softened today.” Another one
said “I will never think of forgiveness the same way again. I am challenged to
be like your dad.” another said “I have been hurting for a long while for a
situation in my family, but I guess things can get worse, I am going to
consider the good side of my life.”

Mother Theresa said, “There is more hunger in this world for love and
appreciation more than for bread.” As you read this, I challenge you to
appreciate people in your lives, especially our men. The wise men in my country
tell young ones who are about to get married, “If you want to know joy in your
married life, treat your wife like a queen, she will do anything for you.” And
the wise women tell the same to the young women, “If you want to know joy in
your married life, treat your husband like a king, he will do anything for
you!” We all can learn and decide to love and appreciate each other by
practicing it every day, every moment, and counting our blessings.

Immaculee

A friend recently asked me, “Which sins do you confess? Because I don’t have anything to confess; I don’t sin!” She added, “When I go to confession during Lent, I just end up justifying my sins to the priest.” After we had a good laugh, I realized she was serious! We then had a long conversation on the different ways we offend God and our brothers and sisters through our unkind judgments, lack of love, what we do and what we fail to do, etc. In the end she was aware that she sins more than she thought. We all sin, whether we do so knowingly in the moment, or realize it later. No one is perfect.

One thing that really made me think was how she said that she justifies her sins during confession. I wondered if maybe I do the same without realizing it. Repentance, like any other true apology to fellow human being, is supposed to be done with humility and without defense if we want it to accomplish the good it is intended to do. A true apology doesn’t justify itself, it focuses on the hurt of the one who is offended. Whether you are forgiven or not, a well expressed, true apology will free the offender.

I shared with you the book “30 Days of Taming Your Tongue: What you say (and DON’T SAY) will improve Your Relationships.” Because it has a special way of shedding light on our flaws for anyone who opens those pages, without making the reader feel accused and I didn’t want you to miss out those blessings. I love its subtitle most. When you decide to better yourself, to improve, or follow God’s instructions more honestly, it is always for your own good.

I believe this book can bring a lot of peace if we put its messages in practice, in our homes, work places, our relationship and our hearts! They are 30 types of tongues to fast from, I will name few for your reflection: “The Lying Tongue; The Manipulating Tongue; The Divisive Tongue; The Argumentative Tongue; The Self-Deprecating Tongue; The Gossiping Tongue; The Cynical Tongue; The Know-it-All Tongue; The Harsh Tongue; The Rude Tongue; The Judgmental Tongue; The Complaining Tongue; The Accusing Tongue etc.!” Anything sound familiar? If it doesn’t teach you something about yourself, it will teach you how to deal and help those who are using those kind of tongues.

I keep you in my prayers,

Immaculée

When I was younger, I used to have a notebook that I filled with proverbs; I would read them over and over and - they were the food to my soul. I remember one about fasting that said “When the body is too satisfied, the mind is a little paralyzed.“ After reading that I made the connection that I didn’t seem to do as well on exams if I had eaten soon before the test. So I decided to practice fasting before exams to keep my mind alert. It really does make a difference!

During Lent I often think about why Jesus had to fast for 40 days - to get ready to save me and you. So He can earn us eternal life in heaven! What touches me deeply is to remember that He did it all willingly; He humbly went through so much suffering, unto death, so that you and I can have life.

When I try to understand His love for me, it makes me feel so good in my heart for being so loved, and it makes me want to do whatever He wants me to do to make Him smile at least. Won’t you? We all trust people who love us, is there anyone who loved us more? My friends, this Lent I challenge you to find out what Jesus wants of you and do it willingly, and with love. In your fasting, remember your mind is more alert to listen to and understand Him.

In doing so, I want to suggest something that might help. I recently read a book with a message that blew me away -“30 Days of Taming the Tongue“, I read it in one sitting and it was waaay too good! I went back to the store and bought every copy they had, and I started sending them to all my friends and family. Soon after, I called the publisher so I could have the book available for you in my online-store. The book describes of the flaws of our ways of communicating, how our words can impact others and how we can change. I am just grateful this book was written. This book is perfect for LENT! It is a book you don’t want to read alone, but want to share with your family and friends.  Our tongues hold so much power.

May you receive many, many blessings during this Lent! It is a time for blessings!

Immaculée

Where I grew up, we didn’t have TVs or computers or phones or cell phones to occupy us in our free time. So, we relied on stories told by our parents and grandparents to learn about life or history. Though I remember many of the stories of my childhood, there is one story that is particularly memorable.

For a long time, a certain rabbit was smelling a nice perfume. He would say to himself, “I wish I knew where that perfume comes from.” One time he decided to search for the source of the sweet smell. He started running from one direction to another. The more he ran, the stronger the perfume smelled. He would increase the speed as the smell increased, hoping that he was about to reach it. After running many, many miles, he was too tired and dehydrated, and he lost all his strength. As he lay dying, his little head dropped in his chest, and he discovered the source of the perfume was coming from his own chest. It was too late.

Perhaps you spend time wishing to be like somebody else more than thanking God for who you are? Envying others’ accomplishments and successes or beauty or good talent more than focusing on what you have and finding ways to use and develop yourself to the maximum while you are still alive? Or you know somebody like that.

We have all been there — in small or big ways. That feeling is nothing to be ashamed of. We are in the world to learn from our mistakes and our weaknesses. However, don’t lose your time wishing to be another, raise them up, you will be raised up. The sweet perfume you are looking for, is right there in your heart, within your reach. Your efforts and God are enough! I have come to learn that we are all special and perfect in our own ways, and we must rejoice in the gift of life. We all have a purpose and we all have special, unique talents no one else has.Whenever you see the good of another, be happy for them, plant a seed of love, it will give fruits. Let them inspire you to do the best for yourself too. When we envy and let jealousy take hold,  we blocks our own blessings, because it distances God away from us and truly, there is enough. Love is always the best way. The one who loves wins always, sooner or later.

We tend to listen to discouragement. Please don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you are not talented enough! Have you heard or seen the story of Susan Boyle, this can be you! If the desire is in your heart, if you judge it to be good and harmless to anyone else, go for it. After all it is God who gives strength, and His is unlimited and He loves you.

Dream on. Do your best. Especially keep your trust in the one who loves you to death! And if you are in a situation where you feel one door closing, there is always another ready to be open.

Rooting for you,

Immaculee

I want to thank the many of you again who have registered to join me at the retreat in Lafayette on March 16th-17th and for those who will not be a part of this retreat, not to worry, we will have you in our prayers. Whatever needs you have, remember God listens wherever you are, please never let any prayer be wasted, any sacrifice, offer it to the wellbeing of your world, yourself and your loved ones.  Jesus told us that it is okay to ask and it is okay to give.

Maybe you know already, we have a special guest from Rwanda to our next retreat, Fr.
Ubald, who has an incredible healing gift. He prays and he knows who healed and he
announces them right after the prayer service. Among those I have seen or heard of
who healed are, those with cancers, HIV aids, kidneys problems, emotional wounds,
given forgiveness, etc. it is amazing how God is present among us today! I just
learned that in his last healing service held about 60,000 people.  I want to share
with you one story.

A good friend invited a Muslim gentleman who had a very sick teenage boy to one of
Fr. Ubald’s healing services.  They had tried everything possible for the boy, but
nothing seemed to help his sickness.  The boy had insomnia, and he could spend days
without closing his eyes.   He was experiencing a lot of trouble, like stomach
problems, losing weight, headaches, etc. Christians friends of the family begged
the man to bring the boy to Fr. Ubald and out of desperation, the Muslim man agreed
to bring the child to the healing service.  During the service, Fr. Ubald does a
procession where he prays over everyone with the Eucharist.  Since we believe Jesus
is present in that Eucharist.  As Fr. Ubald was passing the Muslim father and his
son, his Christians friends screamed to him, “Here is Jesus; show Him the boy, get
the boy closer so He can touch him…” The Muslim man not knowing, he replied to
them, “Where? Where is Jesus? Please show me Jesus, I need help…” The
friends replied, “There, right there…?”  They forgot he was Muslim and didn’t
understand what they were asking him to acknowledge.  At the end of the service, Fr.
Ubald always tells the crowd whom Jesus healed. More than one person had been healed
from sleeping problems.  The family hoped that one might be their son.  Few weeks
later, they went to see Fr. Ubald and shared with him the miracles that occurred
after they attended his healing service.

They explained the events that had happened that night after the service.  They were
having dinner, and the boy cried that he was feeling very dizzy. They assisted him
into bed, and he fell asleep a few minutes later.  He never woke up again until 3
days after!  The boy was healed and from that time, the boy could sleep normally
every night. The whole family was very grateful to Jesus and to Fr. Ubald.

God loves us so much despite of who we are, of we have done, never feel like you are
not allowed in His house or to His mercy. I rejoice for those who will heal, I
invite many of you to join us!

God loves you,

Immaculee

Some time ago, I received an email from a gentleman who attended one of my retreats. In his email, he told me he was not Catholic. He wrote that during the retreat he wanted to leave the room during the time when we said the Rosary. However, he decided to stay and see. He sent me a message, “It was the best decision I made. I felt so much peace and love.”

He went home and decided to start saying the Rosary on his own everyday. Later he sent me another message and told me that he had a dream. In his dream, he wrote, “Mother Mary came to me, and she looked around and seemed to be unsatisfied with how messy my house was. She then made a gesture that she would come back after I clean up. She also told me to have the Bible in a visible, reachable place.”

He then asked me, “Immaculee, do you think Mother Mary would care about things like this? Somehow my heart can’t let go the dream, I keep thinking about it. I feel like cleaning, but I don’t even know how far I should clean.”

I sent him a quick reply reassuring him that the message sounds like what Mother Mary would say. I told him that she means for him to clean enough as any mother would wish for her child to clean. The man was delighted.

I have had many dreams about Mary myself, especially after the genocide when I lost my parents. I remember one time she came to me in a dream and told me not to eat too much salt. She said that it was not good for me. I was adding salt in my food those days. Friends and family had told me to stop, but I hadn’t. When Mary told me, I stopped right away, I mean I had strength to stop.

Another time, I had decided it was time to stop showering my young son and teach him how to shower himself. In a dream, Mother Mary came and told me that it is okay to continue to shower him. She said that he needed that extra motherly affection, and at the same time I could continue to teach him to shower himself. It was nothing but a dream, but it is one of those dreams that left me a beautiful feeling of love and comfort that I am not alone.

In Kibeho, she spoke to the kids in such personal, loving ways. She played with them and called them sweet names and she wants us to do the same to her, to be free and love her like children. In Kibeho, she revealed her sweet, tender motherhood to mankind. She would say, “I love you, I love you very much my children. Talk to me. Tell me all that worries you and I will take your worries to my Son and get answers for you.”

When she said that, I cried easily, overwhelmed by her love. She said this not only to Catholics, not to Christians alone, not to the good alone — but all mankind.

Especially for you who might not feel loved, or may feel stuck in a situation or have another pressing need, please ask for help from your Mother. Simply talk to Her, “Mother, I need you, please help me.” She really cares and she never leaves.

If you want to see the best people are capable of, show them appreciation for who they are and what they do. Everyone is capable of doing something good. Need them and trust them, they will prove you right! However, in all you do, appreciate about them, be truthful, just watch out for the good and celebrate it no matter how small.

Blessings to you,

Immaculee

If things don’t work out, remember that maybe God has something better in store for you or maybe He was protecting you from something bad. How many times we ask for things and then when we get it, we realize it was not good for us? And how many times we don’t want something and when we get it we realize it was the best thing for us? In all things, ask for God’s will to be done, He has the bigger picture.

Blessings to you,

Immaculee