Spiritual perspectives
Love Has a Sound!

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Kathy Coleman
Special to the Independent

Each year, before Christmas, Christians around the world observe the four-week Advent season. Advent – meaning “the coming” – is a time to both wait and prepare for Jesus, the Son of God, to come into our hearts anew.

This Advent, while waiting and preparing for the greatest Gift of all, Jesus surprised me with a special gift delivered by my mother.

Mama journeyed to Heaven on July 24, 2002 . What she found upon arrival was probably not a complete surprise, since Mama referred to most of her life on earth as “heavenly”! Always joyful, always faith-filled and hopeful, our family cannot recall a time when she complained about anything. Plus, she was so much fun!

One day Mama coined a saying that was completely her own when she said, “Where love abounds, there isn’t room for anything else.” Sharing love came easily for Mama – like breathing in and breathing out.

And here she was, sharing that love with me – like always. And her gift to me was so like Jesus himself – beautifully simple. Mama called my name – “Kathy.”

Not once, but four times.

The first time I heard her speak was just a few minutes before First Holy Communion at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Nov. 23, 2008 . I remember turning to my friend, Katie, and saying, “I thought I heard someone calling me.”

And she answered, “It was probably your guardian angel.”

And it probably was because it was definitely my Mama’s voice.

The second time I was rushing from the parking lot to the side door of the church for daily Mass. The third time I was shopping at Wal-Mart. And the fourth time I was just walking somewhere. By that time, Mama surely knew she had my attention because she simply whispered my name softly, “Kathy.”

With just one little word, I heard all the love it held. “Hi. Don’t worry. I’m here. I love you. Merry Christmas.”

It was only two days ago that we celebrated the birth of Jesus, our King, the Christ Child: born in Bethlehem , in a stable, lying in a manger. His birth, His life, His Passion, His death, His rising – all of this tells us just what kind of King He is! And what kind of a King he is not!

He is the reason for this season. And His name is Jesus. His other name is LOVE.

With that thought in mind, we just might hear Him saying, “Hi. Don’t worry. I’m here. I love you. Happy New Year.”

Kathy Coleman, originally from Louisiana, has served as a volunteer in the Diocese of Gallup for more than 30 years. Messages for Coleman can be left at (505) 722-5485.
This column is written by area residents, representing different faith communities, who share their ideas about bringing a spiritual perspective into our daily lives and community issues. For information about contributing a guest column, contact Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola at The Independent: (505) 863-6811 ext. 218 or lizreligion01@yahoo.com.