Creative Director – Charlie Duggar
featuring artists: Evan Craft, Danny Gokey, Redimi2 – “Be Alright”
Tercer Cielo – “Yo Te Extrañare”
Boyz II Men – “A Song for Mama”
Elvis Presley – “Take My Hand, Precious Lord”
Josh Groban – “You Raise Me Up”
Mercy Me – “I Can Only Imagine”
Filed under Mama, Mother's Day
We all wrestle with struggles—some visible, some hidden. But can they serve a greater purpose?
Recently, I had the opportunity to fly to Miami and visit with loved ones. We helped celebrate my sister’s birthday. I met up with my daddy, step-mother, and sister, and stayed with them at a hotel. We enjoyed an excellent meal at a popular Cuban restaurant. The next day, we planned a fun outing. We met up with one of my brothers, his lovely girlfriend, and my beautiful nieces. While driving there, we heard a thumping noise that didn’t sound good coming from under the minivan. We stopped, got out, and discovered that we had a flat. We weren’t going anywhere. Locating the spare tire was frustrating, and unlocking it took even longer. Then we searched for the closest tire repair shop, wasting more time sitting there. We finally arrived two to three hours later, hot, cranky, already tired, and hungry.
At the fairgrounds, we walked around and got snacks. Then we stopped to watch a show. A man and his dog were performing tricks with a frisbee. We decided to climb the bleachers for a better view. Using the bleachers as stairs, I tripped and fell on bleacher number one, landing on my knees. I got up and fell again on bleacher number two. Ouch! Lord, have mercy on me! My brother ran to help and steadied me to finally sit and watch the rest of the show. When we left and reached our vehicle, I yanked on the car door latch to open it. I quickly found the door was still locked. I injured my finger while pulling on the handle! I still can’t bend my middle finger a month later— you can imagine how that looks!
1 Corinthians 12:7
On Sunday morning, we visited my brother’s church. Instantly, I was drawn by the pastor’s message when I heard him speak on having a thorn in the flesh. The pastor said that thorns drive us to humility. Yeah, I certainly was all that. I had fallen and landed on my knees in front of everyone.
A thorn in the flesh can derive from various situations for different people. It can mean a piercing and troubling situation, person, or task. And I’m here to tell you that thorns don’t feel so good. They prick. And they hurt! But can they show us that in our weaknesses, God becomes strong?
The pastor also mentioned that God uses brokenness in our lives. We indeed throw broken things away. But I was reminded that God will use broken pieces and broken people. Broken people know how much they need God! Our thorns in the flesh remind us of our need for God’s strength, and not on our own strength.
After the service, I determined to focus on the positives of my mini-vacation. I got the chance to get away for the weekend. I rekindled precious memories with siblings. I also spent some quality time with Daddy, who will soon turn 92 years old, God willing. His health may be declining, but he was still active and engaging with me. We ate our meals together and shared stories. One night, I brought him his favorite café con leche to the room from a restaurant nearby. He was so happy. I mentioned how he had been really eating well. He looked at me with that endearing twinkle in his eyes, leaned close, and said, “I did it for you.”
It’s always been difficult to say goodbye whenever it’s time to leave my family in Florida. This time was no exception. My stepmother cried. My sister cried. I cried. Thank goodness Daddy and I spoke earlier, and he was asleep already!
My brother dropped me off at the airport. I checked in my luggage and went through customs. I sat alone in the cold lobby, reminiscing on all that had occurred over the weekend. It wasn’t long before the airline announced several delays. These delays put my flight three hours behind. Then, the dreaded word ‘canceled’ blared over the loudspeaker. Although the airport was freezing, at that moment, the tension rose. Tempers flared with heated words from passengers and staff. Four hours later, I paid an extra airfare to fly home on another airline. I had to get off and switch flights before arriving home the next morning. The trip cost more than I had budgeted, not to mention missing an entire day of work. At that moment, I felt weary, defeated, and broken.
The pastor that morning illustrated that we are living in this flesh. Yet, as Christians, we also have the Holy Spirit. So it’s up to us to starve one and feed the other. The one who starves tends to lose; the one we feed tends to win. Let’s learn to rely more on the Holy Spirit so that we feed our inner man. Through this, we gain power in our weaknesses.
In retrospect, I had experienced a few unpleasant thorns. Yet, I realize that God desires to shape me for something greater. Thorns cause frustration, but I believe it will lead me back to the realization that God’s grace sustains me.
Lord, I know you’re trying to teach me something here. My flesh says: Can you hurry up the process so I can learn it and move on?
My spirit says: Help me in my weakness, Lord. May I rely more on you and be reminded that I am complete in you. I thank you, God, for your grace.
Filed under Faith and Spirituality, Personal Stories
February 23, 1982
My consciousness slowly swam up through the wooziness of the anesthesia.
“Wake up. You have a healthy, bouncing boy.”
Oh boy! A son. His hair was fine—golden brown—eyelashes long, lips full, and he had a slight dimple in his chin. Yep, he definitely was all boy. One look at his privates confirmed the obvious. After having three girls, I didn’t know what “he” was supposed to feel like. But once his solid bulk cradled in my arms, I knew. And I knew what to name him; surprisingly Donny didn’t object.
I kissed my son and whispered, “Hello, Daniel Michael. I’m your Mommy.”
I shuddered at the thought that months earlier, I might have gone through an abortion. That day God had given me the strength to make the fateful decision not to abort my baby.
This pregnancy was my last, the caboose. I had signed the forms to have my tubes tied. Because I had my babies so close together, the doctor warned me that my uterus might tear in the process. Thank the Lord there weren’t complications.
“You did good, honey,” Donny crooned, patting my hand. “Thank you for my son.”
“Why don’t you thank God?” I retorted.
Later, in my hospital room, the nurse came for Daniel. Donny soon left for the night. Alone, I thought about my household and did the math. Anna Marie, the eldest, was five. Diana and Angela were barely fourteen months apart. My husband was thirty-eight, and I, a frazzled twenty-two-year-old had baby number four.
I contemplated the future. My marriage had been a journey on a long, difficult, and bumpy road. Without the prayers, love, and encouragement from others, we wouldn’t have lasted. I remained hopeful, but rough waters were still ahead . . .
* * *
I was lost in my thoughts one evening. As I put baby Daniel to bed, I wondered what manner of young man he’d become. Will I spoil him? Cater to his every whim? Or allow him to learn from his mistakes? Will I be able to look him in the eye? Show him right from wrong? Will he become responsible? Loving? Respectable? Will I be able to love him enough to let go?
I silently prayed for wisdom and pushed a strand of golden-brown hair from Daniel’s forehead. I loved the different shades of light brown in his curly coif. They were so different compared to the black hair of his parents and sisters.
“His hair . . .” Donny warned, interrupting my thoughts, invading my heart, “had better turn dark.”
A small excerpt from Chapter 33, “Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit & Grace“
Filed under Memoir
Exciting News! We Have a Winner!
I am thrilled to announce the winner of our holiday giveaway for “Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace.”
🏆 Congratulations to Andy Valadez! 🏆
Andy has read many wonderful books, and I’m honored that my memoir is part of his collection. Check out this fantastic picture of Andy with his stack of books, including “Running in Heels”!
A huge thank you to everyone who participated and showed their support. Your enthusiasm and love mean the world to me. For those who didn’t win this time, stay tuned—there will be more exciting opportunities and giveaways in the future.
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year!
With gratitude, Mary A. Pérez
Filed under Announcements, Author Updates, Book News, giveaways, Winners
It’s That Time Again!
As we approach the holiday season, I want to share a meaningful gift idea. It is my memoir, Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace. This book continues to resonate with readers around the world with its powerful story of resilience, faith, and forgiveness.
📖 Perfect Gift for the Holiday Season
If you’re looking for a heartfelt gift this year, look no further. Running in Heels is a testament to the human spirit and the ability to overcome incredible odds. It’s a perfect choice for friends, family, or even yourself.
Here’s what readers are saying:
“A moving and uplifting journey that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.” – K. Nelson
“Stunning! Riveting. Raw. The story will break open your heart with Mary’s vulnerability and strength.” – Boymama
“This book will make you grateful for the life you have as you walk through the pain and heartbreak that Mary went through. You will be moved.” – Howard Partridge
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944952039/
🎁 Special Holiday Giveaway! 🎁
To spread even more holiday cheer, I’m hosting a giveaway! For every book purchased, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a digital download of my audiobook. Simply share this blog post, tag me on social media, and show proof of purchase. Winners will be announced on January 15, 2025.
Let’s inspire others with this incredible journey. Whether for yourself or as a gift to a loved one, this memoir brings hope and inspiration. Thank you all for your continued support! 💖✨
Some of you know my story. I published it a while back under the title “Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace.” I invite you to consider a recent blog post about an instrumental character in my journey. You can read it here: https://wp.me/p3iDKm-3yS. This dear one knew how to put feet to her prayers! And she touched many, many lives, pointing them to Jesus.
I am asking all saints to please pray. This precious one is now bedridden with ALS. This condition is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease. We know that nothing is too difficult for God. Please lift up Liz and her entire family in your prayers, for God’s will be done in her life. Thank you!!!
James 5:16: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
I love you, Liz. I thank God for you.
Update:
I shall miss you, my precious friend. You fought the good fight of faith – 2 Timothy 4:7. Until we meet again.
(Photo permission from the family.)
Filed under Health & Wellness, Personal Stories, Prayer Requests
Loneliness ate away at me. Insecurities consumed my mind. He came home whenever he wanted to. He expected me to ask zero questions. The more I clung to him, the more he shrugged me off like a neglected child.
On one dreary evening, in the foyer of our second-story apartment, I leaned on the window wall, glaring down at him sauntering out to another conquest. I felt like my heart had split in two.
He paused, turned, and glanced up at me, with that smirk of his. Like a proverbial slow twist of a knife lodged in me, his ominous grin cut and curdled my blood. His haughty expression loomed before my eyes, blinding me. My insides burned.
I flung my fist at him as if to punch him in the face–
Glass! Shattered into a million pieces.
A glistening shard of windowpane sliced across the tender flesh of my forearm, smearing crimson blood across my skin. My clutched fist of course never reached him and had only gone clear through the window.
He raced up the stairs and wrapped a towel around my wound, berating me for being a harebrained fool. But I didn’t balk. Even though he must have been more concerned with his own interest than in taking me to the emergency room for stitches, at least he stayed home that night.
Excerpt from Chapter 23 “Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace”
TRANSLATION
La soledad me consumía. Las inseguridades agobiaban mi mente. Donny volvía a casa cuando quería. Él esperaba que yo no hiciera preguntas. Cuanto más me aferraba a él, más me ignoraba como si fuera una niña abandonada.
Una noche, parada en la ventana de la entrada de nuestro apartamento de dos pisos, observé a Donny irse tranquilamente. Sentí que mi corazón se había partido en dos.
Él se detuvo por un momento, se giró y me miró con esa sonrisa suya de satisfacción. Su siniestra sonrisa detuvo y me heló la sangre, como si él hubiese girado lentamente un cuchillo enterrado en mí. Veía su expresión altiva, y me quemaba las entrañas.
Pegué con el puño para darle en la cara.
¡Vidrio!
El vidrio de la ventana se destrozó en un millón de pedazos.
Un brillante fragmento del cristal de la ventana cortó la tierna carne de mi antebrazo, manchando mi piel con sangre carmesí. Mi puño solo había atravesado la ventana.
Donny subió corriendo las escaleras y envolvió mi herida con una toalla mientras me reprendía por hacer una tontería descabellada. No me resistí. Aunque debió estar más preocupado por el interés que tenía en irse que en llevarme a la sala de emergencias para que me tomaran puntos de sutura, al menos se quedó en casa esa noche.
Extracto de capítulo 23 “Running In Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace” https://a.co/d/el1zxRM
Filed under domestic abuse, Memoir
Dear Mama,
I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday in heaven today. I hope you know you are sorely missed. It’s no secret we’ve been through some hard times together. Although you weren’t the perfect mother, I wasn’t the perfect daughter. Perhaps, we were perfect for each other. I pretty much miss everything about you. Never thought I’d say, even your bickering over something or about someone. I miss buying you trinkets, pretty blouses, and taking you to a nice restaurant. It was good to help you forget problems and enjoy your special day. Making you smile meant everything to me. In the end, it hurt to let you go, but seeing you suffer in pain was worse. I asked the Lord that you’d still be around on Mother’s Day. And God called you home in time; it was on Mother’s Day at 3 pm. You are totally healed now. You have no more pain. There is no discomfort or worry. You are with your Savior and loved ones who have gone on before you. Send them all my love.
Sending you kisses and all my love, Mama.
Always your Little Girl.
Filed under domestic abuse, Memoir
My baby girl did it again! She made reservations in honor of my birthday. We flew first class to an all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resort in Cancun! This would be an unforgettable adventure, a perfect celebration of my special day.
After we landed, we went through customs. We retrieved our luggage, and our shuttle bus arrived in no time. Our five-day mini-vacation commenced, just she and I.
By sunset, we walked along the beautiful beach. A nice breeze was blowing, and we took many pictures for our hubbies back home.
At the resort, we had a plethora of activities to choose from. We had our pick of five restaurants to dine in. A daily buffet served international foods for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Of course, room service was also available. We ate and drank to our hearts’ content. I’m not sure, but I swear the Coke tasted better in Mexico!
The next morning, my daughter and I hopped on a shuttle bus. For part of the day, we joined a coworker and his family. They were also vacationing in Cancun at another resort. We enjoyed an outing at Riviera Maya to experience Xcaret’s natural waterpark. We put on lifejackets and jumped into the cold underground river. We paddled along with our arms and feet. It was such an accelerating experience!
Back at our resort, my favorite spot was to hang out and swim in the peaceful lagoon. The weather was perfect with blue sunny skies. The turquoise water was so calm and clear, it was easy to see the fish swimming up to you.
On our final day, we caught another shuttle to a Catamaran and went on a snorkeling tour. The staff onboard provided us with a mask, fins, and snorkel tube. We dropped into the warm water and soon saw colorful marine life swimming along the reefs. I reached out and nearly touched a clownfish! I never realized how huge the manatees were.
Part of this Catamaran excursion was two hours of free time at the 5-mile island, Isla Mujeres. The beach there is stunning. Playa Norte is just off the coast of Cancun. It is jam-packed with tourists as other boats pull right up. We walked around and did some shopping. Street vendors and salespeople in the stores surrounded you from all sides. They tried to sell their goods and haggle over pricing. You just had to know how to haggle right back.
We did manage to walk away with some great gifts for our loved ones back home.
The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), celebrated on Nov. 2, is set aside to remember and honor those who have died. Wouldn’t you know we bumped into some folks already dressed in costumes?
My take on visiting Cancun is: I was pleasantly surprised and Lord willing, I SHALL RETURN! So many activities to visit, see, and do there! A GREAT place to visit!
¡Viva México!
Filed under Cancun Vacation
From Heart to Heritage
NEW! Book Club Edition
Reflexiones del Corazón
I just want to thank Mandy for making me a hero in her garden. I was deeply touch and wanted to share my appreciation by adding her link on my sidebar. Click the picture below to view her blog. . .
Reflections From the Heart 