Over the next six posts, I want to feature the work of friends. When I look back at the last 20+ years of my life, I am shocked by the people the Lord has put into my life. Incredible people doing incredible things; people I’m humbled to say I even know. Some of these people you know, and other are more hidden. I’d like to introduce you to some of them now.
I met Angie, like the others I’ll be talking about, as our paths crossed in ministry. I forget when we first met, but I remember when our paths crossed for good: when she saved us. We had started this little fun endeavor on a whim called 3 Minute Theology, and Angie saw the first few episodes and decided we needed some help.
With a background in television production, Angie saw a place she could use the gifts and skills she had been given. And thus she helped transform our little fun endeavor into a popular YouTube series with proper lighting and camera work–even on location in Rome. If you’ve ever seen 3MT, you've seen Angie’s work. You’ve probably not seen her–she was always behind the camera, putting up with me, encouraging me, and listening to much more than 3 minutes of me…
In addition to working tireless for youth in her parish as a seasoned youth minister, Angie has started a successful side business creating saint magnets–again, like 3MT, a fun endeavor using the gifts and talents God gave her. Honestly, I don't know if I’ve ever met anyone who is so game to learn new things and put their gifts to work. I’ve ceased being surprised when she mentions she is doing something–learning to bartend for the symphony? Sure. Playing in the community band? Of course. Hiking all the state parks in Tennessee? Naturally.
And now, walking the Camino. Why not!?
But back to those saint magnets. A number of them dot my own fridge: St. Joan, St. Carlo Acutis, the Good Shepherd. Sleeping Saint Joseph is there, with intentions written on slips of paper and safely secured under him. One of my favorites is a limited edition Blessed Mother with a basket of laundry and Jesus swaddled in her veil, asking her to keep me protected in her mantle, too.
You know why I love them so much? Because the faces that smile back at me are the faces of joyful, normal people. They’re not frozen in pious gazes. Their mouth are often open, their cheeks rosy. St. Mary Magdalene is running! Mary, Martha, and Lazarus are in a big sibling hug. St. Cecilia has her harp and Clare her monstrance, and there are plenty with the usual “tells,” that you would expect, too. But there is a joy and a normalcy in these images that makes me want to be their friends.
And for those of you who have been here long enough, you know I love my ordinary saints, my ordinary time, my ordinary holiness.
Angie has worked in ministry long enough to know the ups and the downs, the days you feel like quitting and the days you can’t imagine doing anything else. These saints knew those days, too. And I like having them on my fridge when I go to get my milk for my morning coffee, reminding me that they’re with me on those days, too.
Pray for Angie, as she is currently walking the Camino. And if you’re looking for a unique Confirmation gift, chances are, she has the saint you're looking for. (And some sweet set of Advent candle magnets, too.)
Very cool. Christmas gifts for sure.